Research assistant (m/f/d) in the field of electrical engineering with a specialization in the field of optical communications engineering or optical metrology/photonics or physics

Deadline
06.04.2025

Reference number
56/25-8.6

Employment category
Full time /

Preferred start date
01.05.2025

Salary
E 13 TVöD

Contract Term
Limited / 31.01.2028

Location
Berlin Steglitz
Unter den Eichen 87
12205 Berlin

To strengthen our team in the division “Fibre Optic Sensors” in Berlin-Steglitz, starting as soon as possible, we are looking for a

Research assistant (m/f/d) in the field of electrical engineering with a specialization in the field of optical communications engineering or optical metrology/photonics or physics

Salary group E13 TVöD
Temporary contract until 31.01.2028
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:
Research and development for the use of distributed fiber optic sensors for condition monitoring of bridges:

Investigation and evaluation of the usability and limitations of various methods of distributed fiber optic sensing based on Rayleigh, Brillouin and Raman scattering for condition monitoring of bridges
Development of suitable test setups and laboratory experiments, execution and evaluation of test series in the laboratory and on relevant test specimens
Planning, execution and evaluation of fiber optic measurement campaigns on various real structures as part of business trips
Investigation of the influence of sensor geometry, measurement parameters, installation method and location of the fiber optic sensors and of external influences on the measurement results and the measurement data quality as well as development of best practices for the instrumentation of bridge structures
Development and implementation of methods and algorithms to compensate for the influences of disturbance variables to increase the quality of measurement data and for data reduction, in particular based on machine learning (ML)
Development and implementation of ML-based algorithms for the automated detection, localization and classification of damages and traffic influences
Derivation of holistic case-related monitoring concepts for bridge structures from the collected findings together with the partners
Responsibility for creating and continuously updating/expanding a document describing the current state of the art, the findings collected in the project and the derived best practices
Publishing results by writing scientific articles for publication in recognized peer-reviewed journals, preparing conference contributions and giving talks and presentations
Creating project reports

Your qualifications:

Successfully completed university degree (diploma or master's) in the field of electrical engineering with a specialization in the field of optical communications engineering or optical metrology/photonics or physics
Very good knowledge of fiber optics
Very good knowledge in the field of distributed fiber optic sensors (based on Rayleigh and Brillouin scattering)
Proven extensive practical experience in the application of fiber optic measurement technology and fiber optic sensor hardware and in handling corresponding measurement data
Experience with and knowledge of structural health monitoring (SHM) and digitization/digital twins, in particular using fiber optic sensor technology
Experience in planning and executing complex laboratory experiments and test series, with experimental design and measurement data handling
Good programming skills in Python or comparable
Extensive knowledge and experience in digital signal processing and general measurement data processing
Knowledge of the application of machine learning methods for measurement data processing and evaluation
Willingness to travel (national and international) is required
Good knowledge of written and spoken German and English
Good communication and information behavior, initiative/commitment and ability to work, willingness 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
Attractive and modern working environment with excellent infrastructure and state-of-the-art scientific equipment (laboratories, etc.)
Scope for research and development for your own innovative ideas
The opportunity to actively participate in the development of quality and safety standards
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]

Your application:
We welcome applications via the online application form by 06.04.2025. Alternatively, you can also send your application by post, quoting the reference number 56/25-8.6 to:
Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung
Referat Z.3 - Personal
Unter den Eichen 87
12205 Berlin
GERMANY
www.bam.de

Dr. Hicke will be glad to answer any specific questions you may have. Please get in touch via the telephone number +49 30 8104-3588 and/or by email to konstantin.hicke@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.