Research assistant/doctoral candidate (m/f/d)

The GSI Helmholtz Center for Heavy Ion Research in Darmstadt operates one of the world‘s leading particle accelerator facilities for scientific research. The new FAIR (Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) facility, one of the largest research projects worldwide, is currently being built in international cooperation. GSI and FAIR offer the opportunity to work in this international environment with a team of employees who are committed to conducting world‑class science on a daily basis.

We are looking for a new colleague to join our Superconducting Magnets & Testing (SCM) department as soon as possible.

Research assistant/doctoral candidate (m/f/d)
Development of HTS magnet systems
Part‑time (65%)

Reference number: 25.129-6352

Our project / Your tasks:

Currently, magnets based on normal‑conducting and low‑temperature superconductors are used at GSI and FAIR. Superconducting accelerator magnets based on high‑temperature superconductors (HTS) are key to future accelerator facilities in terms of both magnetic performance and power consumption. At the existing GSI HHT facility, for example, a normal‑conducting quadrupole magnet with a small aperture, which limits the performance of the facility, is to be replaced by a superconducting HTS system with a large aperture.

The goal is to develop such a novel HTS magnet system. The successful candidate will work on the electromagnetic design of the quadrupole magnets using HTS technology and write a doctoral thesis based on the project results.

The project will be carried out under the supervision of GSI experts and in collaboration with partners from industry and/or science. One or more of the following topics will be addressed on your initiative, while other topics will be addressed in collaboration:

• Electromagnetic design of the HTS magnets, including the design of a prototype coil;
• Construction of the HTS magnet: thermomechanical simulations, definition of instrumentation;
• Cryogenic engineering;
• Creation of manufacturing drawings for the magnet system;
• Manufacturing support for the coils and magnets;
• Testing of the prototype coil and magnet at both room temperature and under cryogenic conditions;
• Evaluation of magnet performance and documentation of test results;
• Creation of technical documentation;
• Coordination of technical trades, contact persons from other specialist departments, or cooperation partners.

Your profile:

• University degree (M.Sc./M.Eng.) in physics or engineering with a specialization in mechanical engineering, cryogenics, electrical engineering, or comparable;
• Structured approach to work with a high degree of initiative and motivation;
• Good teamwork and communication skills;
• Fluent written and spoken English, German skills are desirable;
• Ideally, experience in coordinating test activities;
• MS Office skills;

Experience in the field of superconducting magnet technology and relevant technical systems and disciplines is an advantage and will be given preference:

• CAD software: e.g., CATIA;
• FEM software: e.g., ANSYS for thermal and mechanical analyses;
• Cics (thermomechanics) and low‑temperature physics;
• (Superconducting) magnet technology: coil design, mechanical layout and design, cooling techniques, instrumentation, quench detection and magnet protection, electrical operation, electrical integrity (e.g., high‑voltage resistance).

We offer

you a varied, diverse, and challenging role with interesting and varied tasks. Teamwork and a willingness to pursue further training are essential for us. GSI also offers various options for balancing family and career, mobile working, occupational health management services, company social counseling services, personal training and qualification opportunities, a job ticket, supplementary pension benefits, additional company leisure time, and a company sports club called “Schnelle Ionen” (Fast Ions).

The position is limited to 3 years

The salary is based on the TVöD (Bund) collective agreement.

GSI promotes the professional development of women and welcomes women who feel particularly addressed by this job advertisement.

Severely disabled persons with equal qualifications will be given preference.

Further information about GSI and FAIR is available at www.gsi.de and www.fair-center.eu.

If you see the described field of activity as a personal challenge and are interested in working in an exceptional international, highly technical environment, please send your complete application documents, stating your earliest possible starting date and quoting reference number 25.129-6352, at the latest until 14.01.2026 via the online portal on our website:

Online-Application Portal

GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH
Abteilung Personalmanagement
Planckstraße 1
64291 Darmstadt