Research associate (m/f/d) in the field of in the field of electrical engineering, physics or comparable with a focus on optical communications engineering, optical metrology/applied optics/photonics

Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

To strengthen our team in the division “Fibre Optic Sensors” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.05.2026, we are looking for a

Research associate (m/f/d) in the field of in the field of electrical engineering, physics or comparable with a focus on optical communications engineering, optical metrology/applied optics/photonics

Salary group E13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 30.04.2028
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:

• (Further) development, validation and application testing of a novel distributed fiber-optic acoustic measurement system (DAS) for structural health monitoring (SHM) of underground gas cavern storage facilities and geomonitoring of cavern fields
• Construction and expansion of a corresponding laboratory setup, execution and evaluation of test measurements and experiments in the laboratory, successive optimization and adaptation of the performance profile to the measurement task
• Development of a hardware module together with an industrial partner
• Measurements with and evaluation of the developed DAS system as part of experiments in test facilities at project partners, in BAM facilities and in particular in application-oriented field tests
• Evaluation of measurement results using digital signal processing techniques and programming technology-specific evaluation algorithms
• Publication of results by writing peer-reviewed journal articles, conference contributions and giving conference talks

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed university degree (diploma or master's) in the field of electrical engineering, physics or comparable with a focus on optical communications technology, optical metrology, applied optics, photonics
• A Doctorate is an advantage
• Relevant practical experience with photonic/optoelectronic components commonly used in distributed fiber optic sensing or in optical communications
• Experience with the development of fiber optic laboratory setups is a great advantage
• Good knowledge in the field of fiber optics and fiber optic sensing
• Knowledge of distributed fiber optic acoustic sensing (DAS) is a great advantage
• Experience in conducting complex laboratory experiments and test series, with experimental design and measurement data handling
• Good programming skills in Python
• Experience with hardware-related programming is an advantage
• Extensive knowledge and experience in digital signal processing
• Know-how of and experience with using machine learning methods for measurement data processing and evaluation is an advantage
• Willingness to travel (national and international)
• Very good written and spoken English or German
• Good communication and information skills, goal-oriented and structured approach to work, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate, 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 equipment (laboratories, etc.)
• Opportunities for internal, interdisciplinary networking and participation in team events
• Scope for your own innovative research and development ideas
• An open, welcoming culture, a certified family-friendly working environment, regular feedback meetings and competent contact persons, sustainability [including a subsidy for the job ticket]

Your application:
We welcome applications via the online application form by 15.01.2026. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 257/25-8.6 to:

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

Mr. Hicke will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3588 and/or by e-mail to Konstantin.Hicke@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.