2025-1 Recruitment Announce for Research and Postdoctoral Research Associate Positions
at the Center for Trapped Ion Quantum Science
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 Trapped Ion Quantum Science will officially launch in December 2025, with the mission to develop state-of-the-art trapped-ion systems and apply them to quantum computing, quantum simulation, and other core areas of quantum information science through experimental research.
Our work is based on precisely controlling the quantum states of ions trapped in oscillating electric fields using lasers. By systematically scaling up the size of quantum systems, we aim to push the frontiers of the quantum world, tackle previously intractable or purely theoretical problems, and open new horizons in quantum technologies.
We are seeking creative and dynamic researchers with diverse expertise in atomic physics, optics, vacuum systems, control electronics, and programming, as outlined below.
□ Recruitment Area and Openings
Recruitment Area and Openings
No |
Job Position |
Recruitment Area |
Required Qualifications |
Affiliation
(workplace) |
No. of
Openings |
① |
Senior Researcher |
Trapped-ion experiments, quantum information science, laser and optics system development |
-Degree : Doctoral degree(must be obtained by expected appointment start date(January 1, 2026))
-Field of Expertise : Physics (including Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics), or related fields in science and engineering such as laser systems, optics, electronic instrumentation and control, precision measurement, vacuum systems, and programming |
Center for Trapped Ion Quantum Science
(Daejeon, HQ) |
1 |
② |
Researcher |
-Degree : Bachelor degree or above (must be obtained by expected appointment start date(January 1, 2026))
-Field of Expertise : Physics (including Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics), or related fields in science and engineering such as laser systems, optics, electronic instrumentation and control, precision measurement, vacuum systems, and programming |
1 |
② |
Postdoctoral Research Associate |
- Degree : Doctoral degree (Those who do not exceed 5 years after obtaining doctoral degree, or those who are expected to obtain a doctoral degree within 3 months from the expected appointment start date(January 1, 2026))
-Field of Expertise : Physics (including Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics), or related fields in science and engineering such as laser systems, optics, electronic instrumentation and control, precision measurement, vacuum systems, and programming |
4 |
Total |
6 |
※ 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 April 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
Screening Process
Category |
Schedule (Expected) |
Detail |
Step 1
(Document screening) |
Oct. 21 ~
Oct. 22,
2025 |
∘ Review items: Suitability for the position and for the field of work, Excellence of the applicant’s research achievements, Overall research activities, Proposed research plan, etc.
∘ Eligibility: Applicants who have met the required qualification
∘ Select up to seven times(Postdoctoral Research Associate : five times) the number of candidates than open positions for the next screening step. Select applicants with the highest average scores (minimum average score: 80). |
Step 2
(Interview screening) |
Nov. 03 ~
Nov. 05,
2025 |
∘ Review items: Excellence in their field, Attitude and communication skills, Presentation skills and excellence of their research, Development potential and prospect, etc.
∘ Eligibility: Applicants who pass the document screening
∘ Select the final candidates with the highest average scores (minimum average score: 80) within the number of openings
※ Select up to two times the number of candidates than open positions for the waiting list.
※ When the applicants are not competent enough, the IBS may select the final candidates less than the number of openings.
※ The result will be sent by e-mail. |
Appoint
ment |
Jan. 1,
2026 |
∘ The appointment date is negotiable for successful candidates.
※ However, the appointment offer may be withdrawn if the successful candidates cannot make it until April. 1, 2026. |
- ※ 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
Required Documents
Category |
Detail |
Step 1
(Document screening)
|
∘ (Common) CV, Consent form & Application for IBS(Attached)(Senior Researcher, Postdoctoral Research Associate) list of publications, Summary of research achievements and statement of research direction of interest(1 page), At least 2 letters of recommendation*(Researcher) Summary of research achievements and statement of research direction of interest(1 page), At least 1 letter of recommendation*
* References letters must be sent to ctiqs_recruit@ibs.re.kr from the writers and any letters from the applicants will not be accepted.
[Optional] Supporting documents for persons with disabilities or eligible for veterans’ benefit (if applicable)
※ The pertaining documents will only be used to confirm the pertaining qualification. Blind hiring process will be implemented.
|
Step 2
(Interview screening) |
※ There can be additional required documents according to the situation at the center
|
□ Term of Employment Contract
- 〇 (Senior researcher, Researcher) The appointment is one-time renewable up to 5 years in total contingent upon the outstanding performance of the researcher.
- 〇 (Postdoctoral Research Associate) Employment can be renewed only once and the total appointed term is up to 3 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 (ctiqs_recruit@ibs.re.kr)
- 〇 Open and closing dates: Oct. 01(Wed), 2025 ~ Oct. 16(Thu), 2025 (Until 24:00 KST)
- 〇 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.
- 〇 Required documents
(Common) CV, Consent form & Application for IBS(Attached)
(Senior Researcher, Postdoctoral Research Associate) list of publications, Summary of research achievements and statement of research direction of interest(1 page), At least 2 letters of recommendation*
(Researcher) Summary of research achievements and statement of research direction of interest(1 page), At least 1 letter of recommendation*
* References letters must be sent to ctiqs_recruit@ibs.re.kr from the writers and any letters from the applicants will not be accepted.
□ Other 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: ctiqs_recruit@ibs.re.kr
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