The Center for Theoretical Physics of the Universe, Cosmology, Gravity, and Astroparticle Physics Group (CTPU-CGA) at Institute for Basic Science (http://www.ibs.re.kr/ctpu-cga), South Korea, invites applications for a senior researcher position*, which can start before December 16th, 2026 as long as all requirements are met at the point of starting date.

The position is associated with the Young Scientist Fellow (YSF) project “Emergence of four-dimensional universe from higher-dimensional spacetime” led by Dr. Yusuke Yamada. Applicants from any field related to the project are welcome, including particle physics, string theory, cosmology, gravity, and quantum information. The official language at the center is English.

The position is available for a fixed term ending on September 30, 2028, regardless of the start date. The appointment may start from Oct. 1, 2026 if the applicant meets the required qualifications. The position may be extended for up to two additional years (until September 30, 2030), depending on project evaluation. This extension is also subject to availability of research funding and the candidate’s performance.

Applications should include CV(see the detailed requirement), publication list, research statement, Consent to Collection and Use of Personal Information / Application for IBS (download on IBS job Board), and at least three letters of recommendation. For full consideration, application materials including the letters should be submitted by April 10th, 2026, through Academic Jobs Online.(Link:  https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31786)

You can download Consent form & Application for the Institute for IBS file in this page.

* Though the official title is “Senior” Researcher, it’s just an official one. This recruitment is effectively for postdoctoral researchers including fresh ones.

** Up to 3 months deferral is negotiable, but doctoral degree must be obtained before Dec. 16th, 2026, even in that case.

□ Recruitment Overview

○ (Recruitment Type) Limited Competitive Recruitment

○ (Field and Number of Positions)

※ 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.

※ The appointment date is negotiable for successful candidates, however the appointment offer may be withdrawn if successful candidates cannot make it to the starting date by March 16^th, 2027.

○ Research Position Job Description

  - (Senior Researcher) Research-oriented personnel with a Ph.D., Initial employment may be renewed only once. The total length of the contract cannot exceed 5 years.

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

o  Qualifications

o  Screening Process

※ The schedule may change according to the situation at IBS

※ 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.

o  Application Submission and Deadline

¡  How to apply: Submit the documents through Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31786)

1. CV : the following information removed: Name, Email, Website, Photo, Phone Number, Degree, and Work Experience Years.

2. Publication list : the candidate's personal information and the authors' names removed.

3. Research statement : the candidate's personal information removed.

4. Consent form & Application for IBS (download on IBS job Board)

5. at least three letters of recommendation 

* Failure to submit any of documents mentioned above will result in an incomplete application.

- Deadline for application submission: April 10, 2026 (23:59) KST

o  Notes

¡  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. 2024) 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.

¡  CTPU-CGA, 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.

¡  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.

¡  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.

¡  If candidates are disqualified due to a background check or a physical examination result, the job offer will be withdrawn.

¡  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.

¡  No applicants may be hired if there are no applicants deemed qualified during the screening process.

¡  If hired, the job category/grade and annual salary will be determined in accordance with IBS rules and regulations.

¡  Workplace: CTPU-CGA, IBS HQ, Daejeon

¡  Inquiries: Recruiting Manager of CTPU-CGA

(Tel: +82 42-878-8288, E-mail: ctpucga_recruit@ibs.re.kr)