At the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, stars are created — in two ways: through our experiments and through the careers of our employees. #buildastar reflects our mission to bring the energy of the sun to earth while supporting individual success stories. We are committed to achieving scientific breakthroughs and inspiring people to shine on their professional paths.
Good reasons to build your career with us
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#buildastar
Pioneering spirit.
Pioneering spirit drives us: With scientific curiosity and innovative strength, we are shaping the fusion research of tomorrow. We value diverse perspectives to achieve shared success.
Synergy.
Synergy makes us strong: Only through collaboration, mutual respect, and diversity can we achieve excellence together in research and development.
Creative drive.
Creative drive opens up opportunities: We nurture talent, support personal development, and provide space for your own ideas – so that every employee has the chance to become a “star.”
Our values...
Equality...
Your Benefits...
Social commitment...
Meaningful Responsibilities at IPP: The Perspectives of our Employees.
Spontaneous descriptions from our employees have created authentic word clouds that impressively reflect the values and culture of IPP.
Our research is...
Future. Energy. Plasma. Outstanding. Codes. Intelligent. Cutting-edge. Future energy. Plasma-focused. Sun. Energy transition. Security of supply. Potential. Important. Safe. Explore.
Our employees are...
Dedicated. Future-oriented. Broadly interested. Intelligent. Down-to-earth. Devoted. Open-minded. Prudent. Honest. Curiosity. Collegial. Passion. Fair. Enthusiastic. Calm. Innovative. Visionary. Cosmopolitan. Knowledge-hungry. Interested. Cooperative. Open. Determined. Goal-oriented. Openness to innovation.
Our DNA is...
Future. Individual. Public service. Complex. Plasma physics. Fusion. Result. Integrative. Innovation. Exciting. Sense. Reliable. Diversity. Science. World leading. Appreciation. Hope. Innovative. Versatile. Future research. Energy.
Our culture of equal opportunity.
We foster a respectful, discrimination-free work culture as the foundation for excellent research. Diversity and different perspectives strengthen creativity and innovation.
Empowering women in the natural sciences.
Women in science? Today, this is a given — and just as essential as the research itself. Yet despite progress, challenges remain. The equal opportunity officers at IPP are committed to ensuring that everyone — regardless of gender — has the same opportunities to shape their career.
IPP appointed its first equal opportunity officer as early as 1989, launching initiatives to promote women. Today, Equal Opportunity Officers are elected at both the Garching and Greifswald sites and are closely networked — both within the circle of women’s representatives of the Max Planck Society and in the Women in Research Centers working group (akfifz) of the Helmholtz Association. Together, we create conditions that are fair and forward-thinking.
IPP’s support programs include the “MinervaFemmeNet” network for early-career female scientists and the “KarriereWegeMentoring Wissenschaft” program at the University of Greifswald for doctoral candidates and postdocs.
It is particularly important to inspire young women and girls to pursue the natural sciences from an early age. To support this, we offer engaging initiatives such as Girls’ Day, a hands-on program in Garching and Greifswald that gives participants the opportunity to experience research up close. Female scientists from IPP present projects at fairs and events to introduce young women to research at an early stage.
There are targeted support programs for the next generation and for women in leadership positions. Only by setting the course today can we ensure that science will be truly diverse — and stronger — tomorrow.
Equality is a crucial foundation for excellent research.
Diversity.
We value individual perspectives, regardless of social, ethnic or religious background, gender, sexual orientation or age. With colleagues from over 30 nations, we create an environment where diversity drives innovation, equality is actively embraced and every contribution matters.
Participation.
A dedicated works council that collaborates with the institute’s management strengthens your position as an employee. Benefit from a constructive partnership that prioritizes your professional interests and contributes to a positive working environment.
Inclusion.
At IPP, appreciation, fairness, and respect form the foundation of a work environment where everyone feels recognized and included — regardless of individual backgrounds. Our representative for employees with severe disabilities also plays an active role in creating an accessible workplace, while equal opportunities ensure that every career path remains open.
Experience real work-life balance.
Collective agreement
You benefit from fair compensation, stability, and social security—depending on your type of contract—in line with the standards set by the public sector tariff of the federal government (TVöD Bund).
Retirement Planning
Take advantage of our attractive company pension scheme to ensure your financial security in retirement (VBL Zusatzversorgung).
Vacation
Enjoy 30 paid vacation days (based on a five-day work week), plus additional time off at Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Canteen
Enjoy a variety of dishes every day in our cafeterias at both IPP locations.
Work Models
Shape your working hours in full-time or part-time to suit your needs with our flexible models and flexitime options.
Mobile Working
Mobile working (depending on your contract type) supports your work-life balance, based on operational requirements.
Accessibility
Convenient access with free parking and direct public transport connections.
Job Tickets
Benefit from financial support for your mobility and secure valuable job tickets.
Job Security
Experience professional and secure stability in a leading research environment.
Work Environment
Discover an inspiring, world-class research environment at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics that sparks innovation.
Experience community through social engagement.
Social, sports and cultural activities strengthen team spirit.
Continuing Education Programs
Discover a wide range of development opportunities at IPP and the Max Planck Society’s Training Academy, from specialized technical courses to skills training. We offer seminars and workshops with both internal and external trainers to support your personal growth.
IPP has developed the Fusion Technology personnel development program specifically for technicians, designed to help you achieve a bachelor’s level qualification. Leadership roles can benefit from the LEAD program, and we also provide interview training focused on recruitment topics.
Health Management
At Max-Planck, your physical health and mental well-being are our top priorities. We offer a wide range of courses and events designed to promote a culture of health awareness, including dedicated Health Days at both locations.
Our in-house advisors are available for confidential support on conflict and addiction issues. In addition, the Fürstenberg Institute provides anonymous counseling services for both professional and personal matters.
Our workplace reintegration management makes it easier for you to return to work after a longer illness.
Family Services
At IPP, we partner with the pme Family Service to help you balance family life and your career. Through their platform, you’ll find support in connecting with caregivers and receive tailored advice for the care of children or relatives in need. You also have access to free seminars and training opportunities.
Get support for both personal and professional challenges with expert social counseling, so you can successfully combine your family commitments with your professional goals.
Sports Activities
The Plasmaphysik e.V. sports club in Garching is the perfect place to enjoy a balanced lifestyle with tennis, football, volleyball, and gymnastics. The facilities are located either on the institute grounds or in Garching itself. Founded by IPP employees, the club now welcomes members from IPP, neighboring institutes, and the wider region.
Regular sports groups at both sites organize activities such as running and badminton. The club also offers a variety of courses, including back training, functional training, Pilates, Yoga, Qi Gong, and active lunch breaks.
IPP-Sozialwerk e.V.
IPP-Sozialwerk e.V. is dedicated to providing social, health, and cultural support for IPP employees and their families. All institute employees can become members during their employment.
The association offers additional social and cultural services, including access to discounted holiday apartments both in Germany and abroad.
If members experience unforeseen financial difficulties through no fault of their own, they can easily apply for support once other options have been exhausted.
Your Benefits. Our Institute.
Become a shaper of the future at IPP. Experience cutting-edge research.
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