2026-1 LSI Recruitment Announcement

The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) is a national research institute established under Article 14 of the Special Act on the Creation and Support of the International Science and Business Belt, with the goal of securing creative knowledge and core technologies through world-class basic science research.

The Life Science Research Cluster consists of three research centers in the life sciences field: the Center for Center for Memory and Glioscience, the Center for Genome Engineering, and the Center for Biomolecular and Cellular Structure.

The Center for Memory and Glioscience (CMG), led by Directors C. Justin Lee and Bong-Kiun Kang, comprises 10 research teams and more than 150 researchers, providing a world-class research environment. The center conducts research on brain function related to cognition and sociality and studies the mechanisms of degenerative brain diseases and the development of treatments through brain research spanning molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. The center uses multidisciplinary approaches, including genetics, behavioral genetics, electrophysiology, optogenetics, sonogenetics, bioimaging, neural dynamics through EEG, synthetic biology, and glycobiology.

The Center for Genome Engineering (CGE), led by Director Bon-Kyung Koo, comprises 8 research teams and more than 55 researchers, maintaining a world-class research environment. The center develops and optimizes gene-editing tools to discover novel proteins and conducts research on gene editing in cells and multicellular organisms, as well as in vivo and in vitro genetic engineering using adult stem cell–based organoids and mouse models.

The Center for Biomolecular and Cellular Structure, led by CI Jaesung Woo, consists of the Biomolecular Sociology Group and conducts research on the structural elucidation of cells and biomolecules using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and single-particle cryo-EM analysis to investigate protein structures and molecular mechanisms. We invite creative and dynamic individuals to join us in achieving the research goals of the Life Science Research Cluster.

• ((CMG: https://www.ibs.re.kr/ccs/)
• ((CGE: https://www.ibs.re.kr/cge/)
• (BCS: https://ibs.re.kr/kor/sub02_06_06.do)

□ Recruitment Fields and Positions

Recruitment Fields and Positions

No.	Position	Field	Qualifications	Workplace	Number of openings
(1)	Postdoctoral research associate	Neurobiology	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.3.1) or expected within 3 months - Major: Brain engineering, neuroscience, electrical/computer engineering	Headquarters (Daejeon), Center for Memory and Glioscience (Cognition and Glia Science Group) _(1)~(6)	2
(2)	Researcher	Neurophysiology	▪ Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field by expected appointment date(‘26.3.1) - Major Life sciences, molecular biology, neuroscience		1
(3)	Researcher	Researches on Astrocytes in Brain and Cognition Development	▪ Qualifications - Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field by expected appointment date(‘26.3.1) - Major: Life Sciences, Neuroscience, or related fields		1
(4)	Researcher	Computational neuroscience and related areas	▪ Qualifications - Degree: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field by expected appointment date(‘26.3.1) - Major: Neuroscience or related quantitative fields (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.)		1
(5)	Postdoctoral research associate	Computational neuroscience and related areas	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.3.1) or expected within 3 months - Major: Neuroscience or related quantitative fields (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.)		1
(6)	Senior Researcher	Computational neuroscience and related areas	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD by expect ed appointment date(‘26.3.1) - Major: Neuroscience or related quantitative fields (Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.)		1
(7)	Postdoctoral research associate	Molecular Neurobiology	Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.3.1) or expected within 3 months - Major : Neuroscience, mouse behavioral genetics	Headquarters (Daejeon), Center for Memory and Glioscience (Learning and Memory Group) _(7)~(13)	2
(8)	Postdoctoral research associate	Neuroinformatics / AI Neuroscience	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.3.1) or expected within 3 months - Major: Bioinformatics, protein structure analysis, AI-based research		1
(9)	Postdoctoral research associate	Neurobiochemistry	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.3.1) or expected within 3 months - Major: Molecular neurobiology		1
(10)	Postdoctoral research associate	Neurophysiology	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.3.1) or expected within 3 months 1 - Major : Relevant field (Two-photon/confocal microscopy, electrophysiology, animal behavioral experiments)		1
(11)	Postdoctoral research associate	Neurophysiology	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.3.1) or expected within 3 months - Major: Neurophysiology, mouse behavioral genetics		1
(12)	Researcher	Learning and Memory	▪ Qualifications - Degree: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field by expected appointment date(‘26.3.1) - Major : Life Science ▪ Preferred - Experience in brain science research at universities or research institutes		1
(13)	Research Engineer	Protein, Nucleic Acid, Virus Purification and Synthesis	▪ Qualifications - Degree: Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field by expected appointment date(‘26.4.1) - Major: Basic science, life sciences, neuroscience		1
(14)	Postdoctoral research associate	Biochemistry, Cell Biology	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.3.1) or expected within 3 months - Major : Biochemistry, Cell Biology	Headquarters (Daejeon), Center for Genome Engineering _(14)~(16)	1
(15)	Postdoctoral research associate	Mouse Genetics, Imaging, Organoids	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.3.1) or expected within 3 months - Major: Cancer biology, aging biolog		1
(16)	Research Fellow	Genetic Engineering in Plants or Animals	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD by expected appointment date(‘26.4.1) - Major: Cancer biology, aging biology, or related fields		1
Total					18

※ Applicants may apply to only one job category (field); multiple or duplicate applications are not allowed.

□ General Qualifications and Preferences

• [Qualifications]
• - No disqualifications under Article 33 of the National Public Officials Act or IBS regulations
• - Not applicable under Article 82 of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Act
• - No restrictions on overseas travel; male applicants must have completed or be exempt from military service (including eligibility for alternative service positions)
• - Must meet all qualification requirements by the application deadline


• [Preferences]
• - Applicants with disabilities (as defined in related legislation) and eligible veterans receive additional points (5 or 10 points depending on category)
• - Female scientists (as defined in related legislation) are encouraged to apply

□ Recruitment Process

Application Period: 2025.12.31~2026.1.15

• - Submit application materials by email (lsi@ibs.re.kr): CV, publication list, consent forms , Applicant Information summary

Document Screening: 2026.1.16.~1.21

• - Evaluation: relevance to field, excellence of research, capabilities, potential
• - Selection: Top candidates scoring ≥80 points, up to 7× positions (5× for postdocs)

Interview: 2026.1.22~1.28

• - Evaluation: expertise, presentation, problem-solving, potential

Appointment: From 2026.1.29

• - Expected appointment dates:
  (13) Research Engineer and (16) Research Fellow: April 1, 2026 (negotiable until July 1, 2026)
  (1)~(12), (14)~(15) : March 1, 2026 (negotiable until June 1, 2026)

• ※ The above schedule is subject to change depending on institutional circumstances.
• ※ A reserve (alternate) candidate list may be established within up to twice the number of positions to be filled. The validity of reserve candidates shall be limited to three (3) months from the earlier of either the scheduled appointment date or the actual appointment date of the final successful candidate.
• ※ During the validity period of the reserve candidate list, appointment may be made in order of ranking in the event that (1) a final successful candidate declines the offer or is found to be ineligible for appointment, or (2) a vacancy arises due to the early resignation of an appointed employee.

□ Required Documents

At Application:

• - CV, publication list, consent forms, Applicant Information summary (mandatory)
• - Disability/veteran certificates (optional)

After Interview (Finalists Only):

• - Degree certificate (or expected graduation letter), transcripts, certificates, medical exam results, etc.

□ Employment Conditions

• - Workplace: IBS Headquarters, Daejeon
• - Contract
  • ▪ Postdoctoral researchers: up to 3 years (initial contract + 1 renewal)
  • ▪ Senior researchers, Researcher: up to 5 years (initial contract + 1 renewal)
  • ▪ (Research Engineer) If the candidate successfully passes a separately prescribed evaluation prior to the expiration of the initial two-year contract, the contract may be renewed in two-year increments until the conclusion of the research group.
    ※ Upon appointment, the job rank will be determined in accordance with IBS regulations, taking into account the candidate’s academic degree and professional experience.
  • ▪ (Research Fellow) If the candidate successfully passes a separately prescribed evaluation prior to the expiration of the initial two-year contract, the contract may be renewed in two year increments until the conclusion of the research group. Appointment will be determined following the interview process and deliberation by the Personnel Committee.
    - Salary: Based on IBS regulations (Pay-band system)

□ Application Method & Period (The submission instructions below must be strictly followed.)

• - Email Submission: lsi@ibs.re.kr
• - Email Title: “2026-1 Life Science Institute Application – Category/Position”
  (ex. “2026-1 Life Science Institute Application – (1) Postdoctoral research associate” )
• - Application Period: 2025.12.31(Mon)~2026.1.15(Thu) 18:00 (KST)

□ Additional Information

• - Blind recruitment principles applied
• - Errors or omissions in submitted documents are applicant’s responsibility
• - Documents may be returned within 3 months upon request after final results
• - Background checks and medical exams required - No hiring if no suitable candidates
• - Inquiries: IBS Life Science Institute HR (Email: lsi@ibs.re.kr)