20256-21 Recruitment Announcement for Research Positions at the Planetary Atmospheres GroupCenter for Trapped Ion Quantum Science

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 Center for Trapped Ion Quantum Science has officially launched in December 2025, with the mission to develop state-of-art trapped-ion systems and apply them to quantum computing, quantum simulation, and other core areas of quantum information science through experimental research.

Our work is based on precisely controlling the quantum states of ions trapped in oscillating electric fields using lasers. By systematically scaling up the size of quantum systems, we aim to push the frontiers of the quantum world, tackle previously intractable or purely theoretical problems, and open new horizons in quantum technologies.

We are seeking creative and dynamic researchers with diverse expertise in atomic physics, optics, vacuum systems, control electronics, and programming, as outlined below.

□ Recruitment Area and Openings

Category	Job Category	Recruitment Area	Required Qualifications	Affiliation (workplace)	No. of Openings
①	Senior Researcher	Planetary Science and ExplorationTrapped-ion experiments, quantum information science, laser and optics system development Planetary Science and Exploration Planetary Science and Exploration	▪ (Degree) : Doctoral degree as of the expected appointment date (September 1, 2026) ▪ (Major) : Aerospace Engineering, Planetary Science, Atmospheric Science, or a related fieldPhysics (including Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics), or related fields in science and engineering such as laser systems, optics, electronic instrumentation and control, precision measurement, vacuum systems, and programming	Planetary Atmospheres GroupCenter for Trapped Ion Quantum Science (HQ, Daejeon)	23
②	Researcher		▪ (Degree) : Bachelor’s degree or above as of the expected appointment date (September 1, 2026) ▪ (Major) : Science, Engineering or related fields		23
③	Postdoctoral Research Associate		▪ (Degree) : Doctoral degree as of the expected appointment date (September 1, 20256) (obtained within recent 5 years or to be obtained within 3 months from the expected appointment date) ▪ (Major) : Physics (including Atomic, Molecular, and Optical (AMO) Physics), or related fields in science and engineering such as laser systems, optics, electronic instrumentation and control, precision measurement, vacuum systems, and programming		26
Total					612

※ 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.

※ 전문연구요원 종사를 희망하는 경우에는 지원 의사와 병역 관계를 응시원서 접수 시 표시하여 제출 필요. 다만 현역입영대상자의 전문연구요원 신규 편입은 불가하며, 보충역 대상자 및 타 기관에서 전직해서 오는 경우에 한하여 지원 가능

• 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

• Women in science, engineering and technology as defined in Article 2 of the Act on Fostering and Supporting Women Scientists and Technicians

□ Screening Process

Category	Schedule (Expected)	Detail
Step 1 (Document Screening)	March 12, 2026	∘ Review items: Relevance to the recruitment area, expertise in research achievement, work capability, development potential, etc. ∘ Eligibility: Applicants who have met the required qualification ∘ Select up to 7 and 5 times the number of openings for Senior Researchers/Researchers and Postdoctoral Research Associates, respectively, will proceed to the next screening stage. Select applicants with the highest average scores (minimum average score: 80).
Step 2 (Interview Screening)	March 26, 2026	∘ Review items: Expertise in the recruitment area, presentation skill, attitude, problem solving skills, development potential, fluency in foreign languages (English), etc. ∘ Eligibility: Applicants who pass the document screening ∘ Select the final candidates with the highest average scores (minimum average score: 80) within the number of openings. Select up to one time the number of candidates than open positions for the waiting list. In case the final successful candidate cannot be appointed due to withdrawal or disqualification, appointments can be made in accordance with the ranking of potential successful candidates. However, the effective period of the potential successful candidate is limited to a maximum of 3 months from the earlier of either the expected appointment date(September 1, 2026) or the appointment date of the original successful candidate. ※ When the applicants are not competent enough, the IBS may select the final candidates less than the number of openings.
Appointment	September 1, 2026	∘ If necessary, the appointment date can be adjusted, including early appointment. ※ However, the appointment offer may be withdrawn if the successful candidates cannot make it until December 1, 2026.

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

□ Required Documents

Category	Detail
Step 1 (Document screening)	1. CV including a list of publications 2. Statement of the applicant’s research experience and research interest (1 page) 3. (Senior Researchers/Postdoctoral Research Associates) Two Rrecommendation Lletters (Researchers) One recommendation letter 4. Consent to Collection and Use of Personal Information (attached) ※ Recommendations must be submitted directly by the recommender through the link provided based on the information entered during the online application process. Applicants are responsible for confirming with their recommenders that the recommendation request email has been received and should follow up as needed. 5. Supporting Documents for Persons with Disabilities or Eligible for Veterans’ Benefit (if applicable)
Step 2 (Interview screening)	※ There can be additional required documents according to the situation at the group.

□ Term of employment contract

〇 (Senior Researcher / Researcher) will be eligible to renew employment contract once after the initial term and the total employment period is up to five years.

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 Center’s closure during employment, the employment contract will be terminated accordingly.

□ Application Submission and Period

〇 How to apply: online application through the website

- URL : https://ibs.re.kr/prog/recruit/eng/sub04_01/list.do

〇 Required Documents (Upload in PDF file format)

1. CV including a list of publications

2. Statement of the applicant’s research experience and research interest (1 page)

3. (Senior Researchers/Postdoctoral Research Associates) Two recommendation    letters

(Researchers) One recommendation letter

4. Consent to Collection and Use of Personal Information (attached)

※ Recommendations must be submitted directly by the recommender through the link   provided based on the information entered during the online application process.

※ Applicants are responsible for confirming with their recommenders that the          recommendation request email has been received and should follow up as needed.

〇 Open and closing dates: Jan. 14, 2026 to Feb. 26, 2026 until 16:00 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 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 Inquiries: recruit1@ibs.re.kr