Yes. Successful candidates are required to conduct research full-time at IBS in principle. Thus, they must take a leave of absence, work on secondment, or resign from their posts upon appointment as a YSF. In addition, YSFs are not allowed to participate in other research projects (e.g. Sejong Science Fellowship, Young Researcher Program of the National Research Foundation), since 100% participation in their YSF research projects is required. However, YSFs are allowed to apply for other projects during their employment term as a YSF only when the termination of their YSF research project is confirmed.

For HQ and Campus Centers, selected candidates will be appointed as Young Scientist Fellows (YSFs). Although YSFs are affiliated with their Center, they operate a separate account for their research budget. If candidates are selected as YSFs at Extramural Centers, it is a prerequisite to sign a separate employment contract with the host institution where their Center is located. Support will initially be provided for three years and may be extended for another two years depending on their performance review results. However, when IBS researchers are selected as YSFs of their Center, they can perform research up to three years.

IBS researchers will be appointed as Young Scientist Fellows (YSFs) and receive support for up to three years.

Depending on the research field, a YSF receives an annual budget ranging from KRW 150 to 300 million*, which includes the labor costs for the YSF and all members of his/her research group (e.g., researchers, technicians).

* In general, up to KRW 150 million for theoretical fields and up to KRW 300 million for experimental fields are provided. The characteristics of the research field (theoretical or experimental) will be examined during the interview and the size of research budget will be decided by the IBS Research Review Committee.

An annual salary for a YSF is determined in accordance with the YSF pay band based on both his/her postdoctoral research experience and his/her year in the Fellowship. However, when IBS researchers are selected as YSFs of their Center, and their current salary is higher than the upper limit of the YSF pay band, it is allowed to maintain such researchers’ current salary but not allowed to give them a raise during the Fellowship term.

No. Applicants can propose any research topic in principle.

YSFs can organize a small research group within the given budget. Although YSFs can autonomously select their group members, final approval from their director is required for appointment and other personnel-related matters. However, YSFs of Extramural Centers should follow the regulations of their host institution in principle.

In principle, YSFs and their Center arrange research space within their Center through mutual consultations.

YSFs should work at the Center that they applied. Successful candidates from abroad should physically relocate to Korea before their appointment as a YSF.

No. However, one-way airfare will be provided to successful candidates who are residing overseas.