Center for Exotic Nuclear Studies

2025-4 Recruitment Announce for Senior ResearcherPositions at the Center for Exotic Nuclear Studies

The 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 Belt. IBS aims to advance the frontiers of knowledge and drive the development of future technologies through world-class basic science research.

The Center for Exotic Nuclear Studies (CENS) at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) invites applications for three Senior Researcher positions in nuclear physics. We seek creative, dynamic candidates who will lead independent and innovative research programs in low-energy nuclear physics. Successful applicants are expected to conduct experiments using rare isotope beams at world-leading facilities, including RAON (Korea), RIKEN (Japan), GANIL (France), and FRIB (United States).

While outstanding candidates in all areas of nuclear physics will be considered, preference will be given to candidates specializing in nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, nuclear reactions, fundamental symmetries, and nuclear applications. The selected candidates are expected to develop unique research programs integrating advanced instrumentation developed at CENS, such as ASGARD, AToM-X, IDATEN, and STARK, with beam experiments at RAON facility.

CENS currently comprises three experimental groups and one theoretical group, conducting research in nuclear astrophysics, nuclear structure, and nuclear reactions using stable and rare isotope accelerators overseas as well as the RAON facility in Korea. Additionally, the theoretical group pemeursues independent research while providing essential support for experimental activities. CENS is developing state-of-the-art detectors for research on structures and reactions of exotic nuclei, measurnt of nuclear reactions in explosive stellar events, discovery of new rare isotopes, and exotic nuclear physics experiments.

CENS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment and strongly encourages applications from women and individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups.

□ Overview

• ※ No applicants may be hired if there are no applicants deemed qualified during the screening process. Please refer to the job description (attached) for details such as job category, job duties, and preferences, etc.

□ Qualifications

• [General 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.
• ● Those who completed mandatory military service or exempt from such service, and permitted to travel abroad
  ※ The military service exemption positions(전문연구요원) are not eligible for this announcement.


• [Preferences]
• ● 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
  ※ Apply the highest additional points across all preferences.
• ● Women in science, engineering and technology as defined in Article 2 of the Act on Fostering and Supporting Women Scientists and Technicians

□ Screening Process

• ※ Recruitment schedule is subject to change.
• ※ If an applicant requests an appointment earlier than the scheduled appointment date, eligibility shall be determined based on the actual date of appointment.
• ※ Reserve candidates may be selected within twice the number of positions available, and their eligibility will be valid for up to three months from the earlier of the scheduled appointment date or the final candidate’s start date.※ During the validity period of reserve candidates, appointment may be offered in the order of reserve ranking in the following cases:
  • 1. If the final candidate declines the offer or is disqualified from appointment,
  • 2. If a vacancy arises due to the early resignation of an appointed employee.

□ Required Documents

□ Employment Conditions

□ Aplication Submission and Deadline

• 〇 URL: https://ibs.re.kr/prog/recruit/eng/sub04_01/list.do
• 〇 How to apply: Click "Apply" in the announcement to upload.
  • - CV
  • - List of publications
  • - One page of research plan
  • - Two reference letters or more*
  • - Application for IBS (attached)
    * References letters must be sent from the writers and any letters from the applicants will not be accepted. After entering the referee’s email address in the system and clicking "Send," a reference letter request email will be sent automatically.
    * Only reference letters submitted within the deadline will be accepted.
• 〇 Deadline for application submission: January 8, 2026 (23:59) KST

□ Notes

• 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 CENS, 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 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: Recruiting Manager of CENS（E-mail : cens_recruit@ibs.re.kr)