Research Associate (m/f/d) - Environmental impact on fatigue behavior

Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

To strengthen our team in the division “Metallic High temperature Materials” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.10.2025, we are looking for a

Research Associate (m/f/d) - Environmental impact on fatigue behavior

Salary group 13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 31.12.2027
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:
Working on a research project investigating the influence of moisture and corrosive condensates on the mechanical behavior of a precipitation-hardened aluminum alloy in hydrogen-based energy conversion systems.

• Characterization of fatigue behavior under LCF loading at room temperature and elevated temperatures in air and gaseous media
• Conducting electrochemical corrosion studies and investigating local corrosion mechanisms using atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• Conducting follow-up tests on tested samples using fractographic, metallographic, and microscopic methods
• Exchanging information with the project partner and the project committee
• Documenting the research results with presentations, reports, and peer-reviewed publications

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed university degree (Master's/Diploma) in materials science, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or a comparable field
• Comprehensive knowledge of mechanical behavior (fatigue) and the microstructure of metals (especially aluminum alloys) and the associated deformation mechanisms (including high-temperature deformation)
• Practical experience with materials testing machines using modern testing technology (computer control), including measurement and control technology and calibration.
• Experience in the field of metal corrosion
• Experience in the field of metallography and materials microscopy
• Confident computer skills (MS Windows, MS Office, technical and scientific graphics software, e.g., Origin)
• Experience in independently conducting research projects and preparing publications is an advantage.
• Very good English skills and good written and spoken German
• Good communication and information behaviour, initiative/commitment and ability to make decisions, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate, willingness to learn as well as flexibility

We offer:

• Work in national and international networks with universities, research institutions and industrial companies
• Varied tasks in a dynamic and future-oriented market at the interface between science, business and politics
• 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
• Scope for research and development for your own innovative ideas

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 24.08.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 139/25-5.2 to:

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

Prof. Birgit Skrotzki will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-1520 and/or by email to Birgit.Skrotzki@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 high level of physical aptitude.