Director (m/f/d) in Experimental Plasma Physics

City:Greifswald

Department:Science & Research

Career Level:Permanent position

Working hours:full time

Contract type:unlimited

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The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) is a globally renowned center for fusion research. With approximately 1,100 dedicated staff members in Garching near Munich and Greifswald, we are committed to exploring the fundamentals of fusion power plants. These power plants produce energy without climate-damaging emissions, are safe, sustainable, and nearly inexhaustible—much like the sun. Fusion power plants hold the potential to play a significant role in the energy supply for future generations.

At our Garching location, we operate the globally recognized and established large-scale experiment ASDEX Upgrade, a tokamak fusion facility. In Greifswald, we conduct research on the large-scale experiment Wendelstein 7-X, the world's largest and most powerful stellarator-type fusion facility.

The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), with sites in Garching and Greifswald, is a global leader in fusion research, dedicated to advancing magnetic confinement as a sustainable energy source. The Greifswald site hosts Wendelstein 7-X (short W7-X), the world’s largest superconducting stellarator and a flagship facility for optimized stellarator physics. W7-X enables stable, high-performance plasma operation—critical for advancing understanding in confinement, transport, stability, plasma-wall interactions, heating, control, and diagnostics.

Your responsibilities

The Director will co-lead the institute with fellow Directors and head an independent, internationally recognized research division focused on W7-X. You will develop and implement a visionary research program aligned with W7-X’s scientific goals and IPP’s strategic priorities. You will strengthen collaboration across IPP’s sites and with national and international partners and universities. Contributions to education and public outreach are encouraged. The position offers a permanent appointment as Director and Scientific Member of the MPG. You will lead a high-performing team in a world-class international environment, supported by in-house engineering, high-performance computing, and the services provided by the Max Planck Society. Substantial core funding, competitive compensation, and comprehensive relocation support are provided. Dual-career support, childcare, and language courses are available.

Your qualifications

We seek candidates with an outstanding scientific record, at least 6 years of research experience after the PhD, and proven leadership in complex experimental plasma physics and fusion facilities. International recognition in experimental plasma physics and fusion science—with seminal contributions—is essential. In their application documents, candidates are encouraged to elaborate how they will contribute to the further development of W7-X and IPP as institution.

The reasons to start with us

We invite outstanding scientists to apply for a tenured Director position in experimental plasma physics or plasma physics related fusion technologies at the Greifswald site. This is a leadership role within the Max Planck Society (MPG), offering full scientific autonomy, long-term funding, and the opportunity to shape the future of fusion research.

To ensure compliance with data protection regulations, applications should be submitted via our online system and include a cover letter, a resume, and a list of publications highlighting the five most important works.

Your contact at IPP for preliminary inquiries

Gregor Neu

Head of Scientific Management

phone +49 89 3299 2236

We value a fair, diverse and inclusive work environment. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or their social, ethnical 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.

#buildastar

At the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, stars are born — in two senses — in our experiments and in the careers of our employees. #buildastar describes our mission to bring the energy of the sun to Earth and promote individual success stories. We strive for scientific breakthroughs and want to help people shine in their careers.

Discover all values & benefits

Diversity.

Unleash your talent within an innovative team that values diversity. Shape the future and grow in a dynamic environment.

Pioneering Spirit.

Experience exceptional cutting-edge research with unique large-scale projects in Germany that are recognized internationally. Become part of a team that pioneers new frontiers.

Trust.

Trust is our foundation. Openness and honesty foster a respectful collaboration that values individual contributions. Diverse perspectives drive collective success forward.

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We look forward to receiving your application.

Please submit your application exclusively via our online portal to ensure direct contact with the relevant decision-makers. Email applications cannot be considered for data protection reasons.

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The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics will process my above data, including my application documents, for the purpose of conducting the current application process. I have taken note of the information on data protection for the application process at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics and my rights. I have also taken note of the information on data protection at talentsconnect.**

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I agree that my data may be stored by the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics for one year after the specific position has been filled and that I may be notified of other interesting job opportunities. After submitting my application, I will receive a link within 24 hours with access to the application portal, where I can change my data release settings at any time.*

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Director (m/f/d) in Experimental Plasma Physics

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