Senior Semantics Data Scientist (m/f/d) in the fields of Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, Materials Science, or a comparable discipline

Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM)

To strengthen our team in the division “eScience” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.06.2026 we are looking for a

Senior Semantics Data Scientist (m/f/d) in the fields of Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, Materials Science, or a comparable discipline

Remuneration group E 14 TVöD
Permanent employment relationship
Full-time/suitable as part-time employment

The Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is a scientific and technical federal authority based in Berlin. As a departmental research institution of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, we conduct research, testing, and provide consultation to protect people, the environment, and property. Our activities in materials science, engineering, and chemistry focus on the technical safety of products and processes.

By advancing semantic technologies and defining robust data modeling practices, you will support the integration of heterogeneous research data across BAM disciplines. Join our dynamic team and play a key role in the foundation of interoperable, machine-readable data platforms, powering AI analyses and automated workflows. You will collaborate with top scientists from all subject areas at BAM to drive innovation and make a real impact in development of Materials Science standards. Your expertise will position you as a key contributor in the materials community, where you will also coordinate activities in third-party funded projects.

As a researcher in the eScience group, you will join an interdisciplinary environment of creative minds. We offer a wide range of challenging tasks at the interface of computer science, data science, and materials research. Our team is renowned for its diversity and vibrant energy. This is your chance to work along international, young, innovative professionals who came together to shape the digitalization of materials research!

Your responsibilities include:

• You will take on central responsibility for the development and further development of data modeling (schemas, taxonomies, ontologies) and collaboration with existing semantic projects for the structured representation and integration of research data and processes at BAM
• You will promote semantic interoperability through standardization, reusability, and machine-readable data formats as the foundation for AI-supported analyses and automated research. You will develop software solutions, interfaces, and platforms to integrate analysis and automation tools into research workflows, with a focus on semantic interoperability, machine-readable research data, and AI-driven analytics
• You will handle the technical development, implementation, and maintenance of domain-specific data models, APIs, and data integration pipelines as the basis for symbolic AI methods and graph-based learning approaches
• You will shape the sustainable integration of semantic technologies into research processes, with an eye on forward-looking concepts such as automated computational workflows or self-driving laboratories
• You will actively network with the semantics community and serve as a central contact person for third-party funded projects in the field of digital materials science, such as Platform MaterialDigital and Materials Commons
• You will operate the Ontology Playground for training and education in ontologies and knowledge graphs as well as for networking internal and external partners

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed scientific university degree (Master’s/Diploma) in Computer Science, Materials Science, Data Science, or a comparable discipline, with an excellent doctoral degree
• Good publication record in recognized international journals
• Excellent knowledge of semantic interoperability and machine-readable data formats (e.g., JSON, RDF)
• Very good programming skills, particularly in software development for scientific applications (e.g., Python, REST APIs)
• Very good knowledge of software development tools (e.g., VS Code or comparable IDEs) and Git for version control (GitHub)
• Very good knowledge of the FAIR principles and standardization efforts for research data management
• Good knowledge in the design and implementation of data modeling integration pipelines and interfaces. Hands-on experience with frameworks for edition of data models (e.g., Protégé or any similar tool)
• Knowledge of the development and application of taxonomies or ontologies is an advantage
• Knowledge in AI, LLMs, or automation in research environments is desirable
• Experience working in collaborative projects and interdisciplinary environments, and willingness to actively contribute to community activities
• Experience in developing training and education formats in data modeling and RDM systems is desirable
• Excellent oral and written English skills
• Strong communication and information skills, goal-oriented and structured work style, decisiveness and decision-making ability, teamwork and cooperation skills, as well as willingness to learn

We offer:

• A varied and challenging job within a high-caliber network from politics, science, business and society
• Scope for research and development for your own innovative ideas
• A responsible, interesting and varied job in a competent and collegial environment
• 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)
• An open welcoming culture, a certified family-friendly working environment, regular feedback meetings and competent contact persons, sustainability [including a subsidy for a job ticket]
• A crisis-proof workplace in the German capital

Your application:
We welcome applications via the online application form by 31.01.2026. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 258/25-VP.1 to:

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

Dr. Benner will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3647 and/or by email to Philipp.Benner@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.