Yes. In principle, Junior CIs are required to conduct research full-time at IBS, thus secondment and joint employment are not allowed. Since 100 percent participation in their Junior CI project is required, successful candidates must resign from all other projects before starting their Junior CI project and they are not allowed to participate in other projects funded by sources outside IBS during their Junior CI term. In addition, if successful candidates are selected for other projects (e.g., Sejong Science Fellowship and Young Researcher Program of the National Research Foundation), their Junior CI selection may be cancelled. However, Junior CIs are allowed to apply for other projects during their Junior CI term only when the termination of their Junior CI project is confirmed.

For HQ and Campus Centers, selected candidates will be appointed as Junior Chief Investigator. Although Junior CIs are affiliated with their Center/Institute, they operate a separate account for their research fund. In the case of Junior CIs at Extramural Centers, it is a prerequisite to sign a separate employment contract with the host institution where their Center is located. Support will be provided for five years.

* Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) and Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH)

When IBS researchers are selected as Junior CIs of their current Center/Institute, they will be appointed as Junior Chief Investigator and receive support for up to five years.

Depending on the research field, a Junior CI receives an annual fund ranging from KRW 360 to 600 million*, which includes the labor costs for the Junior CI and all members of their research group (e.g., researchers and technicians).
In general, up to KRW 360 million for theoretical fields and up to KRW 600 million for experimental fields are provided. The characteristics of the research field (theoretical or experimental) will be examined during the interview and the size of a research fund will be decided by the IBS Research Review Committee.

Junior CIs should prioritize using the advanced research infrastructure of their Center/Institute in conducting research. Although they may construct research equipment and facilities within their budget, the construction scale and timing may be adjusted through review.

An annual salary for a Junior CI is determined in accordance with the Junior CI pay band based on both their postdoctoral research experience and their year of the research commence. However, when IBS researchers are selected as Junior CIs of their Center/Institute, and their current salary is higher than the upper limit of the Junior CI pay band, the current salary may be maintained but not increased during the research.

Junior CI Pay Band

(Unit: KRW 1,000)

『Payroll Operations Rules for Research Centers and Institutes』[Table 1] Pay Band for Researchers

Excluding institutional contributions, project research allowances not provided

The annual salary contract is based on the fiscal year. For Junior CIs who start in September, the current year's salary rate applies until December."

No. Applicants can propose any research themes in principle. 

Junior CIs can organize and run small research groups within the given fund. Although Junior CIs can select their group members, final approval from their director is required for appointment and other personnel-related matters. However, Junior CIs of Extramural Centers should follow the regulations of their host institution in principle. 

In principle, Junior CIs and their Center/Institute arrange research space within their Center/Institute through consultations.

Junior CIs should work at the Center/Institute to which they applied. Successful candidates from abroad should physically relocate to Korea before their appointment as Junior CIs.