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

Stellenbeschreibung:

Position Overview

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.

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

Experience

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

Advantage

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

Reasons to start with us

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