"PhD Research Associate (m/f/d) in the field of Computational Engineering Science Physical Engineering Sciences / Energy and Process Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Electrical Engineering or similar"

PhD Research Associate (m/f/d)

To strengthen our team in the division 2.2 “Process Simulation” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting 01.12.2025, we are looking for a PhD Research Associate (m/f/d) in the field of Computational Engineering Science Physical Engineering Sciences / Energy and Process Engineering / Chemical Engineering / Electrical Engineering or similar.

Remuneration group 14 TVöD, permanent employment relationship, 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:

• Participation in setting up the "Process Control and Automation" team with a focus on applications for chemical engineering processes
• Support the department in acquiring and coordinating research and development projects in control engineering, automation technology, functional safety, and human-machine interaction in (semi-)autonomous plants
• Further develop methods and strategies for robust operation of (semi-)autonomous processes
• Conduct research at the interface between safety systems of process engineering plants and process automation (e.g., model-based shutdown systems combined with model predictive control)
• Research and develop assistance systems for plant operators and human-machine interaction in (semi-)autonomous chemical plants
• Research in control engineering / advanced process control applied to dynamically operated processes (batch, semi-batch, cyclic steady-state, continuous with frequent setpoint changes due to demand response, etc.)
• Collaborate with experts in online process analytics and process measurement technology
• Supervise research associates in third-party funded projects
• Publish in national and international peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences

Your qualifications:

• Successfully completed academic degree in computational engineering science / information technology in mechanical engineering / physical engineering sciences / energy and process engineering / chemical engineering / electrical engineering or comparable with a very good PhD
• In-depth knowledge and experience of non-linear, model-based control are required
• Basic knowledge of machine learning methods is required
• Experience in research software development in object-oriented programming languages, e.g. Python, Julia, Rust, is required
• Experience in configuring and operating automation systems is desirable
• Knowledge or experience in designing human-machine interfaces is an advantage
• Experience in supervising early-career researchers is required
• Proven publication record in relevant field of research is desirable
• Experience in acquiring and managing research and development projects, including scientific project management is beneficial
• Very good knowledge of German or English and willingness to learn the other language
• Experience in acquisition and management of F&E-projects
• Experience in supervision of young scientists
• Confirmed practice in publication and presentation of scientific results
• Good communication and information behaviour, goal-oriented and structured way of working, initiative/commitment and ability to make decisions, ability to work in a team and willingness to cooperate as well as conceptual, strategic and innovative thinking skills

We offer:

• A varied and challenging job within a high-caliber network from politics, science, business and society
• 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 scientific equipment (laboratories, etc.)
• 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 12.10.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 162/25-2.2 to: Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Referat Z.3 - Personal, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205 Berlin, GERMANY.

Dr. Erik Esche will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-1220 and/or by email to Erik.Esche@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. 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.