No. There is no age limit, but associate directors need to be able to commit to long-term IBS research for at least 10 years. 

The most important criteria are a candidate's outstanding scientific credentials and the feasibility of their research plan including potential contribution to the Center.

The recruitment process for associate directors starts every March and September but openings are only announced upon request by a Center. Openings are posted on the websites of major academic societies, international journals and the primary IBS website.

The selection procedure for associate directors will be carried out as strictly as the procedure for directors. Evaluations proceed as follows: Document evaluation → In-depth evaluation → Comprehensive evaluation → Negotiation with Center director → Appointment by the IBS President. This procedure typically takes about seven months.

Associate directors are high-potential senior-level researchers who lead their own research groups in collaboration with directors within Centers. Associate directors are granted a certain level of research funds through negotiation with directors.