Project Scientist (m/f/d) | Development of a plasma spectrometer

Project Scientist (m/f/d) | Development of a plasma spectrometer
Scientist
Göttingen
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Job Code: Planeten: Project Scientist-Krupp-10/26
Job Offer from October 14, 2026
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 development of a plasma spectrometer to be flown on the ESA M7-Mission "Plasma Observatory" PMO, the institute is looking for a
Project Scientist (m/f/d)
.
This position is subject to financing that has not yet been confirmed. As a project scientist, you will work as part of an international team on the definition and development of a scientific space instrument in close contact with the project team and external partners at home and abroad.
The position
Scientific project lead and contact person to ESA
Contribute to plasma spectrometer design
Modelling of plasma spectrometer performance
Supervision of plasma spectrometer calibration
Analyse, display, and interpret plasma spectrometer data from previous multi-spacecraft missions in the Earth Magnetosphere – relevant for PMO science
Perform and interpret MHD and hybrid simulation runs at the boundaries of the Earth magnetosphere specifically designed for the trajectories of the seven PMO spacecraft
Develop and implement data analysis tools for plasma spectrometer data
Present scientific results at international conferences, team meetings, project-related meetings, and publish in refereed journals
Your qualification
University degree (PhD) in physics or space engineering
Knowledge in plasma measurement techniques
Strong understanding of relevant physical concepts and state-of-the-art space/plasma instrumentation
Knowledge of common programming tools (Python, etc.)
Knowledge of ion optics simulation tools
Strong skills in management and organisation
Ability to work in a structured manner and to document the work
Willingness to travel internationally
Good knowledge of English
You should have
High motivation, problem-solving attitude, be a continuous learner, and a team player
Background knowledge in geophysics, plasma physics or astrophysics
Experience in experimental physics
Experience in managing smaller projects
Experience in space projects (ESA, NASA, etc.) is an advantage
Additional Information
The full-time position can be filled starting 4 Jan 2027 or later. Employment is initially limited in time until the end of 2030, with a possible extension if the project will be continued and if funding will be available
The position is rated in accordance with the Public Service Act (TVöDBund) as 13
Temporary teleworking can be negotiated
Social security benefits are in accordance with the public service regulations
The end date for the application is 30 October 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, references, certificates). 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. Norbert 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.