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 Quantum Nanoscience (QNS) is located on the campus of Ewha Womans University in Seoul and was established in 2017. We are pushing the boundaries of quantum science by harnessing spins on surfaces —a platform that offers reproducible, atomically precise quantum systems. Our fundamental research is building the essential library of quantum behavior at the atomic scale, which will enable future breakthroughs across the entire spectrum of quantum science and technology. Some of our core instruments are scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopes, which offer us a route to single atom studies on surfaces. In the eight years since its inception, QNS has emerged as a leading contributor in the global quantum research ecosystem. Starting from scratch, we have developed at an unprecedented pace, constructed a state-of-the-art research facility, designed cutting-edge instrumentation, and assembled a world-class research team. Our unique focus on Spins on Surfaces at the atomic scale has driven transformative advancements in quantum science.
  • - For more information, visit https://qns.science/about/.

2. Job description

• - QNS is searching for an associate director, who will serve important roles in assisting the founding director to achieve the goals of the research center as well as direct their own research group within the center. The specific field of research solicited for this position is (i) local electron spin resonance and quantum sensing of spin defects, (ii) emergent magnetism in quantum materials and quantum devices, and (iii) applications to quantum information science.
• - Applicants need to have a strong record of scholarly achievement on the international stage, a record of attracting funding, and evidence of leadership in the fields of quantum science and engineering and quantum materials. The candidates must have demonstrated leadership in managing a large research program and staff within an international academic institution and be able to articulate a strong vision to further the research and outreach programs in IBS. The successful candidates should be able to acquire full professor-level positions at Ewha.

3. Requirements for the position

• - 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 their respective research groups in collaboration with the Director within the Center

General Requirements

• - Highly-successful mid-career researcher (h-index > 25, >2500 citations) with a proven track-record of achievements in interdisciplinary research.
• - Demonstrated success in attracting and managing large (>5,000,000,000KRW) research grants, involving multiple PIs / stakeholders.
• - Experience in developing and managing major research / laboratory infrastructure for advanced scanning probe microscopy performing at an internationally competitive level.
• - Experience in the leadership of midsize research teams (>15 staff members / students).
• - Experience in the organization of international workshops, conferences, and symposia.
• - Demonstrated involvement in the international research community, e.g. by membership in professional associations and editorial board memberships.
• - Demonstrated leadership and management skills, for example in a research university.

Technical Requirements

• - Experience in the engineering and characterization of quantum computing devices.
• - Experience with spin qubit implementations, for example in semiconductor platforms.
• - Research into spin qubit candiates in quantum materials.
• - Deep knowledge of advanced scanning probe methods and their application to quantum device fabrication and characterization.
• - Experience with 2D quantum materials and device platforms, their fabrication and multi-scale characterization using scanning probe, electron transport, and/or optical spectroscopies.

4. Offer

The successful candidate is expected to run a synergistic but independent research programme, combining techniques of STM-based spin resonance and quantum materials based device platforms. The candidate will thus oversee and manage an estimated independent budget of KRW10B over 6 years, covering major and minor equipment, manpower, consumables and travel cost. The position comes with a tenured faculty position at Ewha, an attratcive and internationally competitive renumeration, commensurate with experience and suitability to the role, as well as flexible work arrangements.

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 September, 2025 (KST).
• - E-mail title should include ‘Name of Applicant’ and ‘Name of Research Center’.
  • [Contact Information]
    • [Research Center]
      Jihee Min, Center for Quantum Nanoscience
      Email: min.jihee@qns.science
    • [Evaluation Process]
      KOH Hyungjoon, Research Evaluation Team
      Email: arhgudwns@ibs.re.kr
    • * For more information, please visit the IBS website (www.ibs.re.kr).