Research Associate (m/f/d) in the field of Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Engineering or comparable

To strengthen our team in the division "Safety of Storage Containers" in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.07.2023, we are looking for a

Research Associate (m/f/d) in the field of Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Engineering or comparable

Salary group 13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 31.03.2026
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 analytical sciences.

We are looking for talented people to join us.

Your responsibilities include:
As part of a joint research project between BAM and the Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE), we are investigating the long-term behavior of metallic sealing systems for transport and storage casks for high-level radioactive materials. As a result of the additional time required before a final repository will be available, the period of interim storage will have to be extended beyond the 40 years previously approved. In order to be able to demonstrate and assess the high safety and leak-tightness requirements for the casks over significantly longer periods of time, BAM has been carrying out experimental, analytical and numerical studies for around 20 years. The research project designed here, is specifically about extended long-term tests on metal seals by means of continuous force measurement in the compressed state, for which you have a test device that we have newly developed at your disposal. You are responsible for the coordination and implementation of the research project – from experimental seal tests up to their numerical simulation and the development of predictive models – in cooperation with your responsible colleagues from BAM and BASE.

Your specific tasks include:

• Commissioning and testing of a device for continuous force measurement
• Development of a numerical simulation model of the test setup for continuous force measurement (digital twin)
• Execution of a measurement program on seals with aluminum or silver coating with different torus diameters at temperatures in the range of 20 °C to 150 °C
• Development of component models for Al and Ag seals for time- and temperature-dependent sealing behavior, taking into account the test results obtained, and verification of the component models developed on the basis of long-term data already available

You present and discuss the results on conferences, project meetings and workshops or conferences, and document the findings in interim reports and a comprehensive final report.

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed university studies (diploma/master's degree) in the field of materials science, mechanical engineering, physical engineering or comparable
• Wide-ranging basic knowledge in the fields of materials science, structural mechanics, finite element method and thermodynamics
• In-depth knowledge in at least two of the following areas: Treatment and disposal of radioactive waste, time-dependent material behavior (relaxation, creep), knowledge and experience in conducting experimental studies, knowledge and experience in the field of seal technology and testing
• Very good spoken and written communication skills in German and English
• Excellent communication and information behaviour, goal-oriented and structured way of working, high level of initiative and commitment, pronounced willingness and ability to make decisions, team spirit and willingness to cooperate 

We offer:

• Interdisciplinary research at the interface of politics, economics and society
• Work in national and international networks with universities, research institutes and industrial companies
• Outstanding facilities and infrastructure
• Flexible working hours and mobile working

Your application:
We welcome applications via the online application form by 11.06.2023. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 129/23-3.4 to:

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

Dr. Holger Völzke will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104‑1340 and/or by email to Holger.Voelzke@bam.de.

BAM pursues the goal of professional equality between women and men. We therefore particularly welcome applications from women. In addition, BAM supports the integration of severely disabled persons and therefore especially welcomes their applications. With regard to the fulfilment of the job advertisement requirements, the application documents are examined individually. Recognised severely disabled persons will be given preferential consideration if they are equally suitable.

The advertised position requires a high level of physical aptitude.