2024-2 Recruitment Announcement for Research Positions at the Planetary Atmospheres Group

Institute for Basic Science (IBS) is a national research institute established in accordance with Article 14 of “the Special Act on Establishment of and Support for International Science and Business Belts”. IBS aims to discover creative knowledge and secure original technologies through world-class basic science research.

The Planetary Atmospheres Group (PAG) invites researchers with high motivation for Venus atmospheric research. The successful applicants will collaborate with Dr. Yeon Joo Lee, the Chief Investigator (CI) of PAG. The work is leading one selection of the following available topics: (1) remote sensing data analysis using ground-based and space-based measurements, (2) numerical modeling to understand radiative and/or dynamic processes in the atmosphere of Venus, and (3) global circulation modeling. For (1), experience in handling remote sensing data is required. For (2) and (3), planetary atmospheric numerical modeling experience, including the Earth atmospheric modeling, is highly welcome. Our research focus will be on the atmosphere of Venus below 100 km altitude. Successful applicants are also expected to support the CubeSat project of PAG as team members and will have opportunities to collaborate with the international consortium of PAG.

Three positions are available.

One Senior Researcher position: Applicants must have research experience in planetary science, atmospheric sciences, or equivalent field for 5 years or more after their Ph.D. The initial duration of the position is two years with possible extension for up to three additional years.

Two Postdoctoral Research associate positions: Applicants must have obtained a Ph.D. within the 5 years prior to the appointment date, in the field of planetary science, atmospheric sciences, astronomy, physics, or a related field. The initial duration of the position is two years with possible extension for one additional year.

The gross annual salary of Postdoctoral Research Associate will be no less than 55 million KRW and Senior Researcher's annual salary is negotiable in accordance with career experiences.

The expected starting date of the positions is January 1, 2025 (negotiable, but no later than March 1, 2025). One-way relocation expenses to move to Korea can be supported for those who satisfy specific conditions, such as a doctoral degree from an oversea university and a duration of residence in a foreign country before moving to Korea up to 2 million KRW.

□ Required documents to apply for the positions

1. Cover letter (1page)
2. CV including a complete list of publications
3. Statement of the applicant's research experience and research interest (1-2 pages)
4. Consent to collection and Use of Personal Information (see the attached document)
5. Application for the Institute for Basic Science (see the attached document)
6. 2 recommendation letters
7. Supporting documents for persons with disabilities or eligible for veterans’ benefit (if applicable)
※ There can be additional required documents such as the graduation certificate of the highest academic degree or diploma, etc., according to the IBS employment regulations.

Applicants must send documents 1-6 to pag@ibs.re.kr by August 26, 2024 (18:00 KST) and arrange for their recommendation letters to be sent to pag@ibs.re.kr by August 26, 2024 (18:00 KST) by their references directly. Recommendation letters forwarded by the applicant will not be considered. All documents should be sent in PDF format.

□ Recruitment Area and Openings

※ Submission of application to multiple areas is not acceptable.

※ The final number of appointees may change according to the screening results and please refer to the job description for more detailed information on the work duties/responsibilities and qualifications.

□ Qualifications and Preferences

• [Required qualifications]
• • Must be in compliance with the requirements for appointments as specified in Article 33 of the State Public Officials Act and IBS statutes.
• •If candidates are found to be former public officials dismissed for corruption as set forth in Article 82 of the Act on the Prevention of Corruption and the Establishment of the Anti-corruption and Civil Rights Commission, the job offer will be withdrawn.
• • Must have no restrictions traveling overseas. Male applicants must have completed or be exempted from compulsory military service.
• • Must meet the requirements by the end of the application deadline


• [Preferred qualifications]
• • Individuals with disabilities as defined in Articles 3 and 4 of the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the Employment Promotion and Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, or individuals eligible for employment assistance as defined in Article 29 of the Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons, Etc. of Distinguished Service to the State (additional points will be given during the screening/evaluation process)
  - 5 additional points for those who submit the certificate of disabilities.
  - 5/10 additional points for those who submit the certificate of employment protection for the national war veteran.
  - If there is an overlap in additional points, only the highest score will be awarded.
• • Women in science, engineering and technology as defined in Article 2 of the Act on Fostering and Supporting Women Scientists and Technicians

□ Screening Process

※ The interview can be conducted in video interview according to the research group’s circumstances.

※ The schedule above may be subject to change according to the research group’s circumstances.

※ There can be additional required documents for successful candidates.

□ Terms of Employment Contract

• 〇 (Senior researcher) will be eligible to renew employment contract once after the initial term and the total employment period is up to five years.
• ※ In case of the Group’s closure during employment, the employment contract will be terminated accordingly.
• 〇 (Postdoctoral research associate) will be eligible to renew employment contract once after the initial term and the total employment period is up to three years.
• ※ In case of the Group’s closure during employment, the employment contract will be terminated accordingly.

□ Application Submission and Period

• 〇 How to apply: e-mail at pag@ibs.re.kr
  * Recommendation letters should be sent directly by the referees and the letters forwarded by an applicant will not be considered.
• 〇 E-mail Title for applicants:
  ▪ [2024-2 PAG Senior––YYY(name)]
  ▪ [2024-2 PAG Postdoctoral ––YYY(name)]
• 〇 Open and closing dates: July 12, 2024 ~ August 26, 2024, until 18:00 KST
• 〇 Please kindly note that if your application misses to submit a part of required documents including recommendation letters by the deadline, your application shall not be accepted.

□ Other Information

• 〇 The revised guidelines of the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (revision on 3 Nov. 2022, implementation on 1 Jan. 2023) have allowed a flexible application of the blind hiring policy to secure excellent researchers, thereby broadening the scope of information to be collected (e.g., academic background, schools, period spent on obtaining degrees, reference letters [including referees' information] and experience). However, personal information that can identify the applicant (e.g., gender and age) is still not collected.
• 〇 PAG, IBS is an Equal Opportunity or Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Any biased information will not be provided to committees at all.
• 〇 Applicants will be fully responsible for any consequences of making mistakes, missing information or not submitting required documentation in their applications. If any information is found to be incorrect or false, the job offer will be withdrawn.
• 〇 Submitted documents may be returned when a request is made within three months from the announcement of the final result in accordance with Article 4 of the Enforcement Decree of the Fair Hiring Procedure Act.
• 〇 If candidates are disqualified due to a background check or a physical examination result, the job offer will be withdrawn.
• 〇 If candidates are found to be former public officials dismissed for corruption as set forth in Article 82 of the Act on the Prevention of Corruption and the Establishment of the Anti-corruption and Civil Rights Commission, the job offer will be withdrawn.
• 〇 No applicants may be hired if there are no applicants deemed qualified during the screening process.
• 〇 If hired, the job category/grade and annual salary will be determined in accordance with IBS rules and regulations.
• 〇 Workplace: Planetary Atmospheres Group, IBS HQ, Daejeon
• 〇 Inquiries: pag@ibs.re.kr