Senior Researcher ×3, Geometry & Physics — Institute for Basic Science (Pohang)

The Institute for Basic Science (IBS) is recruiting 3 Senior Researchers for its Center for Geometry and Physics, on the POSTECH campus in Pohang. Applications go directly to IBS through their own recruitment site; Waegook is only sharing the notice.

■ Employer
Institute for Basic Science (IBS) — Center for Geometry and Physics (IBS-CGP)
Workplace: IBS Center for Geometry and Physics, POSTECH campus, Pohang, Gyeongbuk
Centre website: https://www.ibs.re.kr/cgp/

IBS-CGP brings leading mathematicians together with young researchers, and recruits on scientific excellence and original ideas rather than pre-set goals or demonstrated practical outcomes. Current members work in symplectic topology, mirror symmetry, geometric topology, dynamical systems, algebraic geometry, number theory, and mathematical aspects of quantum field and string theory.

■ The position
- Job category: Senior Researcher
- Openings: 3
- Research areas: symplectic topology, mirror symmetry, geometric topology, dynamical systems, algebraic geometry, and mathematical aspects of quantum field and string theory
- Contract: renewable once after the initial term, up to a total of five years. If the centre closes during employment, the contract ends accordingly.
- Salary: set by IBS internal rules (pay-band) — no figure is published
- Expected appointment date: 1 December 2026, negotiable. The offer may be withdrawn if you cannot start by 1 March 2027.

■ Required qualifications
- PhD in a related field, obtained before the expected start date of 1 December 2026. Only those expecting to obtain a PhD by 30 November 2026 may apply.
- Must meet the appointment requirements in Article 33 of the State Public Officials Act and IBS statutes.
- No restrictions on overseas travel. Male applicants must have completed or been exempted from compulsory military service.
- All requirements must be met by the application deadline.

■ Preferred
- Applicants registered as persons with disabilities, or eligible for employment assistance for persons of distinguished service to the state (additional screening points: 5 for a disability certificate, 5 or 10 for employment protection as a national war veteran; where these overlap only the highest is awarded)
- Women in science, engineering and technology

■ Deadline
31 August 2026, 18:00 Korea time. The announcement opened on 9 June 2026.

■ Documents to submit (all as PDF, uploaded online)
1) Cover letter — free format
2) Research statement — free format
3) List of publications — free format
4) At least 3 recommendation letters — recommenders submit these directly through a link generated from your online application. You are responsible for confirming your recommenders received the request.
5) IBS application form and consent to collection and use of personal information — the template is attached to the original notice

IBS may request additional documents such as your highest degree certificate. Further documents such as a graduation certificate or diploma may be requested at the interview stage.

■ How to apply
Apply online through the IBS recruitment site: https://ibs.re.kr/prog/recruit/eng/sub04_01/list.do
Full notice, with the job description and application form attached: https://www.ibs.re.kr/prog/recruit/eng/sub04_01/view.do?idx=2130

■ Selection schedule (expected)
- Applications: 9 June 2026 to 31 August 2026
- Stage 1, document screening: 15 September 2026. Judged on suitability for the field, research achievements, job competence and potential. Minimum average score 80; up to seven times the number of openings advance.
- Stage 2, interview: 13 to 14 October 2026. Judged on expertise, presentation, problem-solving and potential. Minimum average score 80.
- Appointment: 1 December 2026
Results are sent by e-mail at each stage. The schedule may change at the centre's discretion.

■ Blind hiring
IBS runs a blind hiring process — personal details that could bias the committee are withheld from it. Academic background, schools, time taken to obtain degrees, reference letters and experience are collected, but identifying details such as gender and age are not.

■ Contact
[email protected] · 054-260-9079