Stellenausschreibung 26/013

Postdoctoral Experimental Physicist or Electrical Engineer for the Study of Tokamak Plasma Current Ramp-Up (m/f/d)

Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, Garching

sc | Wissenschaftler

Full time

limited

Job Code: 26/013

Public from: 31.03.2026

The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics as an institute of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science (registered association) is one of the leading centres for fusion research and is engaged in developing the physical foundations for a future fusion power plant. The institute is affiliated to the European Fusion Programme.

The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Garching offers an opportunity to participate in a postdoctorate programme within the division Plasma Dynamics (PD) to perform research activities at the ASDEX Upgrade fusion experiment (AUG). We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Experimental Physics (m/f/d).

Your Responsibilities

• Investigate plasma toroidal current ramp-up, in particular the temporal evolution of the radial distribution of the current density
• Operation and enhancement of the far infrared (FIR) interferometry/polarimetry diagnostic for determination of the toroidal current density profile
• Develop and maintain suitable control systems for communication and setup of the aforementioned diagnostic devices

Your Qualifications

• PhD in experimental physics or electrical engineering
• Knowledge of high temperature plasma physics
• Experience and knowledge of FIR technology and/or wave propagation in refractive media (preferably plasmas)
• Experience in programming of application software with Python
• Ability to present complex scientific and technical issues in English and German
• Interest to work in a scientific environment and with an international team

Our Offer

• The salary is based on the assignment of tasks and qualifications and goes up to salary grade 13 according to the German public sector tariff (TVöD Bund), subsidies for capital-forming benefits and annual bonus payments
• You will be part of one of the largest scientific and technical projects in Germany
• Flexible working time models
• Remote working is possible in some cases (depending on operational requirements)
• 30 days of vacation (based on a 5-day week) and additional days off, e.g. at Christmas and New Year's Eve
• Company pension plan for the public sector (VBL supplementary pension)
• Subsidies for job tickets (e.g. Deutschlandticket)
• Canteen with a varied menu
• Free parking at the institute premises and direct connection to public transport
• Further training opportunities for professional development, skills trainings and the Max Planck Society's online training academy
• Company health management for health care and prevention
• Various sports activities, groups and courses
• Social counseling for support in difficult life and work situations
• Family service for all questions relating to work-life balance
• Discounted vacation apartments in Germany and abroad

The contract is limited to 2 years.

The IPP seeks to increase the proportion of employed women in those areas where they are underrepresented and explicitly encourages women to apply for this position. The IPP is committed to employing more disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply.

For information on data protection and the handling of your personal data please visit our website: https://www.ipp.mpg.de/4837164/datenschutz .

Are you interested?

Then we are looking forward to your complete online application until 01.05.2026.

Bei Fragen stehen wir Ihnen selbstverständlich zu Verfügung. zur Ausschreibung https://recruitingapp-5518.de.umantis.com/Vacancies/1101/Description/2?customer=5518 Für Rückfragen oder Antworten nutzen Sie bitte die folgende E-Mail-Adresse: careers-garching@ipp.mpg.de Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik Kerstin Weinberger careers-garching@ipp.mpg.de