2025-4 Recruitment Announce for Senior ResearcherPositions at the Center for Exotic Nuclear Studies
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 Exotic Nuclear Studies (CENS) at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) invites applications for three Senior Researcher positions in nuclear physics. We seek creative, dynamic candidates who will lead independent and innovative research programs in low-energy nuclear physics. Successful applicants are expected to conduct experiments using rare isotope beams at world-leading facilities, including RAON (Korea), RIKEN (Japan), GANIL (France), and FRIB (United States).
While outstanding candidates in all areas of nuclear physics will be considered, preference will be given to candidates specializing in nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, fundamental symmetries, and nuclear applications. The selected candidates are expected to develop unique research programs integrating advanced instrumentation developed at CENS, such as ASGARD, AToM-X, IDATEN, and STARK, with beam experiments at RAON facility.
CENS currently comprises three experimental groups and one theoretical group, conducting research in nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, and nuclear reactions using stable and rare isotope accelerators overseas as well as the RAON facility in Korea. Additionally, the theoretical group pemeursues independent research while providing essential support for experimental activities. CENS is developing state-of-the-art detectors for research on structures and reactions of exotic nuclei, measurnt of nuclear reactions in explosive stellar events, discovery of new rare isotopes, and exotic nuclear physics experiments.
CENS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment and strongly encourages applications from women and individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups.
□ Overview
Overview
| No. |
Job Position |
Recruitment Area |
Required Qualifications |
Affiliation
(workplace) |
Number of openings |
| ① |
Senior
Researcher |
Experimental Nuclear Physics and Theoretical Nuclear Physics |
Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (in theoretical or experimental nuclear physics, nuclear astrophysics, or a related field) at the time of appointment (April 1, 2026,), and must submit proof of the degree before the actual appointment date.
|
BCenter for Exotic Nuclear Studies
(Daejeon, HQ) |
3 |
- ※ No applicants may be hired if there are no applicants deemed qualified during the screening process. Please refer to the job description (attached) for details such as job category, job duties, and preferences, etc.
□ Qualifications
- [General 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.
- ● Those who completed mandatory military service or exempt from such service, and permitted to travel abroad
※ The military service exemption positions(전문연구요원) are not eligible for this announcement.
- [Preferences]
- ● 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
※ Apply the highest additional points across all preferences.
- ● 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 |
Date (Plan) |
Detail |
| Application |
‘25.12.23.~
‘26.01.08 |
(How to apply)
-https://ibs.re.kr/prog/recruit/eng/sub04_01/list.do
-Except for the reference letters, application documents should be uploaded by clicking 'Apply' in the announcement.
(Required documents) Curriculum vitae (CV), List of publications, Research plan (1 page), Two reference letters or more*, Application for the IBS
* When the recommender's email address is entered into the system and "Send" is clicked, a recommendation request email will be sent automatically.
|
| Document Screening |
‘26.01.13.~01.15 |
(Evaluation criteria) Suitability for the position and for the field of work, excellence of the applicant’s research achievements, overall research activities, proposed research plan, etc.
Approximately 7 times the number of applicants than the number of vacancies will be selected for the interview in order of the highest scores with the minimum average score of 80. |
| Interview |
‘26.01.22.~01.27 |
(Evaluation criteria) Expertise in their field, attitude and communication skills, presentation skills, excellence of their research, development potential and prospect, etc.
Final candidates will be selected in order of the highest scores with the minimum average score of 80.
※ The procedure allows for a successful candidate and up to two additional waiting list candidates per opening in accordance with the scores
※ There can be additional required documents according to the situation at the center |
| Employment |
2026.04.01 |
If the selected candidate is unable to start by July 1, 2026, the appointment may be subject to cancellation.
Applicants who expect to obtain their doctoral degree after April 2, 2026, are not eligible to apply. |
- ※ Recruitment schedule is subject to change.
- ※ If an applicant requests an appointment earlier than the scheduled appointment date, eligibility shall be determined based on the actual date of appointment.
- ※ Reserve candidates may be selected within twice the number of positions available, and their eligibility will be valid for up to three months from the earlier of the scheduled appointment date or the final candidate’s start date.※ During the validity period of reserve candidates, appointment may be offered in the order of reserve ranking in the following cases:
- 1. If the final candidate declines the offer or is disqualified from appointment,
- 2. If a vacancy arises due to the early resignation of an appointed employee.
□ Required Documents
Required Documents
| Category |
Documents |
| To be submitted when applying |
(Application method)
▪ URL: https://ibs.re.kr/prog/recruit/eng/sub04_01/list.do
▪ (Application documents) CV, list of research achievements, research plan (1 page), at least two letters of recommendation*, consent form for collection and use of personal information, and application confirmation form.
※ Under the blind recruitment policy, personal information that could cause bias will not be provided to the selection committee.
▪ (If applicable) Scanned copy of certificates for persons with disabilities and/or national employment support eligible applicants.※ These certificates are used solely to verify eligibility and apply preferential treatment according to the recruitment announcement and will be processed under the blind recruitment policy throughout all screening stages.
|
| To be submitted only by successful interview candidates |
▪ Certificate of (expected) final academic degree or diploma.
※ In case of submission of an expected graduation certificate, an official graduation certificate must be submitted within one month after appointment.
▪ Official transcripts for all years of study from undergraduate level and above.
▪ Copy of professional certificates (if applicable).
▪ Certificate(s) of employment or work experience (if applicable).
▪ Medical check-up certificate.
▪ Certificate(s) for persons with disabilities and/or national employment support eligible applicants (if applicable).
▪ Resident registration abstract (including military service record), and resident registration certificate.▪ Certificate of family relations.
▪ Other documents required for appointment (to be separately notified if necessary).
|
□ Employment Conditions
Employment Conditions
| Category |
Contents |
| Workplace |
Center for Exotic Nuclear Studies (Daejeon, IBS HQ)
|
| Conditions |
▪ (Senior Researcher) Appointment is initially for a fixed term and renewable once, with a maximum total term of up to 5 years.
▪ (General) If the research group is terminated, employment will be maintained only until the end of the group’s activities. |
| Annual Salary |
▪ In accordance with internal regulations (Pay-band system applied).
|
| Employment date |
▪ Start date: April 1, 2026.
※ The start date can be negotiated; however, if unable to start by July 1, 2026, the appointment may be canceled.
※Applicants who expect to obtain their doctoral degree after April 2, 2026, are not eligible to apply.
※If an applicant requests an appointment earlier than the scheduled appointment date, eligibility shall be determined based on the actual date of appointment. |
□ Aplication Submission and Deadline
- 〇 URL: https://ibs.re.kr/prog/recruit/eng/sub04_01/list.do
- 〇 How to apply: Click "Apply" in the announcement to upload.
- - CV
- - List of publications
- - One page of research plan
- - Two reference letters or more*
- - Application for IBS (attached)
* References letters must be sent from the writers and any letters from the applicants will not be accepted. After entering the referee’s email address in the system and clicking "Send," a reference letter request email will be sent automatically.
* Only reference letters submitted within the deadline will be accepted.
- 〇 Deadline for application submission: January 8, 2026 (23:59) KST
□ Notes
- 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 referees’ information] and experience). However, personal information that can identify the applicant (e.g., gender and age) is still not collected
- 〇 CENS, 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 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: Recruiting Manager of CENS(E-mail : cens_recruit@ibs.re.kr)
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