Research assistant (m/f/d) in the field of microbiology, biotechnology, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, or similar

Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

To strengthen our team in the division “Biodeterioration and Reference Organisms” in Berlin-Steglitz/Adlershof, starting 01.02.2026, we are looking for a

Research assistant (m/f/d) in the field of microbiology, biotechnology, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, or similar.

Salary group E13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 31.01.2028
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.

We are looking for talented people to join us.

Your responsibilities include:

• Planning and conducting biocide efficacy tests with anaerobic microorganisms (sulfate-reducing bacteria, methanogenic archaea) in pure cultures under varying pH values.
• Enrichment of relevant anaerobic microorganisms from affected systems
• Bioinformatic analysis of microbial communities using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to identify key organisms and environmental factors.
• Investigation and comparison of exposed field samples and samples from laboratory tests according to materials science standards
• Data visualization and modeling of microbial processes and development of functional relationships
• Integration of microbiological requirements into technical systems and close collaboration with engineers, materials scientists, and environmental technicians (including the development of a recommendation letter for the affected sector)

Your qualifications:

• Completed university degree (diploma/master's) in microbiology, biotechnology, environmental microbiology, microbial ecology, or similar.
• Doctorate is an advantage
• Knowledge/experience in the fundamentals of process engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, or environmental technology
• Practical experience in operating flow systems on a laboratory scale is an advantage
• Practical experience with bioinformatic and biostatistical methods for evaluating DNA sequencing data to describe microbial communities (16S amplicon sequencing) and to identify environmental factors affecting their composition, or practical experience with anaerobic cultivation methods (e.g., anaerobic chambers)
• Understanding of microbial community structures and their functional relationships is an advantage
• Practical knowledge of data visualization and modeling of microbial processes using relevant programming languages is an advantage
• Knowledge of the physiology of anaerobic microorganisms, in particular sulfate-reducing bacteria and methanogenic archaea, is an advantage
• Knowledge of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) and its detection methods is an advantage
• Experience with biocide efficacy testing, including planning, implementation, and evaluation, is an advantage
• Good English skills for scientific documentation and publication
• Good communication and information skills, goal-oriented and structured way of working, initiative/commitment and ability to work independently, ability to work in a team and cooperate with others, as well as conceptual, strategic, and innovative thinking skills

We offer:

• A varied and challenging job within a high-caliber network from politics, science, business and society
• Attractive and modern working environment with excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art scientific equipment (laboratories, etc.)
• Opportunities for internal, interdisciplinary networking and participation in team events
• Good work-life balance (possibility of mobile working [up to 60%], flexible working hours, 30 days of vacation and up to 12 days of compensatory time off per year as well as part-time options)

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 21.09.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 152/25-4.1 to:

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

Dr. Koerdt will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-1416 and/or by email to andrea.koerdt@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.