Postdoctoral Researcher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, related field

Salary group E 13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 30.11.2029
Full-time /part-time Employment possible

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 offer:

• Access to high-quality continuing education and training on digitalization topics such as programming, research data management, AI applications, and machine computing in science.
• Networking and exchange in our interdisciplinary digitalization communities and at BAM digitalization events to develop innovative solutions together with our experts.
• Targeted acquisition of skills in key technologies for laboratory digitalization - modern programming paradigms, connection to the electronic laboratory notebook, and development of metadata formats and ontologies - through practical learning formats such as workshops, online courses, and collaborative training with bundled knowledge sources.
• Opportunity to actively participate in shaping BAM digitization projects and to contribute your own ideas for digital innovations.

We are looking for talented people to join us.

• Perform microbiological, molecular biological, and biotechnological research to investigate and enhance the bacterial degradation of polyethylene (PE).
• Plan, execute, and analyze experiments for the cultivation and characterization of bacterial consortia capable of degrading PE.
• Design, conduct, and evaluate transcriptomic and proteomic analyses to elucidate the molecular degradation pathways of PE in bacteria.
• Develop and optimize PE degradation processes and support scale-up to pilot scale (up to 5 L bioreactor).
• Prepare and communicate scientific findings for publications, conference presentations, and grant proposals.

• Completed university degree (Diploma or Master’s) in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field, with a PhD.
• Proven specialization and extensive hands‑on experience in molecular biology with bacteria and/or biotechnological applications.
• Proficiency in microbiological techniques, including sterile work, bacterial cultivation, and bioreactor operation.
• Solid expertise in molecular biology methods such as PCR, qRT-PCR, RNA/DNA purification and handling, and cloning.
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing proteome and metatranscriptome data.
• Working knowledge of molecular biology software and bioinformatics tools.
• Experience in writing grant proposals, scientific publications, and review articles.
• Good written and spoken English skills.
• Good communication and information management skills, a goal‑oriented and structured approach to work, initiative, commitment, and ability to take on tasks, decisiveness and the ability to make decisions, as well as the ability to work well in a team and a willingness to cooperate.

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 low level of physical aptitude.