2025 Open Call for Applications : IBS Associate Director Position of “Center for Quantum Conversion 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

• The IBS Center for Quantum Conversion Research (QCR), directed by Prof. Yousoo Kim, is located at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) as one of the IBS campus centers. We are committed to developing an innovative methodology - Extreme Spectroscopy - to quantitatively measure and control interactions between quantum states at the molecular and atomic scale. Our research focuses on understanding the fundamental principles of energy and matter conversion that serve as the foundation for groundbreaking advances in quantum science. Our research is dedicated to elucidating the mechanisms of quantum state interactions and exploring their potential to create revolutionary functions and properties. By advancing our understanding of the quantum transformation of matter, we aim to push the frontiers of scientific knowledge and achieve transformative breakthroughs that have widespread implications in both fundamental and applied science. Ultimately, we envision creating and controlling the innovative properties that emerge from quantum conversion, driving progress in multiple scientific fields.
  • - For more information, visit www.ibs.re.kr/qcr.

2. Job description

- The Associate Director will play an important role in assisting the Director in achieving the goals of the Center.

- The specific research area of the Associate Director is “Surface Science” based on innovative spectroscopy.

- Applicants should have a strong record of scholarly achievement at the international level, a significant record of securing external funding for interdisciplinary-based research, and evidence of leadership ability in his/her research field.

- The candidates must articulate a strong vision to further the research and outreach programs in the Center.

- The successful candidates should be able to acquire faculty-level positions at GIST.

3. Requirements for the position

- The successful candidate must be able to make a long-term commitment completely to IBS research activities and is prohibited from engaging in for-profit activities.

- The successful candidate should be recognized as one of the leaders in the international community of his or her research field.

- The successful candidate must be fluent in relevant scientific and policy issues and have high credibility to represent the Center among audiences ranging from the general public to the highest levels of scientists and policymakers. The position requires vision, broad perspective, good judgment, proven intellectual leadership skills, a keen sense of public policy, and proven financial and staff management experience.

- 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

• - Tenured position.
• - A substantial research resource including budget and space (the successful candidate will be able to negotiate with the Center Director to finalize the size of the research resource and how budget accounts will be set up, if necessary).

5. General Selection Procedure

① Recruitment of applicants by open invitation

② Selection of candidates for in-depth evaluation

③ Interview by the in-depth evaluation panel

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

⑤ Negotiation with the 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]
      Youngmin Kim(Name), Center for Quantum Conversion Research
      Email: kym@ibs.re.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).