PhD candidate (m/w/d) in Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a comparable field

Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

To strengthen our team in the division “Safety of Dangerous Goods Packagings and Batteries” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting as soon as possible, we are looking for a

PhD candidate (m/w/d) in Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a comparable field

Salary group 13 TVöD
Temporary contract for 36 months
The working time is 100%.

The Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) is a materials research organization in Germany. Our mission is to ensure safety in technology and chemistry. We perform research and testing in materials science, materials engineering and chemistry to improve the safety of products and processes. At BAM we do research that matters. Our work covers a broad array of topics in the focus areas of energy, infrastructure, environment, materials, and chemistry and process engineering.

We are looking for talented people to join us.

Your responsibilities include:
Work on the BAM “Idea Development” project “Digital Product Passport for IBCs”

• Building and developing a digital product passport for IBCs: database design, identification system (barcode/chip), interfaces to BAM databases
• Development of Smart IBC concepts (sensor technology, data collection, initial ML analyses)
• Further development of testing procedures and identification of parameters for assessing the remaining service life and safety of IBCs, and integration into the product passport. Application of ML-driven evaluation of collected data from all tracked IBCs to predict service life and determine the need for replacement within the Smart IBC concept.
• Engagement of industry partners along the IBC lifecycle (manufacturers, cleaning companies, repair facilities, re-users, recyclers) as well as organization of a stakeholder workshop to pilot the prototype.
• Coordination and support of the test phase in real industrial operations: data collection, analysis of feedback, identification of optimization potentials
• Conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) and CO₂ evaluation of different IBC usage scenarios
• Preparation of scientific publications and participation in conferences; support in transferring project results into standardization and professional committees

Ihre Qualifikationen:

• Completed university degree (Diploma/Master’s) in Environmental Engineering (e.g., Environmental Protection Engineering), Industrial Engineering, Process Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a comparable field
• Interest in circular economy, sustainability, and digitalization
• Experience working with large or heterogeneous datasets
• Basic knowledge of data modelling
• Programming skills (e.g., Python, R)
• Experience with measurement technology and sensors
• Basic project management knowledge
• Experience with LCA software is an advantage
• Willingness to quickly familiarize yourself with relevant regulations and standards
• Knowledge of, or motivation to learn about, LCA, databases, sensor technology, and machine learning
• Enjoyment of communication with external partners and working in interdisciplinary teams
• Very good German and English language skills
• Good communication and information behaviour, goal-oriented and structured way of working, initiative/commitment, ability to make decisions as well as ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate

We offer:

• Professional and interdisciplinary support through the BAM Graduate Academy, including skill-building and networking formats offered by the Menschen-Potentiale Qualification Programme
• Integration in the doctoral training network “Digitalization”
• Access to high-quality training and professional development opportunities on digitalization topics, including programming, research data management, AI applications, and scientific computing.
• Networking and exchange in interdisciplinary digitalization communities and at BAM digitalization events with the aim of developing innovative solutions and sharing knowledge with experts

Your application:
We welcome applications via the online application form by 10.01.2026. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 247/25-3.1 to:

Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung
Referat Z.3 - Personal
Unter den Eichen 87
12205 Berlin
GERMANY
www.bam.de

Ms Schmidt and Mr Eiben will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104 1310 and/or by email to Anita.Schmidt@bam.de or via telephone number +49 30 8104 3962 and/or by email to Mario.Eiben@bam.de.

BAM promotes professional equality between women and men. We therefore particularly welcome applications from women. At the same time, we strive to reflect social diversity. Every application is therefore welcome, regardless of gender, cultural or social background, religion, ideology or sexual identity.

In addition, BAM has set itself the goal of promoting the professional participation of people with severe disabilities. The fulfillment of the job requirements is considered on an individual basis. Severely disabled persons or persons of equal status will be given preferential consideration if they are equally qualified.

The advertised position requires a low level of physical aptitude.