2026-1 Recruitment Announcement for Research Position at the Optical Science Research Cluster (Center for Quantum Conversion Research, Center for Relativistic Laser Science, Center for Microbiome-Body-Brain Physiology)

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 Optical Science Research Cluster consists of three primary divisions: Chemistry (Center for Quantum Transformation), Physics (Center for Relativistic Laser Science), and Life Sciences (Center for Microbiome-Body-Brain Physiology). The Cluster is located at the GIST in Gwangju, South Korea, a city of 1.4 million people.

The Center for Quantum Conversion Research is dedicated to developing advanced and innovative methodologies for observing and controlling the quantum conversion of matter, which serves as the foundation for energy and chemical conversion. The research places significant emphasis on the investigation of the fundamental energetic processes of matter, particularly at the highest spatiotemporal and energy resolutions, to enable more detailed observation and understanding of these processes. The ultimate goal of the QCR is to control the conversion among various quantum states of materials by manipulating the internal and external environments for creating new material systems with innovative functionalities and superior properties.

The Center for Relativistic Laser Science is developed world-class, cutting-edge laser technologies and conducts research on the generation and measurement of relativistic high-order harmonic attosecond pulses, as well as the development of stable particle (electron and proton) acceleration technologies. Using these technologies, we aim to experimentally realize strong-field quantum electrodynamics (SF QED) phenomena that occur in extreme conditions, such as collisions between relativistically accelerated particles and light particles (photons). We seek experimental control and measurement techniques for these phenomena, and provide theoretical interpretations in order to gain a fundamental understanding of the physical phenomena occurring in extreme environments.

The Center for Microbiome-Body-Brain Physiology aims to elucidate how specific nutrients are detected by interoceptive sensors in the gut, how this information is transmitted to the brain via the gut-brain axis, and how it drives appropriate behavioral responses. We also focus on the gut microbiome, which senses and metabolizes nutrients, provides essential metabolites, and plays a pivotal role in influencing, and being influenced by, host appetite. Ultimately, our goal is to uncover the molecular and cellular mechanisms through which microbes interact with the body-brain axis.

The Optical Science Research Cluster is recruiting creative and dynamic talent to drive our research excellence.

□ Recruitment Area and Openings

No	Job Position	Recruitment Area	Required Qualifications	Affiliation (workplace)	No. of Openings
①	Research Engineer	Research Facilities & IT Systems Support (Center for Quantum Conversion Research)	▪ Qualifications - Degree: Bachelor’s degree or higher by expected appointment date(`26.4.16)	GIST (Gwangju)	1
②	Postdoctoral research associate	Theory and Simulation of Strong-Field QED and Relativistic Laser-Plasma Interactions (Center for Relativistic Laser Science)	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.4.01) or expected within 3 months -Major/Field: Physics or Physics-Related Majors (Astrophysics, etc.)	GIST (Gwangju)	2
③	Postdoctoral research associate	Feeding behavior and lifespan using mouse models (Center for Microbiome-Body-Brain Physiology)	▪ Qualifications - Degree: PhD obtained within 5 years as of the expected appointment date (‘26.4.01) or expected within 3 months -Major/Field: Life Sciences or related disciplines	GIST (Gwangju)	1
Total					4

※When the applicants are not competent enough, the IBS may select the final candidates less than the number of openings. Please refer to the job description (attached) for details such as job category, job duties, etc.

※Applicants may apply to only one job category (field); multiple or duplicate applications are not allowed.

□ 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. Korean 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

• 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)	Mar. 3, 2026 ~ Mar. 4, 2026	∘ Review items: Suitability for the position and for the field of work, Excellence of the applicant’s research achievements, Capabilities, Potential, etc. ∘ Eligibility: Applicants who have met the required qualification ∘ Select up to seven times(Postdoctoral Research Associate : five times) the number of candidates than open positions for the next screening step. Select applicants with the highest average scores (minimum average score: 80). ※ The result will be sent by e-mail.
Step 2 (Interview screening)	Mar. 10, 2026 ~ Mar. 13, 2026	∘ Review items: Excellence in their field, Attitude and communication skills, Problem-solving, Development potential and prospect, 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 two times the number of candidates than open positions for the waiting list. ※ When the applicants are not competent enough, the IBS may select the final candidates less than the number of openings. ※ The result will be sent by e-mail.
Appoint ment	April. 01. ~	[Expected Start Date] ∘ ①Research Engineer: April 16, 2026 (Negotiable up to July 16, 2026) ∘ ②Postdoctoral Research associate: April 1, 2026 (Negotiable up to July 1, 2026) ∘ ③Postdoctoral Research associate: April 1, 2026 (Negotiable up to July 1, 2026) ※ However, the appointment offer may be withdrawn if the successful candidates cannot make it until expected start date.

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

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

※  A reserve (alternate) candidate list may be established within up to twice the number of positions to be filled. The validity of reserve candidates shall be limited to three (3) months from the earlier of either the scheduled appointment date or the actual appointment date of the final successful candidate.

※ During the validity period of the reserve candidate list, appointment may be made in order of ranking in the event that (1) a final successful candidate declines the offer or is found to be ineligible for appointment, or (2) a vacancy arises due to the early resignation of an appointed employee.

□ Required Documents

Category	Detail
Step 1 (Document screening)	∘ (Research Engineering) CV, Consent form & Application for IBS(Attached) (Postdoctoral Research Associate) CV, Consent form & Application for IBS(Attached), list of publications, Research statement(1 page), At least 1 letter of recommendation* * References letter must be sent to osrc@ibs.re.kr from the writer and any letters from the applicants will not be accepted. ※ The pertaining documents will only be used to confirm the pertaining qualification. Blind hiring process will be implemented. [Optional] 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 center

□ Term of Employment Contract

〇 Workplace: IBS Optical Science Research Cluster (GIST/Gwangju)

〇 (Postdoctoral Research Associate) Employment can be renewed only once and the total appointed term is up to 3 years.

〇 (Research Engineering) Employment is guaranteed until their Center closes after passing a review, which takes place before the end of the initial employment of 2 years (renewal every 2 years).

※ In case of the Center’s closure during employment, the employment contract will be terminated accordingly.

〇 (Salary) Based on IBS regulations (Pay-band system)

□ Application Submission and Deadline

〇 How to apply: E-mail (osrc@ibs.re.kr)

※ E-mail Title : [2026-1 OSRC-Job no.-position name] YYY←Applicant’s name

e.g., [2026-1 OSRC-①-Research Engineering] Mike

〇 Open and closing dates: Feb. 11., 2026 ~ Feb. 26., 2026 (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 the information of recommenders] 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: osrc@ibs.re.kr