The Particle Theory and Cosmology Group (PTC) of the Center for Theoretical Physics of the Universe (CTPU) (https://ctpu.ibs.re.kr) at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), South Korea, invites applications for several senior researcher positions in theoretical high-energy physics and cosmology. The research areas of interest include (but not limited to) the following fields^(*1,*2):

1) Physics beyond the Standard Model and Cosmology

axion physics, dark matter, flavor and CP violation, astroparticle physics, cosmological phase transition, ultra-light boson cosmology, topological defects, multi-messenger astrophysics, neutrino physics, collider physics, precision tests, etc.

2) PIML & QS for HEP (Physics-informed Machine Learning and Quantum Simulation for HEP)

simulation-based inference for collider and astrophysics (e.g., jet physics, galactic dynamics, and dark matter), physics-informed generative modeling and representation learning, domain adaptation, ML-assisted lattice field theory, and quantum algorithms and Hamiltonian simulation for high-energy physics.

 

 The CTPU-PTC group, whose activities have been led by Kiwoon Choi since their inception in 2013, consists of five faculty members, one IBS Young Scientist Fellow, and 14 senior research fellows, together with several affiliated faculty members who work closely with the group. We also maintain active collaboration with the Cosmology, Gravity and Astroparticle Physics Group (CTPU-CGA), led by Masahide Yamaguchi, and strong ties with IBS experimental centers such as the Dark Matter Axion Group (DMAG), the Center for Underground Physics (CUP), and the Center for Exotic Nuclear Studies (CENS). In addition, the CTPU-PTC group is developing a dedicated research program in PIML & QS for HEP, carried out by a multidisciplinary team working across these areas.

 Overall, the PTC group sustains a broad research program across the topics listed above, engages in collaborations with researchers worldwide, and runs an active schedule of conferences, workshops, focused programs, and regular seminars. These activities are documented on our Indico page (https://indico.ibs.re.kr/category/22/).

 

 The positions can start any time before December 16, 2026, provided that all appointment requirements are fulfilled by the starting date.^(*3) The initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension subject to performance review and the funding situation.^(*4)

 Applications should include curriculum vitae, publication list, research statement, and at least three letters of recommendation. In addition, applicants must complete and submit the required IBS forms (Personal Information Consent for IBS), whose details and link are to be provided in the official IBS announcement (IBS Job Board). Applicants will be asked, in the Academic Jobs Online form, to indicate their primary research areas within the themes listed above. For full consideration, all application materials, including reference letters, should be submitted through Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/31324) by January 05, 2026, 23:59 (KST).

 

(*1) Although the official IBS title of the position is “Senior Researcher”, this recruitment is effectively aimed at postdoctoral‑level researchers, including fresh PhD graduates.

(*2) The official language of the center is English.       

(*3) The doctoral degree must be obtained by the appointment start date.

(*4) The standard additional term is one year; in exceptional cases of outstanding performance, the total additional term may be up to three years. 

o  Overview

Affiliation (workplace)	Job Category	Recruitment Area	Required Qualifications	No. of Openings
CTPU-PTC (IBS HQ, Daejeon, Korea)	Senior Researcher	Theoretical high- energy physics, cosmology	Degree: Doctoral degree (must be obtained by December 16, 2026 and a certificate must be submitted before actual appointment date) Major: Physics	6

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

o 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 ● Women in science, engineering and technology as defined in Article 2 of the Act on Fostering and Supporting Women Scientists and Technicians ※ Apply the highest additional points across all preferences.

o Screening Process

Category	Date	Detail	Selection criteria	Required documents
Step 1 (Document Screening)	January 12 ~ January 15, 2026	Suitability for the position and for the field of work, excellence of the applicant’s research achievements, overall research activities, Excellence of 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.	CV, publication list, research statement, at least three letters of recommendation, Consent form & Application for IBS (download on IBS job Board), Answers to the questionnaire on the research area of interest (download on IBS job Board)
Step 2 (Interview Screening)	January 19 ~ January 30, 2026	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

※ The schedule may change according to the situation at IBS

-A preliminary successful candidate may be determined within the range of two times the number of persons to be hired, and the effect of the preliminary successful candidate shall be limited to three months from the earliest of the scheduled appointment date or the final successful candidate's appointment date.

-During the validity period of the preliminary successful candidate, ① if the reason for the renunciation of employment or disqualification of the final successful candidate occurs, and ② if recruitment is necessary due to the withdrawal of the appointed employee, the appointment may be made according to the preliminary acceptance order.

o Application Submission and Deadline

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

- CV

- publication list

- research statement

- at least three letters of recommendation

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

- Answers to the questions on the research areas of interest

: ( Questionnaire list can be download on IBS job Board)

Deadline for application submission: January 05, 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-PTC, 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-PTC, IBS HQ, Daejeon

 Inquiries: Recruiting Manager of CTPU-PTC(E-mail: ctpu_recruit@ibs.re.kr)