Astrophysiker/in, Astronom/in

The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Göttingen is one of the world's leading research institutions in the fields of solar physics and planetary research, with approximately 300 employees. The interdisciplinary research focus lies in the investigation of the development, diversity, and dynamics of planets, moons, small bodies, the sun, and solar-like stars. MPS develops and operates scientific instruments for current and future space missions (e.g., ESA, NASA) and conducts cosmochemical laboratory investigations of meteorites as well as numerical modeling on state-of-the-art supercomputers.

For the data analysis of two plasma spectrometers for the ESA/JAXA project "BepiColombo" the institute is looking for a

Plasma Scientist (m/f/d)

Your Tasks

• Monitor, analyse, display, and interpret plasma spectrometer data on a daily basis in the orbital phase of the BepiColombo mission at Mercury
• Present the scientific results at international conferences, team meetings, project-related meetings, and publish in refereed scientific journals
• Modify existing data analysis tools and implement new tools to interpret the data
• Convert existing tools to Python and document the software usage
• Support the data archiving for the PSA system of ESA
• Support the modelling of the Mercury plasma environment
• Engage in public outreach

Your Qualification

• University degree (PhD) in physics, space engineering or related field
• Knowledge in plasma measurement techniques
• Knowledge of common programming tools (Python, IDL, etc.)
• Strong physical and technical understanding
• Ability to work in a structured manner and to document the work
• Willingness to travel internationally
• Good knowledge of English
• Publication record in the field of plasma/charged particles in space

You should have

• High motivation, problem solving attitude, be a continuous learner, and team player • Profound background knowledge in plasma physics or astrophysics • Profound mathematical and computing skills • Experience in data analysis of charged particle data in planetary magnetospheres or other plasma environments • Experience in using SPICE kernels, AI applications are of advantage • Experience in space projects (ESA, JAXA, NASA, etc.) is of advantage

Our Offer

• Comprehensive onboarding, professional development and further training opportunities
• Diverse and varied tasks in an international work environment
• Remuneration according to TVöDBund, based on qualifications and experience, annual bonus and additional pension scheme (VBL)
• 30 days of vacation plus 4 additional days off
• Full-time and part-time employment; flexible working time and possibility of mobile work
• Collaboration with local bilingual Montessori child care center
• Good public transport connection
• Corporate health management

Additional Information

• The full-time position can be filled starting 1 September 2026 or later. Employment is initially limited in time until end of 2028 with a possible extension if the mission will be extended
• The position is rated in acccordance to public service act (TVöD-Bund) as EG 13
• Temporary teleworking can be negotiated
• Social security benefits are in accordance with the public service regulations
• End date for application is 15 July 2026

As a scientific institution, the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research offers an attractive international and sophisticated environment with the possibility of implementing one's own ideas and concepts. Moreover, we offer opportunities to reconcile work and family as well as health promotion.

We look forward to receiving your informative application documents (cover letter, CV, certificates, training and employers' references (if available)). Please submit these via the digital application portal (https://www.mps.mpg.de/career/jobs). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Krupp (krupp@mps.mpg.de).

The Max Planck Society endeavours to achieve gender equality and diversity. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply. The Max Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals.

Unsere Stellenausschreibungen richten sich stets an alle berufsfähigen Menschen, unabhängig von Alter, Geschlecht, Herkunft, sexueller Orientierung, Behinderung, Religion und Weltanschauung etc. Die Bewerberauswahl erfolgt ausschließlich qualifikationsorientiert. Irrtümer in den Angaben und der Schreibweise vorbehalten.