To strengthen our team in the division 6.4 "Materials Informatics” in Berlin-Adlershof, as soon as possible, we are looking for a

PhD student (m/f/d) in the field of physics, chemistry or engineering, for example materials science

Salary group 13 TVöD
Temporary contract for 36 month
The working time is 100%

We are looking for talented people to join us.

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.

Your responsibilities include:

This project investigates the diffusion mechanisms of hydrogen in metallic alloys. It focuses on the interaction of hydrogen with the microstructure (including local hydrides) and the influence of chemical composition on diffusion behaviour. Simulations are compared with experiments. The following tasks are addressed:

• Literature research and data search in databases
• Ab initio calculations with density functional theory (DFT)
• Working with machine-learned potentials for energetics and kinetics
• Method development for coupling phenomena
• Thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS)
• Simulation of hydrogen kinetics with metadynamics and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations
• Working with modern workflow tools

Your qualifications:

• A master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry or engineering, for example materials science
• Good knowledge of solid state physics, thermodynamics and statistics
• Good knowledge of a programming language (e.g. Python, C++)
• Basic knowledge of ab initio or atomistic simulations for materials science issues is an advantage
• Interest in both theoretical and experimental scientific work
• Interest in (research) data management and machine learning
• Good communication and information behavior, initiative/commitment, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate and 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.)
• A responsible, interesting and varied job in a competent and collegial environment
• The opportunity to actively participate in the development of quality and safety standards
• 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 as well as part-time options)

Your application:

We welcome applications via the online application form by 06.03.2026. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 18/26-6.4 to:

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

Dr Hickel will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-160and/or by email to tilmann.hickel@bam.de, or Dr Tehranchi by email at ali.tehranchi@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.