Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik

Professions and careers



Max Planck Institute of Plasma Physics (IPP) at Garching and Greifswald is one of Europe’s leading fusion research centres. It is concerned with investigating a new source of energy, nuclear fusion, and is working out the physical principles for constructing a fusion power plant.

IPP offers an outgoing and stimulating international setting providing ambitious objectives calling for a high degree of responsibility and initiative in research, technology, tradesmanship and administration. Recruitment and training – both in the scientific sector and in ancillary professions – are major concerns of IPP.


Training in the scientific sector
IPP is dedicated to training outstanding young scientists, from providing student jobs, trainee student positions and practicals for undergraduates, then the allocation and supervision of diploma and PhD theses, to the presentation of comprehensive courses of graduate study with seminars, colloquia and study visits abroad and with support for lectureship theses.
  • IPP Summer University for Plasma Physics, a one-week vacation course for European undergraduates and graduates in physics, takes place annually.
  • IPP is involved in a European network providing in the context of the Erasmus Mundus Programme a two-year, multinational training programme for obtaining a European Master in Nuclear Fusion Science and Engineering Physics. This qualification is recognized in Belgium, France, Germany, Spain and Sweden.
  • IPP at Garching and Greifswald is one of the partners of the new International Doctoral College in Fusion Science and Engineering (Fusion DC), which has been approved under the auspices of Erasmus Mundus, the European programme to promote training schemes.
  • The „International Helmholtz Graduate School for Plasma Physics“ organised by IPP together with Technical University Munich and Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald offers a PhD course in plasma physics and fusion research in Garching and Greifswald.
  • IPP is a Member of the European Fusion Education Network (FUSENET) for coordinating training in fusion research and technology throughout Europe.


Apprenticeships
IPP endeavours to give young people a sound training through apprenticeships. Over 250 apprentices have hitherto successfully completed their training at IPP. At Garching IPP provides apprenticeships in

  • energy electronics, specializing in production technology
  • information technology, specializing in systems integration
  • administration.

IPP Greifswald provides apprenticeships in

  • industrial equipment productions
  • information technology
  • industrial electronics (one apprenticeship).