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

Max Planck Society; Niedersachsen; Hybrid; EUR 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) in Göttingen invites applications for a Project Scientist (m/f/d) to lead a plasma spectrometer project for the ESA PMO. You will collaborate with international partners, define instrument concepts, model performance, and contribute to data analysis and publication.

The role requires a PhD in physics or space engineering, experience with plasma instrumentation, and willingness to travel internationally.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics or space engineering required or equivalent.
• Experience with plasma measurement techniques is essential.
• Strong understanding of space/plasma instrumentation and data analysis.
• Knowledge of Python and data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific project and serve as ESA contact.
• Contribute to plasma spectrometer design and modelling.
• Supervise spectrometer calibration and data analysis.
• Present results at conferences and publish in journals.

Skills

Python

Project management

Teamwork

International travel

English

Education

PhD in physics or space engineering

Tools

Ion optics simulation tools

Job description

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.

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.