Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics or Mechanical Engineering / Process Engineering (m/f/d)

The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) is one of the world"s leading centers for fusion research. With around 1100 dedicated employees in Garching near Munich and Greifswald, we are committed to exploring the fundamental principles of fusion power plants. These power plants generate energy without climate-damaging emissions, are safe, sustainable and nearly limitless - just like the sun. Fusion power plants have the potential to play an important role in supplying energy to future generations.
At the IPP site in Garching we are conducting research on the large-scale experiment ASDEX Upgrade. This is a fusion plant of the world-famous tokamak type.

As part of its early-career support programme, the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Garching is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics or Mechanical Engineering / Process Engineering (m/f/d) to join the ITER Technology & Diagnostics (ITED) division and contribute to the development of neutral beam injection systems for future fusion experiments. The ITED division operates a neutral beam heating system on the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak, which is also the most powerful plasma heating system on the device. In addition to other ongoing developments, the division is also responsible for the design of neutral beam injection for a possible new stellarator experiment, which IPP is preparing together with the startup Proxima Fusion. The successful candidate will join an experienced team of physicists and engineers working on the design and construction of the new system.

Your Responsibilities

• Simulation studies of beam transport, ion deflection, transmission, and loss mechanisms of the neutral beam
• Specification, design, and simulation of the gas inlet and vacuum systems
• Definition and design of interfaces and auxiliary systems
• Additional tasks for engineers: CAD design and finite element analysis (FEA)
• Additional tasks for physicists: Deposition and orbit calculations in stellarator plasmas

Your Qualifications

• A completed university degree as well as a PhD in Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or Process Engineering
• The doctorate should, as a rule, not have been completed more than two years ago
• Solid knowledge of numerical physics simulations (e.g. COMSOL, ANSYS, Python)
• Particularly for engineering candidates - experience with CAD systems.
• An advantage: knowledge of plasma physics as well as the physics and technology of neutral particle injection
• Interest in scientific and technical challenges
• Enjoy working as part of an international team
• The ability to clearly communicate complex scientific and technical topics

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. We value a fair, diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or their social, ethical or religious background. We aim to increase the representation of women in areas where they are underrepresented and encourage them to apply. We also support the hiring of people with disabilities and invite them to apply.
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Will we meet us soon at the IPP?

We look forward to receiving your online application until 18.08.2026.