2025 Open Call for Applications : IBS Associate Director Position of “Center for RNA Research”

The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) is a government-funded research institute founded in November 2011 to drive the development of basic science in South Korea through large-scale, long-term, and group research. IBS operates Research Centers in mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, Earth science, and interdisciplinary sciences.

IBS invites applicants for the position of Associate Director who are senior-level researchers with high research potential and are able to run his/her own research group in collaboration with the directors within the Research Center.

1. Introduction of the research center

• Center for RNA Research investigates RNA-mediated gene regulation, aiming to elucidate the fundamental working principles of regulatory RNAs, including mRNAs and microRNAs. We also explore interactions between cells and exogenous RNAs, such as viral and therapeutic RNAs.
• The Center is directed by Narry Kim and is located at Seoul National University. We are a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative group, integrating expertise in genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, virology, immunology, bioinformatics, structural biology, and proteomics.
• We are expanding our research scope to explore RNA-related immune responses. These studies will enhance our understanding of cellular regulatory mechanisms and provide a conceptual foundation for developing novel therapeutic and diagnostic tools.
• The Center for RNA Research invites applications from scientific leaders in RNA biology, particularly those specializing in RNA immunity.
  • - For more information, please visit the web site: http://rna.ibs.re.kr

2. Job description

The Associate Director will lead an independent research group supported by IBS funding and assist the Director to achieve the goal of the research center. The Associate Director will help manage Center operations, organize committees and workshops, participlate in strategic planning, and conduct program assessment and evaluation.

3. Requirements for the position

We are seeking candidates who are internationally recognized in RNA research with an outstanding scholarly record, experience in managing research groups and programs, and a strong vision for promoting synergistic research activities. Candidates should hold the rank of tenured full professor, associate professor, or an equivalent position in a research institute. The ideal candidate’s research program should align well with the ongoing activities at the Center for RNA Research. The ability to work independently while engaging effectively with the Center’s multidisciplinary team is essential. The successful candidates should be able to acquire full/associate professor-level positions at Seoul National University.

• - The candidate must be able to commit themselves entirely in the long term to IBS research activities and engagement in for-profit business is prohibited.
• - The candidate must be able to manage his/her respective research groups in collaboration with the Director(s) within the Center

4. Offer

• - Authority to run his/her own research team within the Center for RNA Research
• - Independent research budget sufficient to support a group of up to 15 researchers

5. General Selection Procedure

① Recruitment of applicants by open invitation

② Selection of candidates for in-depth evaluation

③ Interview by in-depth evaluation panel

④ Decision by the Selection & Evaluation Committee (SEC) about the recommendation

⑤ Negotiation with Director

⑥ Appointment by IBS President

6. Application Submission

• - Fill out the application form in English and email it as a single PDF file to adapply@ibs.re.kr no later than 12:00PM, 20 March 2025 (KST).
• - E-mail title should include ‘Name of Applicant’ and ‘Name of Research Center’.
  • [Contact Information]
    • [Research Center]
      SUNG Mijoo, Center for RNA Research
      Email: mjsung@snu.ac.kr
    • [Evaluation Process]
      LEE Juyoung, Research Evaluation Team
      Email: juylee@ibs.re.kr
    • * For more information, please visit the IBS website (www.ibs.re.kr).