Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Experimental Physics for Neutral Beam Injection

Young Researchers Garching

Particle, Plasma and Quantum Physics

Job Code: 24/074

Job Offer from September 20, 2024

The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics as an institute of the Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science (registered association) is the largest centre for fusion research in Europe with about 1100 employees in Garching near Munich and Greifswald. The scientists are investigating the physical principles for a fusion power plant which - like the sun - generates energy from the fusion of light atomic nuclei. The research is carried out in seven experimental and theoretical projects aimed at developing nuclear fusion into an inexhaustible and safe source of energy for the future.

The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Garching offers within the department ITER Technology & Diagnostics (ITED) a position for a Postdoctoral Researcher (m/f/d) in Experimental Physics for Neutral Beam Injection on the ASDEX Upgrade Tokamak. At its Garching site the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) operates the tokamak ASDEX Upgrade. The work horse among its heating systems is Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) with an installed heating power of 20 MW. NBI is developed, maintained and operated by IPP’s ITER Technology & Diagnostics (ITED) department. The NBI operation team at ASDEX Upgrade is looking for reinforcement by a postdoctoral researcher.

Your tasks

lmproved characterisation of the neutral beams in terms of injected neutral beam power, beam geometry and beam composition using all available diagnostic information and integrated data analysis techniques where applicable.
Automation of the improved data analysis to provide accurate beam characterisation on a shot-to-shot basis.
Characterization of the effect of NBI parameter variations on the tokamak plasma and comparison with simulations using established codes.
lnvolvement in the broader ASDEX Upgrade physics programme through own research proposals, for example in the areas of neutral beam current drive or fast particle physics.
Participation in the daily operation of the NBI system on ASDEX Upgrade and support of the proponents of ASDEX Upgrade discharges in the optimal use of NBI for their purposes.

Your profile

PhD in experimental physics or related field.
Background in plasma physics.
Proficiency in programming, ideally including Python.
Good presentation and publication skills.
Ability to work as part of a team.

Your abilities

Experience in integrated data analysis techniques.
Knowledge of neutral beam heating and current drive physics.

We offer

An interesting job at one of the largest research institutes for fusion research
Flexible working hours
Training and further education opportunities
Company pension scheme
Family service
Further social benefits (e.g. capital-forming benefits, discounted public transport tickets and travel allowance)

The position is limited to a duration of three years and will be based in Garching, Germany. The salary is based on the assignment of tasks and qualifications and goes up to pay group 13 according to the collective agreement for the public sector (TVöD Bund). The IPP seeks to increase the proportion of employed women in those areas where they are underrepresented and explicitly encourages women to apply for this position. The IPP is committed to employing more disabled individuals and especially encourages them to apply.

For information on data protection and the handling of your personal data please visit our website.

Are you currently interested?

Then we are looking forward to your complete online application until 23.10.2024.