Your Career at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics

Current Job Openings

Shape the energy of the future with us.

Research needs people like you. Find your place at IPP.

At the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), we are exploring the foundations for a new era of energy generation—fusion energy. Become part of an interdisciplinary team in science, engineering, IT, and administration, working together to address the challenges of tomorrow. IPP is one of the world’s leading centers in the field of fusion research. Dedicated team members play a vital role in turning the vision of a fusion power plant that delivers clean, safe, and virtually limitless energy into reality. Whether your expertise lies in fundamental research, engineering, IT, or administration, your skills make a meaningful impact here.

Discover where your knowledge can make the greatest contribution and how your individuality can enrich the diversity at IPP.

Science & Research

Work on the foundations of fusion research – from plasma experiments to theoretical modeling. Publish, collaborate, and help shape the future.

Engineering & Technology

Develop and operate complex systems, diagnostic solutions, and plasma technologies. Your work combines precision with innovation.

Computer Science & IT

Enable innovative research through advanced data management and simulations. Shape powerful IT infrastructures for high-performance computing as the digital foundation of science.

Administration & Services

Support science and technology with organisation, human resources management, finance, controlling, procurement, legal expertise and facility management – precise, reliable, and structured.

Current Job Opportunities at the IPP

Conduct research, develop innovative solutions, and help shape the future – become part of an international community that makes tomorrow possible.

42 / 42 jobs

Good reasons to build your career with us

Collective agreement

We offer you fair compensation, social security, and stability in accordance the public sector tariff TVöD Bund, depending on the type of contract. In addition, you benefit from a company pension scheme, flexible working models, and subsidies for job tickets.

Work-life balance

Shape your working hours flexibly with full-time or part-time arrangements and flexible working hours options. Mobile work, tailored to your contract type, supports your personal flexibility. Enjoy 30 days of annual leave, as well as additional days off on bridge days, Christmas, and New Year's Eve.

Equal opportunities

Our respectful work culture promotes diversity and innovation in research. Targeted programs empower women in the natural sciences and are committed to equal opportunities.

Training opportunities

Deepen your skills through a wide range of training sessions and workshops offered by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft and IPP. Advance your professional development and benefit from high-quality training led by experienced experts.

Health Management

We support your health and well-being. An anonymous counseling service and a wide range of courses foster a health-conscious culture. You are encouraged to take advantage of various sports activities to maintain your well-being.

Social counseling

Receive support for your professional and personal balance through our social counseling and family services. IPP-Sozialwerk e.V. offers assistance in times of financial difficulty as well as access to leisure activities and affordable holiday accommodations.

Experience pioneer spirit and appreciation.

Discover our culture and your benefits.
Discover all values & benefits

Experience research. Apply knowledge. Shape the future.

The IPP offers researchers, professionals, and students a wide range of opportunities to experience research up close and contribute their own ideas. Whether you join us in a permanent position with professional experience, as an entry-level professional, postdoc, doctoral candidate, master's or bachelor's student, intern, or student assistant – you will work on real-world projects in physics, engineering, and IT that contribute to the energy solutions of the future.

As part of an interdisciplinary team in physics, engineering, and IT, you will work at the interface of fundamental research and technical application. You will gain insight into the control of high-energy plasmas, the development of complex diagnostic systems, and the role of data-driven simulations in the analysis of fusion processes.

Alongside experienced scientists, engineers, and programmers, you will gain practical experience in research that uniquely combines physics, technology, and digital systems.

Graduates & Professionals

Shape the future of science with us. Whether you are at the start of your career or bring professional experience – discover exciting opportunities in research, management, administration, workshops, laboratories, technology, or IT. Join an inspired team and actively drive progress forward.

Postdoc

Seize your opportunity at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics to advance your career in an international and innovative environment. Benefit from our Career Center for Postdocs, which supports you in your career planning. Become part of a team that values excellence and ongoing professional development.

PhD program

The International Helmholtz Graduate School for Plasma Physics (HEPP) offers you, as a doctoral candidate, the opportunity to pursue your doctorate within a dynamic network. Through collaboration with renowned partner universities, you will further develop your interdisciplinary skills. HEPP provides the best possible support as you advance your career in plasma physics.

Master's Theses & Bachelor's Theses

IPP offers master's and bachelor's students outstanding opportunities to advance their academic careers. You will benefit from collaborations with leading universities. Take advantage of the European network “FUSION-EP” to gain international research experience and become part of the renowned Erasmus Mundus programme.

Student Assistants & Internships

Discover exciting opportunities to apply your knowledge in fusion research in a hands-on environment. At IPP, you will gain valuable experience as part of an interdisciplinary team—whether through mandatory internships, voluntary internships, or student positions. Be part of the future of research, whether your background is in physics, engineering, materials science, or IT.

Apprenticeships & School Internships

The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) is committed to the training of young people and offers apprenticeships and school internships each year.

Individuals retraining for a new profession are also welcome to complete their internship at IPP.

Start your career with us and benefit from excellent support.

Two locations, one shared goal.

The two research sites – Garching near Munich and Greifswald on the Baltic Sea – are united by a common scientific mission: to explore the fundamentals of nuclear fusion and develop a sustainable energy source.

In Garching, the internationally renowned Tokamak experiment ASDEX Upgrade is in operation, while Greifswald is home to Wendelstein 7-X, the world’s largest and most advanced stellarator facility.

Our videos offer insights into daily research activities, the people, and the passion that define IPP.

Research meets High-Tech – Working at the Garching location

At IPP Garching, everything revolves around the tokamak experiment ASDEX Upgrade – one of the most advanced facilities for plasma research worldwide. Here, scientists, engineers, and IT experts collaborate closely to explore the fundamentals of fusion energy. The video demonstrates how research in Garching is characterized by international cooperation, interdisciplinary work, and practical experience – right in the heart of Munich’s renowned science and technology hub.

Fusion Power in the Tokamak – A view into the Future of Energy

A plasma hotter than the sun is being investigated in the Tokamak experiment ASDEX Upgrade at the IPP in Garching to optimize nuclear fusion. A measurement day is being documented: Dr. Athina Kappatou and her team use spectrometers to remove excess helium. Dr. Alexander Bock uses laser interferometers to measure plasma density and explores ways to operate a Tokamak continuously. The film offers unique insights into the research and demonstrates why nuclear fusion has potential as a clean energy source. The researchers explain how experiments in Garching are advancing projects such as ITER and other fusion concepts.

The Sun’s Fire on Earth – Research at the Greifswald Location

In Greifswald, the Wendelstein 7-X stands as the world’s largest and most advanced stellarator facility. Here, scientists, engineers, technicians, and students work together towards a common goal: harnessing the power of the sun for use on Earth. The video provides fascinating insights into daily research, cutting-edge technology, and the dedicated individuals who shape this unique location.

The Future of Energy with the Stellarator – Explained by Prof. Dr. Thomas Klinger

Greifswald is home to the world’s largest stellarator fusion facility. Prof. Dr. Thomas Klinger explains nuclear fusion and the challenges on the path to a clean energy source in an interview with heise & c't.

Source: YouTube channel heise & c't.

Prof. Dr. Hartmut Zohm explains nuclear fusion in the Tokamak.

ASDEX Upgrade in Garching is Germany’s only active tokamak facility dedicated to researching nuclear fusion as an energy source. Innovative experiments provide scientists with valuable insights into nuclear fusion processes. Our Professor Dr. Hartmut Zohm discusses this topic on heise & c't.

Source: heise & c't YouTube channel.

Your Path to the IPP

Step 1
Online Application

Please submit your application exclusively through our portal to ensure direct contact with the relevant decision-makers. For data protection reasons, applications sent by email cannot be considered. Begin your career with us online here.

Step 2
Email Confirmation

Sie erhalten innerhalb 24 Stunden eine E-Mail mit einen Link zum Bewerbungsportal und können jederzeit Ihre Datenschutzeinstellungen ändern, sowie weitere Dokumente und Inhalte hochladen.

Step 3
Review of the application
Quality is our top priority, which is why your application is reviewed with the utmost care by both our specialist departments and the HR team. Please understand that this process may take some time, as we want to provide you with a well-considered response. We greatly appreciate your patience.
Step 4
Initial Introduction

The interview process typically begins with a phone or video call to align expectations and gain initial insights into your expertise. This step lays the foundation for a successful collaboration, offering you the opportunity to learn more about the position and demonstrate your skills.

Step 5
Second interview
In the second stage, you will be invited to a comprehensive interview—preferably in person at our location, or alternatively via a virtual interview. This provides both sides with the opportunity to explore all professional topics in depth and to get to know each other personally.
Step 6
Decision & Contract Offer
After a thorough review by the selection committee, a decision will be made. You will then receive a draft contract for your approval. Your journey towards an exciting career begins here.
Step 7
Review by the Works Council
Once the works council has approved your contract, the process moves forward. This is a crucial step on your journey with us, providing you with security and confidence. We look forward to welcoming you to our team and supporting your career development.
Step 8
Final contract
At the end of the application process, you will receive the original employment contract for your signature. This step marks the beginning of your career with us and opens doors to exciting professional opportunities. Welcome to the team.
Step 9
Welcome to the IPP
We support you as you start your new role with a structured onboarding and induction process.

Research needs people like you.

Become part of a scientific community dedicated to tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time: ensuring the safe energy of the future.
Apply now and shape the future.

#buildastar