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

• The IBS Center for Exotic Nuclear Studies (CENS) is the first and only nuclear physics center established by the Institute for Basic Science. The Center is directed by Kevin Insik HAHN and is located in the main IBS campus in Daejeon, Korea. Research at the CENS is focused on carrying out novel and innovative experiments with radioactive isotope beams, developing start-of-the art detector and target systems, and developing robust theories, all addressing the most critical questions in the structure and reactions of nuclei, the cosmic origin of the chemical elements, and the evolution and explosion of stars. Established in December, 2019, the CENS vision is to be an internationally recognized leader in rare isotope physics. Detector development and theoretical work are carried out in the IBS campus in Daejeon, while experimental work is performed at the nearby IBS Institute for Rare Isotope Science (IRIS) as well as at major international nuclear physics accelerator facilities.
  • - For more information, visit https://www.ibs.re.kr/cens/.

2. Job description

• - The Associate Director will serve important roles in assisting the founding Director to realize the goals of CENS as well as leading his or her own independent research group within the Center. The position seeks candidates working in the field of unstable nuclei, including (but not limited to) nuclear structure and reactions, nuclear astrophysics, nuclear data, or any related subfields involving rare isotope beams.
• - The successful candidate should have a strong record of scholarly achievement at the national and international level, a significant record of securing external funding for interdisciplinary-based research, and evidence of leadership ability in his/her research field.
• - The candidate must have experience managing a large research program and staff within an academic institution (or equivalent agency responsible for research) and be able to articulate a strong vision to further the research and outreach programs in IBS.

3. Requirements for the position

• - Candidates must be able to commit themselves entirely in the long term to IBS research activities and engagement in for-profit business activities is prohibited.
• - The candidate must be able to manage his or her respective research group in close collaboration with the Director within the Center.
• - The candidate should be capable to represent the Center in scientific and policy issues among audiences ranging from the general public to the uppermost levels of researchers and policymakers.
• - The position calls for vision, breadth, and good judgment; proven intellectual leadership skills; a keen sense of public policy, as well as demonstrated financial and staff management experience.
• - The candidate should be recognized as one of the international leaders of his or her research field with a strong record of scholarly achievements, a high intellect, and a demonstrated vision for his/her research field.

4. Offer

• - Authority to run his/her own research team.
• - Sizable independent research budget (the successful candidate may negotiate with the director of the Center to finalize the size of his/her research budget and how to set up his/her budget account if necessary).
• - Tenured or permanent position.

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 14:00PM 27 February, 2026(KST).
• - E-mail title should include ‘Name of Applicant’ and ‘Name of Research Center’.
  • [Contact Information]
    • [Research Center]
      KANG Gyeongseok (Alex) , Center for Exotic Nuclear Studies
      Email: gkang@ibs.re.kr
    • [Evaluation Process]
      KOH Hyungjoon, Research Evaluation Team
      Email: arhgudwns@ibs.re.kr
    • * For more information, please visit the IBS website (www.ibs.re.kr).

[Attachment1] Application Form for IBS Associate Director Position(2026) docx Download

[Attachment2] FAQ Associate Directorship(2026) pdf Download