Instrument Operations Scientist (f/m/d)

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 the Photospheric Magnetic field Imager PMI for the ESA Vigil mission, the institute is looking for an Instrument Operations Scientist (f/m/d).

Your tasks

As an instrument operations scientist, you will work as part of the operations team on the preparation of the infrastructure for commanding the PMI/Vigil instrument during ground tests and in-flight operations. You will work in close collaboration with the project team and external partners and support sub-system-level and end-to-end tests of the instrument. The latter includes definition and performance of instrument calibration activities, both on-ground and in-flight, as well as the preparation and application of calibration data products.

Your qualification

• University degree (PhD, Master's or equivalent), preferably in astrophysics, aerospace engineering, or a related discipline
• Skills in image and signal processing, Knowledge of astrophysical telescopes, and the ability to understand complex optical systems
• Background in astrophysical and spectro-polarimetric research
• Basic knowledge of operating space instruments
• Good communication skills
• Fluency in English

Advantageous would be

• Experience with ESA projects in the commissioning or operations phase
• Good knowledge of German

Additional Information

• The advertised position is initially limited to 2 years and should be filled as soon as possible.
• The position is rated in acccordance to public service act (TVöDBund) as EG 13.
• The social benefits correspond to the regulations for the public service (federal government).
• We offer you a varied and interesting range of tasks in an international scientific working environment, as well as opportunities for professional development. In addition, we offer you opportunities to reconcile work and family life as well as health promotion programmes.
• Application deadline is June 05, 2026.

We look forward to receiving your informative application documents (cover letter, resume, diploma, and, if available, employment reference letters). Please submit these via our digital application portal. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact J. Hirzberger (hirzberger@mps.mpg.de, +49 551 384 979-409).

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.