To support our Plasma Radiation Technology department at our Greifswald site at the earliest possible date, we are loooking for a
Scientist (f/m/d) High-voltage vacuum switch
limited to 3 years / Weekly working time 40 hours / Remuneration according to TV-L wage group 13 (gross salary range depending on professional experience, see renumeration table 2026)
OUR INSTITUTE
ranks among the largest and most modern institutions in the field of low-temperature plasmas worldwide. In an international working environment, we conduct socially relevant research within our core areas Agriculture/ Bioeconomy & Environment, Plasma Medicine, Surfaces & Materials, Process- & Energy Technology and Smart Data Technologies. Currently, the INP employs about 200 scientists and staff at three locations (Greifswald, Rostock, and Karlsburg).
For further information, please visit our website at
www.leibniz-inp.de
.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
* Research for the replacement of environmentally harmful SF₆-filled gas-insulated circuit-breakers for high-voltage applications with vacuum circuit-breakers in series;
* Analysis of phenomena in the vacuum arc at large contact gaps, whose clear polarity dependence remains unexplained and is of high relevance for practical application;
* Development of measurement setups on vacuum model switches using electrical measurements, high-speed imaging and methods of optical emission spectroscopy;
* Measurement and analysis of high-resolution spectra and determination of species densities in temporal and spatial resolution using spectral simulations;
* Close cooperation with the partner elenia at the Technical University of Braunschweig in the frame of a project funded by the German Science Foundation, including the conduct of joint measurement campaigns;
* Publication of the results at international conferences and in scientific journals.
YOUR PROFILE:
* A successfully completed degree in electrical engineering, physics or a comparable field, including, where applicable, courses in high-voltage engineering, plasma physics or vacuum technology
* An interest in and initial expertise in experimental research, including electrical and optical measurement techniques, and, where applicable, initial experience with spectroscopic methods
* Experience in using and developing software tools for data analysis, for example using Python, Matlab or LabVIEW
* Good written and spoken English
* A committed and independent approach to work, good communication skills and a passion for teamwork are essential
OUR OFFER FOR YOU:
* Compensation according to collective salary agreement of Länder (TV-L) including employer contributions to medical and dental insurance, maternity leave and retirement benefits
* Creative working environment
* State-of-the-art technical facilities
* Networking opportunities at national and international conferences
* Cooperation with science and industry
* Opportunities for external training
* Opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at the University of Rostock's high-voltage and high-current engineering faculty
* Flexible working hours and and possibility of home-office days
* Family's office
* In-house German course free of charge
* 30 vacation days per year (plus: December 24 and 31)
* Online Sports courses ("Moving break") and internal sport groups
* Lounge with well-equipped kitchen for all employees
HOW TO APPLY
Please apply with the standard documents (cover letter, CV, copies of academic degrees, and letters of reference) noting the keyword "0606 Scientist High-voltage vacuum switch"- preferably via our online application form - until 17th May, 2026.
Your performance and personality matter regardless of your age, origin, gender, sexual identity, disability, or ideology. We look forward to receiving your applications!
The INP wants equal participation of men and women, especially in science. There are many good reasons why it is worthwhile to promote the potential of women specifically. Qualified women candidates are explicitly called to apply. Handicapped applicants will be preferred in case of equal qualifications.
CONTACT:
For further information, please do not hesitate to contact Prof. Dirk Uhrlandt (phone: 03834 554461, e-mail: uhrlandt@inp-greifswald.de).
Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology (INP) | Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 2 | 17489 Greifswald
www.inp-greifswald.de