PhD student (m/f/d) in the field of physics or engineering, e.g. physical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or similar

Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

To strengthen our team in the division “Acoustic and Electromagnetic Methods” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.04.2026, we are looking for a

PhD student (m/f/d) in the field of physics or engineering, e.g. physical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or similar

Salary group E13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 31.03.2029
Full-time / suitable as part-time employment


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.

Join the Cluster of Excellence “BlueMat: Water-Driven Materials” and contribute to one of Europe’s most exciting research initiatives. Collaborate with a dynamic, interdisciplinary team that combines science, sustainability, and technology to create a better future. Help shape the next generation of sustainable materials inspired by nature’s most powerful resource: water.

Your responsibilities include:

• Research activity with the aim of obtaining a doctorate within the framework of the Cluster of Excellence ‘BlueMat: Water Driven Materials’ as a collaboration between BAM and TUHH
• The advertised doctoral project focuses on characterising the special material properties of advanced, innovative materials, particularly their mechanical and acoustic properties in the ultrasonic range
• Design, setup and conduct of experiments to determine sound velocity and attenuation using ultrasonic immersion techniques and laser-based ultrasonic methods
• Characterisation of material samples under varying environmental conditions
• Development of numerical models for simulating ultrasonic wave propagation in materials
• Development of application scenarios for the novel materials in the area of acoustic sensor and actuator technology
• Collaboration in an interdisciplinary research team with external and internal partners

Your qualifications:

• A university degree (master's or diploma) in physics or engineering, e.g. physical engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or comparable, with a minimum grade of ‘good’
• Experience in one or more of the following areas is required: acoustics, physics of sound propagation, structure-borne sound, guided ultrasonic waves, laser acoustics, ultrasound
• Experience in both experimental work and developing numerical simulation models
• Programming skills (e.g. Matlab or Python)
• Willingness to supervise young scientists
• Enthusiasm and enjoyment of working independently on developing fresh ideas and solutions
• Good communication and information behaviour, initiative/commitment and ability to make decisions, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate, as well as conceptual, strategic and innovative thinking skills

We offer:

• Work in national and international networks with universities, research institutions and industrial companies
• Attractive and modern working environment with excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art scientific equipment (laboratories, etc.)
• A responsible, interesting and varied job in a competent and collegial environment
• Support for seminar papers and theses.
• An open, welcoming culture; a certified family-friendly working environment; regular feedback meetings and competent contact persons; and sustainability [including a subsidy for a job ticket]

Your application:
We welcome applications via the online application form by 15.02.2026. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 11/26-8.4 to:

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

Dr. Prager will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3873 and/or by email to jens.prager@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.