To strengthen our team in the division "Inorganic Reference Materials and Gas Analysis” in Berlin-Steglitz / Adlershof, starting 01.04.2026, we are looking for a

Ph.D. Student (m/f/d) in the field of Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field

Salary group 13 TVöD
Temporary contract for 36 months
The working time is 67 %

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:

• Experimental and data-driven research for the development and validation of isotope sensitive molecular spectroscopic methods for calcium isotopes within the DFG funded third-party research project CALISO-ML, in collaboration with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech)

Your qualifications:

• Completed university degree (Diploma / Master) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or comparable field
• Fulfillment of the admission requirements for a Ph.D. in Chemistry at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
• Some prior experience in experimental laboratory work and instrumental analytics, along with careful and safety-conscious working practices
• Ability to perform computer-based evaluation of complex measurement data ( e.g., Python/R/MATLAB or comparable analysis environments) and structured documentation
• Good German and English language skills, written and spoken
• Willingness to travel
• Willingness to acquire new measurement and data analysis methods and to contribute to scientific publications and conferences
• Good communication and information skills, goal-oriented and structured working style, initiative / commitment, team spirit, and willingness to cooperate, as well as willingness to learn

We offer:

• A Ph.D. position with the aim of obtaining a doctoral degree in chemistry at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, under joint supervision by experienced scientists from BAM, HU Berlin, and Caltech
• Work in national and international networks with universities, research institutions, and industrial partners
• A fully funded research stay of at least 3 months at Caltech, USA
• Access to cutting-edge laboratories and infrastructure – work with the latest technologies in your field
• Excellent prospects for first-author and co-author publications in high-impact journals
• Fully funded participation in international conferences, workshops, and summer schools
• Freedom to contribute your own ideas and actively shape innovative research directions
• An inspiring, interdisciplinary, and international working environment in a supportive team
• Excellent work-life balance: flexible working hours, mobile working (up to 60 %), 30 days annual leave + up to 12 compensatory days, family-friendly policies

Your application:

We look forward to receiving your application, which should include one letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, copies of your official university transcripts, and a cover letter, via our online application form by January 15, 2026. Only complete applications that meet all formal requirements, including scanned proof of qualifications, will be considered. Alternatively, you may send your application, quoting reference number 131/25-1.6, by post to:

Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung
Referat Z.3 - Personal

Dr. Abad will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-4131 and/or by email at Carlos.Abad@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.

BAM actively supports the compatibility of work and family and has been certified as a family- and life-phase-conscious employer by the "audit berufundfamilie” since 2015.