Postdoctoral Physicist (m/f/d) for Island divertor magnetic island optimization for exhaust physics Full-time

Postdoctoral Physicist (m/d/f) for Island Divertor Magnetic Island Optimization for Exhaust Physics

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 Greifswald we are conducting research on the large-scale experiment Wendelstein 7-X. This fusion plant is the world's largest stellarator type.

We are currently filling two Postdoc positions at IPP, attached to the departments E2 (Garching) and E5 (Greifswald). IPP is investigating the design of a new stellarator device to serve as a next-step stellarator bridging the gap between W7-X and a reactor. This device should have an exhaust-mission, will feature an island divertor and aims to have sufficient island control and flexibility to provide for robust physics studies required to develop a detailed understanding. Two postdoc positions are envisaged to optimize the magnetic equilibrium at the plasma edge and investigate the heat transport and plasma physics for different divertor locations and geometries. One position is planned to be in Greifswald, one in Garching, with frequent mutual visits and intensive cooperation, also with the respective experts on both sites.

Your Responsibilities

• This position in Greifswald will concentrate on understanding what is necessary to optimize the magnetic geometry of the divertor island chain and to develop suitable metrics for integration into appropriate optimization approaches
• Familiarize yourself with the magnetic geometry at the plasma edge of a stellarator
• Investigate the influence of island internal fieldline pitch, magnetic shear and island size across the island resonance on divertor performance

Your Qualifications

• You have in addition to a master's degree, also a PhD in physics
• You have a background in plasma edge physics in magnetically confined devices
• You have a background in modelling and/or (magnetic field) optimization
• You have experience with data analysis
• You can present scientific results in a concise manner and work in a strongly collaborative environment

This is an Advantage

• Experience with EMC3 or SOLPS modelling
• Experience with stellarator boundary physics and/or magnetic topology

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 position is limited to a duration of two 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. You can find information about the data protection and the handling of your personal data here: Privacy statement.

We look forward to receiving your online application until 16.04.2026.