2025-1 Recruitment Announce for Research and Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions at the Center for Microbiome-Body-Brain Physiology

The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) is a national research institute established in accordance with Article 14 of the Special Act on Establishment of and Support for International Science and Business Belt. IBS aims to advance the frontiers of knowledge and drive the development of future technologies through world-class basic science research.

The Center for Microbiome-Body-Brain Physiology Studies is scheduled to be established in December 2025. The Center aims to elucidate how specific nutrients are detected by interoceptive sensors in the gut, how this information is transmitted to the brain via the gut-brain axis, and how it drives appropriate behavioral responses. We also focus on the gut microbiome, which senses and metabolizes nutrients, provides essential metabolites, and plays a pivotal role in influencing, and being influenced by, host appetite. Ultimately, our goal is to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which microbes interact with the body-brain axis.

The Center for Microbiome-Body-Brain Physiology Studies is seeking creative and motivated researchers to join us in advancing microbiome–gut–brain axis research.

□ Recruitment Area and Openings

※ Please note that applications can be submitted to ONLY ONE recruitment area.
※When the applicants are not competent enough, the IBS may select the final candidates less than the number of openings. Please refer to the job description (attached) for details such as job category, job duties, etc.
※The appointment date is negotiable for successful candidates, however the appointment offer may be withdrawn if successful candidates cannot make it to the starting date by March 1, 2026.

□ Qualifications and Preferences

• [Required qualifications]
• ▪ Must be in compliance with the requirements for appointments as specified in Article 33 of the State Public Officials Act and IBS statutes.
• ▪ If candidates are found to be former public officials dismissed for corruption as set forth in Article 82 of the Act on the Prevention of Corruption and the Establishment of the Anti-corruption and Civil Rights Commission, the job offer will be withdrawn.
  
• ▪ Must have no restrictions traveling overseas. Korean applicants must have completed or be exempted from compulsory military service.
  
• ▪ Must meet the requirements by the end of the application deadline.
• [Preferred qualifications]
• ▪ Individuals with disabilities as defined in Articles 3 and 4 of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Employment Promotion and Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, or individuals eligible for employment assistance as defined in Article 29 of the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons, Etc. of Distinguished Service to the State (additional points will be given during the screening/evaluation process)
  - 5 additional points for those who submit the certificate of disabilities
  - 5-10 additional points for those who submit the certificate of employment protection for the national war veteran
  
• ▪ Women in science, engineering and technology as defined in Article 2 of the Act on Fostering and Supporting Women Scientists and Technicians

□ Screening Process

• ※ The interview can be conducted in video interview according to the research center’s circumstances.
  ※ The schedule above may be subject to change according to the research center’s circumstances.
  ※ There can be additional required documents for successful candidates.
  ※ In case the final successful candidate cannot be appointed due to withdrawal or disqualification, appointments can be made in accordance with the ranking of potential successful candidates. However, the effective period of the potential successful candidate is limited to a maximum of 3 months from the earlier of either the expected appointment date or the appointment date of the original successful candidate.

□ Required Documents

□ Term of Employment Contract

(Senior researcher) The appointment is one-time renewable up to 5 years in total contingent upon the outstanding performance of the researcher.
(Postdoctoral Research Associate) Employment can be renewed only once and the total appointed term is up to 3 years.
(Research Engineering) Employment is guaranteed until their Center closes after passing a review, which takes place before the end of the initial employment of 2 years (renewal every 2 years).

※ In case of the Center’s closure during employment, the employment contract will be terminated accordingly.

□ Application Submission and Deadline

• 〇 How to apply: E-mail (osrc@ibs.re.kr)
  • - E-mail Title : [2025-1 CMBBP-Job no.-position name] YYY←Applicant’ s name
    e.g., [2025-1 CMBBP-①-Senior Researcher] Tom
            [2025-1 CMBBP-②-Postdoctoral Research Associate] Mike
            [2025-1 CMBBP-③-Research Engineering] Jane
    - Open and closing dates: Sep. 29(MON), 2025 ~ Oct. 14(TUE), 2025 (Until 24:00 KST)
    - Please kindly note that if your application misses to submit a part of required documents including recommendation letters by the deadline, your application shall not be accepted.
    - Required documents
    (Common) CV, Consent form & Application for IBS(Attached)
    (Senior Researcher, Postdoctoral Research Associate) list of publications, Research statement(1 page), At least 2 letters of recommendation*
    (Research Engineering) letters of recommendation(Optional)*
    *References letters must be sent to osrc@ibs.re.kr from the writers and any letters from the applicants will not be accepted.

□ Ohter Information

• 〇 The revised guidelines of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (revision on 3 Nov. 2022, implementation on 1 Jan. 2023) have allowed a flexible application of the blind hiring policy to secure excellent researchers, thereby broadening the scope of information to be collected (e.g., academic background, schools, period spent on obtaining degrees, reference letters [including the information of recommenders] and experience). However, personal information that can identify the applicant (e.g., gender and age) is still not collected.
• 〇 IBS is an Equal Opportunity or Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Any biased information will not be provided to committees at all.
• 〇 Applicants will be fully responsible for any consequences of making mistakes, missing information or not submitting required documentation in their applications. If any information is found to be incorrect or false, the job offer will be withdrawn.
• 〇 Submitted documents may be returned when a request is made within three months from the announcement of the final result in accordance with Article 4 of the Enforcement Decree of the Fair Hiring Procedure Act.
• 〇 If candidates are disqualified due to a background check or a physical examination result, the job offer will be withdrawn.
• 〇 If candidates are found to be former public officials dismissed for corruption as set forth in Article 82 of the Act on the Prevention of Corruption and the Establishment of the Anti-corruption and Civil Rights Commission, the job offer will be withdrawn.
• 〇 No applicants may be hired if there are no applicants deemed qualified during the screening process.
• 〇 If hired, the job category/grade and annual salary will be determined in accordance with IBS rules and regulations.
• 〇 Inquiries: osrc@ibs.re.kr