Head of the Division "Safety of Storage Containers" (m/f/d)

Strategic, scientific, and managerial leadership of Division 3.4 “Safety of Storage Containers” within Department 3 “Containment Systems for Dangerous Goods; Energy Storage Systems”

• Leading a division of approximately 20 highly qualified employees and being responsible for the scientific, strategic, and operational development of the division's activities
• Managing and overseeing the safety assessment and technical evaluation of containers for the interim and final disposal of radioactive materials in accordance with the state of the art in science and technology
• Ensuring cross-divisional collaboration within BAM as well as effective cooperation with research institutions, industry partners, competent ministries, and public administration bodies
• Ensuring effective and audience-appropriate communication on safety issues relating to containers for the storage of radioactive materials at the interface between science and policy
• Actively shaping the advancement of scientific safety assessment methodologies at national and international level and contributing to relevant expert committees and working groups
• Initiating and managing scientific research projects in the field, including the supervision and mentoring of early career researchers
• Actively contributing to the further development of BAM's activities in the field of nuclear waste management within the broader thematic area of energy through strategic impulses and the coordination of interdisciplinary collaboration

Through your participation in national and international networks, you will contribute to strengthening BAM's position as a departmental research institution of the Federal Government. A willingness to undertake official travel within Germany and abroad is required.

Mandatory Qualifications :

• A completed scientific university degree (Diplom/Master’s degree) in Nuclear Engineering, Safety Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Material Engineering, or a comparable discipline, as well as a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) awarded with very good results
• Evidence of scientific expertise demonstrated through relevant peer-reviewed publications
• Experience in the strategic orientation and management of scientific and technical units, as well as in the acquisition and execution of research projects and the supervision of early-career researchers
• Thorough knowledge of nuclear waste management, the safety assessment of technical components and systems and the application of simulation and testing methodologies
• Fluency in both German and English, with excellent negotiation and communication skills in both languages
• A collaborative and team-oriented working style, strong communication and information-sharing skills, high interpersonal sensitivity, and demonstrated competence in equality, diversity, and inclusion
• A high degree of initiative and commitment, strong decision-making skills, a goal-oriented and structured approach to work, strategic and innovative thinking, conceptual strength, and the ability to negotiate effectively and assert positions where appropriate

Desirable Qualifications:

• Extensive experience in national and international expert committees, regulatory and standards development, and policy advice in the field of nuclear engineering and/or radioactive waste management.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively and engage with stakeholders across science, industry, government, and public administration.

We look forward to receiving your application via our online application management system by 22.11.2026. Alternatively, you may submit your application, quoting the relevant Job ID, by post to:

Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM)

Division Z.3 – Human Resources

Unter den Eichen 87

12205 Berlin

Germany

www.bam.de

BAM is committed to equal opportunities in employment and seeks to reflect the diversity of society. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. In accordance with the provisions of the German Federal Equality Act (Bundesgleichstellungsgesetz, BGleiG), women will be given preferential consideration where candidates are equally qualified in terms of suitability, competence, and professional performance.

Furthermore, is dedicated to promoting the professional participation of persons with severe disabilities. Compliance with the position requirements will be assessed on an individual basis. Applicants with severe disabilities or those with equivalent status will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.

The advertised position requires only a low level of physical fitness.

Additional Information

Applicants who meet the relevant legal requirements will generally be appointed and remunerated in accordance with Salary Group B 1 of the Federal Salary Scale (BBesO). Promotion to Salary Group B 2 BBesO may be possible at a later stage, subject to suitability, qualifications, professional performance, and the availability of established positions.

For applicants who do not meet the career requirements for appointment as federal civil servants at the time of recruitment, an individual executive-level employment contract outside the collective agreement framework will be offered. The probationary periods pursuant to Section 34 of the Federal Career Ordinance (BLV) and Section 31 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD) shall apply.

Applicants already employed in the public sector are requested to provide their consent for inspection of their personnel file. Candidates must also be willing to undergo a security clearance procedure at a later stage, if required, in accordance with the German Security Clearance Act (Sicherheitsüberprüfungsgesetz, SÜG).