The IBS Junior Chief Investigator (Junior CI) is a program to provide a position that ensures research independence and supports challenging and creative research for early-career young PIs who surpass the YSF level. Junior CIs are researchers who are selected for the program to conduct research with state-of-the-art research infrastructure of IBS and independently run small research groups within their Research Center/Instititue

The Junior CI program is open to young researchers who are willing to conduct adventurous and creative research independently in the field of basic science. Any researcher who is able to work full-time on research affiliated with an IBS Research Center/Institute is eligible to apply.
▪(HQ/Campus Research Center) Employed by IBS (new appointment, transfer, etc.)
▪(Extramural Research Center) Employed as part of an IBS-affiliated extramural research center (new appointment, transfer, etc.), following the personnel regulations of the affiliated university or institution.

Yes. Current IBS researchers who meet the above qualifications can apply. Once you are employed as a Junior CI, existing employment contract will be terminated.

No. Researchers from any field relevant to the hiring Centers/Institute can apply.

No. Researchers from theoretical fields can apply to Centers categorized as experimental field Centers (experimental physics, chemistry, life sciences and interdisciplinary). However, when a researcher is selected as a theoretical field Junior CI of a Center/Institute in an experimental field, annual research fund of up to KRW 360 million is provided.

Yes. In particular, when making a full research proposal, those who have passed the first phase (letter of intent evaluation) need to contact the director of the Center/Institute of their choice and have discussions on organization and operation of a research group, use of research facilities/equipment and so on. Those who have applied to more than one Center/Institute in the letter of intent need to choose one when writing a full proposal.

Applicants will be comprehensively reviewed based on their capabilities as a researcher, excellence and appropriateness of their research proposal, collaboration potential with the Center/Institute and so on. 

The selection process will take place as follows, but the schedule may change depending on the circumstances of IBS:
▪First phase: Letter of intent (approx. three pages) acceptance and evaluation
Submission deadline: 23 December 2024
Review of each letter of intent by the director and the selection and evaluation panel concerned
Invitation to submit full research proposals: January 2025
Applicants who pass the first phase will be requested to submit an approx. 10-page full research proposal, up to three reference letters and presentation materials.
▪Second phase: Full research proposal acceptance and in-depth evaluation by field
Submission deadline: February 2025
Review of each full proposal and reference letter by the director concerned
Interview (on-site presentation) by the selection and evaluation panel concerned: March-April 2025
If candidates reside abroad or have difficulty attending on site, the evaluation will be held via video conference.
▪Third phase: Comprehensive evaluation and notification of the results
Comprehensive evaluation by panel chairs
Final selection and notification of the results: June 2025

Following the launch of the Junior CI program this year, IBS is planning to select new Junior CIs every year. However, the final number of selections may change depending on the budget and other circumstances of IBS.