The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) is a government-funded research institute founded in November 2011 to drive the development of basic science in South Korea through large-scale, long-term, and group research. IBS operates Research Centers in mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, Earth science, and interdisciplinary sciences.

IBS invites applicants for the position of Associate Director who are senior-level researchers with high research potential and are able to run his/her own research group in collaboration with the directors within the Research Center.

1. Introduction of the research center

• The IBS Center for Relativistic Laser Science (CoReLS), lead by Prof. Kyung Taec Kim, invites applications for an associate director. CoReLS is located at the GIST campus in Gwangju, Korea. CoReLS develops world-class, cutting-edge laser technologies and conducts research on the generation and measurement of relativistic high-order harmonic attosecond pulses, as well as the development of stable particle (electron and proton) acceleration technologies. Using these technologies, we aim to experimentally realize strong-field quantum electrodynamics phenomena that occur in extreme conditions, such as collisions between relativistically accelerated particles and light particles (photons). We seek experimental control and measurement techniques for these phenomena, and provide theoretical interpretations in order to gain a fundamental understanding of the physical phenomena occurring in extreme environments.
  • - For more information, visit https://www.ibs.re.kr/corels/.

2. Job description

• - Associate directors will serve important roles in assisting the founding director to achieve the goal of the research center as well as directing his or her own research group within the center. The specific field of research solicited for the associate director is (i) PW-class high-power laser development.
• - Applicants should have a strong record of scholarly achievement at the national and international level, a significant record of securing external funding for interdisciplinary-based research, and evidence of leadership ability in his/her research field.
• - The candidates must have experience managing a large research program and staff within an academic institution (or equivalent agency responsible for research) and be able to articulate a strong vision to further the research and outreach programs in IBS.
• - The successful candidates should be able to acquire full professor-level positions at GIST.

3. Requirements for the position

• - The candidate must be able to commit themselves entirely in the long term to IBS research activities and engagement in for-profit business is prohibited.
• - The candidate must be able to manage his/her respective research groups in collaboration with the Director(s) within the Center
• - The candidate must be fluent enough with the relevant scientific and policy issues to be a highly credible representative of the Center among audiences ranging from the general public to the uppermost levels of scientists and policymakers. The position calls for vision, breadth, and good judgment; proven intellectual leadership skills; a keen sense of public policy, as well as demonstrated financial and staff management experience.

4. Offer

• - Authority to run his/her own research team.
• - Sizable independent research budget (the successful candidate may negotiate with the director of the Center to finalize the size of his/her research budget and how to set up his/her budget account if necessary).
• - Tenured or permanent position.

5. General Selection Procedure

• ① Recruitment of applicants by open invitation
• ② Selection of candidates for in-depth evaluation
• ③ Interview by in-depth evaluation panel
• ④ Decision by the Selection & Evaluation Committee (SEC) about the recommendation
• ⑤ Negotiation with Director
• ⑥ Appointment by IBS President

6. Application Submission

• - Fill out the application form in English and email it as a single PDF file to adapply@ibs.re.kr no later than 12 September, 2025 (KST).
• - E-mail title should include ‘Name of Applicant’ and ‘Name of Research Center’.
  • [Contact Information]
    • [Research Center]
      JiYeon Yeo, Operational Support Team of IBS Institute for Photon Science
      Email: jyyeo@ibs.re.kr
    • [Evaluation Process]
      KOH Hyungjoon, Research Evaluation Team
      Email: arhgudwns@ibs.re.kr
    • * For more information, please visit the IBS website (www.ibs.re.kr).

[Attachment1] Application Form for IBS Associate Director Position(2025) docx Download

[Attachment2] FAQ Associate Directorship(2025) docx Download