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.