PhD positions at IPP

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.

PhD positions at IPP

Garching, Greifswald

Full time, limited

Reference number: HEPP-PhD/INI

PhD positions – theoretical, experimental and numerical plasma physics – locations: Garching or Greifswald

• Opportunity to submit an unsolicited application for a PhD position at the IPP.
• The International Helmholtz Graduate School for Plasma Physics (HEPP) is a graduate school for doctoral candidates at the Max‑Planck‑Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Garching and Greifswald, and its partner universities, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the University of Greifswald and the University of Madison‑Wisconsin.
• We are constantly looking for outstanding PhD candidates in all fields of experimental, numerical and theoretical plasma physics, fusion science and plasma technology. With its PhD positions in Garching and Greifswald, the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) offers qualified young scientists the ideal opportunity to continue their research. We are looking for scientists who have recently completed (or will complete in the near future) their Master degree.
• We are operating two large‑scale experiments in Germany: At the IPP site in Garching we are conducting research on the experiment ASDEX Upgrade, this is a fusion plant of the tokamak type. And at the IPP site in Greifswald we are conducting research on the experiment Wendelstein 7‑X, this fusion plant is the world's largest superconducting stellarator type. Besides a number of smaller scale experiments, the IPP offers the opportunity to conduct a PhD project on the above mentioned large‑scale experiments.
• On the websites of the scientific divisions you can find information about our research topics and projects. Expertise is a plus, but a strong plasma physics background and passion for nuclear fusion are enough to get started. In your cover letter, kindly indicate which topics resonates with you and how you'd like to contribute.

A PhD position with us means

• You will be part of one of the largest scientific and technical projects in Germany with interdisciplinary project teams. During your PhD phase you can expect excellent working conditions, exciting tasks and projects in an international scientific environment. In a structured training program you will acquire new skills and competencies through your work.
• Our PhD positions are temporary contracts limited to 3 years. The compensation is based on the German public sector tariff (TVöD Bund), starting at 75% of the salary grade 13 in the first year.
• For further information about HEPP and the application process please refer to HEPP – PhD program.
• What can you further expect?
• Flexible working hours
• Discounted public transport tickets
• Free parking on the institute's premises
• Company pension scheme for the public sector
• The Max Planck Society's online training academy
• Canteen on the campus with a varied range of meals
• Company health management for preventive healthcare
• Various sports activities, groups and courses on campus
• Paid leave of up to 30 days (depending on working hours)
• Family service for all questions relating to work‑life balance
• Social counseling for support in difficult life and work situations
• With their knowledge, commitment, and creativity for new ideas and solutions, the many young scientists from around 30 countries make a significant contribution to the scientific excellence of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. Here you can find further information about living and working in Germany.

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.

We can provide information about the data protection and the handling of your personal data here: Privacy Statement.

Will we see you soon at the IPP?

We look forward to receiving your application – there is no application deadline.

Do you have any questions? I am pleased to be at your disposal.

Dr. René Bussiahn
HEPP Coordinator, Study Guide

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