Starting from 2026, the IBS is seeking candidates for Early Career Directors at our Research Centers. We look forward to receiving applications from many excellent early career scientists.
14 August 2026
CHANG Sukbok, President of the IBS
Research Areas
Centers in all areas of basic and interdisciplinary sciences (e.g., all fields of basic science or Quantum Science, Synthetic Biology, Materials Science, Gene Therapy, and Brain-Computer Interfaces).
Qualifications
Early career scientists with their own unique research domain and achievements in the field of basic science and interdisciplinary sciences. Candidates must be able to commit to research at the IBS for a long term.
Center Type
Candidates for HQ Centers will be given first consideration but candidates can also apply for Campus Centers and Extramural (University) Centers. Should the applicant wish to apply for the Director position of a Campus or Extramural (University) Center, they must be a current or prospective employee of the host university and written approval is required in the progress of formal appointment.
Selection Criteria
The applicant’s scientific excellence and originality as well as adequacy of research plan will be reviewed by domestic and international scholars based on qualitative assessment. Scientific excellence and originality: Applicant’s contribution to making new discoveries or introducing new concepts, pioneering high-risk and unique research domains. Adequacy of research plan: Suitability of research plan capable of shifting research paradigms, adequacy, reasonability and feasibility of the Center/group organization and operation, proposed budget and cost allocation, and mid- to long-term development plan and vision.
Selection Procedure
- By September 30, 2026: Accepting applications
- By November 2026: Selection of candidates for evaluation
- By March 2027: Evaluation of candidates
- From June 2027: Negotiation and Appointment
Please note that the dates are subject to change.
Budget
The reasonability of the budget and cost allocation proposed in the application will be carefully reviewed during the selection and evaluation process for Directors. The proposed budget will be finalized after deliberation and approval by the IBS Research Review Committee. The research proposal in the application must include a detailed description regarding initial startup requirements: list of required research facilities and equipment, timeline, costs and other relevant information. The budget amount and appointment date are subject to change based on availability of institutional situation.
Position Details
- Must work full time and salary will be negotiated with the IBS President.
- Should be dedicated to the research of the Center and engagement in for-profit business is prohibited.
- Have the authority to organize their Center/group, including personnel, detailed research plan and budget allocation.
- The Center will undergo a consultation-based review after five years from the start date and additional reviews follow every three years thereafter.
Application Submission
Fill in the application form (Attachment) in English, save it as a PDF file with the title “applicant name_Director_submission date” and send it to apply@ibs.re.kr. Submission deadline: Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 2:00 P.M. (KST)
Inquiries
SOHN Che Rin, Head of the Research Evaluation Team at +82-42-878-8087 or csohn@ibs.re.kr. Attachment: Application Form for Director
