Scientific Research Associate - Support and leadership of an e...

Scientific Research Associate - Support and leadership of an experimental project in the field of laser and plasma physics

The Institute of Fusion Energy and Nuclear Waste Management – Plasma Physics (IFN-1) conducts research and development programs on selected problems in high-temperature plasma physics, as well as materials research for fusion devices, as part of the national fusion program of the Helmholtz Association and the EUROfusion consortium. It also works on issues relating to the preparation of the scientific operations of the new large-scale experiments, ITER and W7-X. Both the scientific tasks and the project work are aimed at developing a new primary energy source for electricity generation. Among other things, IFN-1 carries out development, planning and design work to enable the respective experimental programs of the Institute of Plasma Physics and large-scale experiments such as W7-X, ASDEX and ITER by constructing unique diagnostic instruments that are not commercially available. This is organized in project form and typically extends over several years each. – [https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/ifn/ifn-1/forschung/lineare-plasma-anlagen](https://www.fz-juelich.de/de/ifn/ifn-1/forschung/lineare-plasma-anlagen)

Your Job

We are looking for a motivated scientific research associate to support and lead an experimental project in the field of laser and plasma physics. The focus is on the setup and commissioning of experiments with a linear plasma device. The project includes work in a regulated radiation area (controlled area/hot cell), although the main emphasis of the work is on technical setup and preparation outside the cells.

• Experimental setup: Planning, design and execution of experiments using a new linear plasma device

• Laser physics & diagnostics: Adaptation and integration of existing laser methods to the specific boundary conditions of the linear plasma device as well as to the structural and safety-related conditions of the hot cell

• Project management: Coordination of experimental work steps, scheduling, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams and external service providers for the interior fit-out of the cell

• Work in the radiation area: Support for the installation and relocation of the plasma device into the hot cell. This includes participation in work in the controlled area (radiation protection), although the majority of preparatory and analytical work takes place outside the cells

Your Profile

• Completed degree in physics, engineering or a comparable field (master's or doctorate)

• Strong affinity for building experimental physics facilities and an understanding of the challenges of working in enclosed radiation areas (hot cells)

• Experience in planning and coordinating scientific projects

• Fundamental knowledge of laser or plasma physics is expressly desired but is not a mandatory requirement

• German: Level B1 is mandatory for safety-relevant communication, understanding radiation protection instructions, and communication in the controlled area (ideally supported by a certificate according to the [CEFR](https://go.fzj.de/languagerequirements))

• English: Good knowledge in speaking and writing (working and scientific language)

• Independent, structured way of working, a strong sense of responsibility and a pronounced safety culture

• Willingness and aptitude to work with radioactive samples in a controlled area

Our Benefits for You

• Meaningful tasks: The position offers responsible tasks at the interface between science, administration, business, and politics

• Vacation: You receive 30 days of vacation (depending on the chosen working time model) plus additional days off (e.g. between Christmas and New Year's)

• Flexibility: Flexible working hours in full-time with 39 hours per week allow you to to organize your working time individually

• Knowledge & further training: Your professional development is important to us – we provide targeted, individual support for development

• Health & well-being: Your health is important to us. You can look forward to a comprehensive company health management programme with a wide range of options, including a beach volleyball court, running groups, yoga classes and much more. In addition, our company medical service and an experienced social counselling team are available to assist you on site

• Fair remuneration: Depending on your existing qualifications and the tasks assigned to you, you will be classified in pay grade 13 of the TVöD-Bund (Collective Agreement for the Public Service). All information on the TVöD-Bund collective agreement can be found on the[BMI website](https://go.fzj.de/bmi.tvoed). The monthly salaries in euros can be found on page 74 of the PDF download

• Additional benefits: Benefit from attractive additional benefits such as an occupational pension plan with employer contribution; in addition to the base salary, there is an annual special payment as well as capital-forming benefits

• Perspective: After a 2-year fixed-term contract, our goal is to hire you on a permanent basis. Let's use this time to find out how well we fit together

• Support for international employees: Our International Advisory Service makes it easier for international employees to get started

In addition to exciting tasks and a collegial working environment, we offer you much more: [https://go.fzj.de/benefits](https://go.fzj.de/benefits)

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.

The following links provide further information on diversity and equal opportunities: [https://go.fzj.de/equality](https://go.fzj.de/equality) and on specific support options for women: [https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey](https://go.fzj.de/womens-job-journey). International applicants can find more information here: [https://go.fzj.de/job-journey-internationals](https://go.fzj.de/job-journey-internationals)

Place of Employment:Jülich

Start Date: To the next possible date

Working Hours: 39 Hours / Week

Salary: EG 13 TVöD-Bund

Application Deadline: 2026-12-07

Index number: 2026T-0849

[Application Process](https://go.fzj.de/ApplicationInformation) [FAQ](https://go.fzj.de/FAQ_eng) [Contact form](mailto:karriere@fz-juelich.de?subject=Query%20about%202026T-0849%20Scientific%20Research%20Associate%20-%20Support%20and%20leadership%20of%20an%20experimental%20project%20in%20the%20field%20of%20laser%20and%20plasma%20physics)

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