Overview

2026-7 Recruitment Announcement for Research Position at the Photon Science Research Cluster (Center for Microbiome-Body-Brain Physiology)

Institute for Basic Science (IBS)

Department: Photon Science Research Cluster

Contact: osrc@ibs.re.kr

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 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 gut-brain communication. Based on this knowledge, we seek to uncover the mechanisms underlying feeding behavior, metabolism, and lifespan regulation, and further investigate the association between the gut-brain axis and neurodegenerative diseases.

The Center for Microbiome-Body-Brain Physiology is recruiting creative and dynamic talent to drive our research in the field of neuroscience, microbiology, and immunology, and who is eager to join a dynamic research team. The successful candidates are expected to conduct research on feeding behavior and lifespan using Drosophila and mouse models, and other assignments as directed by the Center Director.

□ Recruitment Area and Openings

No	Job Position	Recruitment Area	Required Qualifications	Affiliation (workplace)	No. of Openings
①	Postdoctoral research associate	-Conduct research on feeding behavior and lifespan using Drosophila and mouse models -Study behaviors regulated by the gut-brain axis -Investigate feeding behavior in Drosophila and mice through gut microbiota transplantation -Explore neurodegenerative diseases using Drosophila and mouse models -Elucidate disease mechanisms regulated by the gut-brain axis	▪ Qualifications – Degree: Doctoral degree (Those who do not exceed 5 years after obtaining doctoral degree, or those who are expected to obtain a doctoral degree within 3 months from the expected appointment date(`27.1.16) -Major/Field: Life Sciences or related disciplines	GIST (Gwangju)	2
②	Research Engineer	Mouse Facility and Research Infrastructure Operations	▪ Qualifications – Degree: Bachelor’s degree or higher in life sciences, science, or engineering by expected appointment date(`27.1.16)	GIST (Gwangju)	1
	Total				3

※ When the applicants are not competent enough, the Center may decide not to select a successful candidate.

※ Applicants may apply to only one job category. Applicants who apply to more than one job category will be excluded.

□ Qualifications and Preferences

[Required qualifications]

• Must be in compliance with the requirements as specified in Article 33 of the State Public Officials Act (Disqualification Reasons for Appointment).
• Must have no reason for disqualification for appointment as specified in Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the ‘Act on the Employment of Foreign Nationals in Government Institutions’.
• Must be in compliance with the requirements as specified in Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the “Military Service Act” (e.g., If you are a Korean male, you must have completed your military service or be exempted from it).
• Must meet all requirements for each job position. (refer to job descriptions)

[Preferred qualifications]

• Individuals with disabilities and those eligible for employment protection will be given preference as stipulated by the applicable laws (submit official supporting documents if applicable).
• – 5 additional points will be added to applicants with disabilities in accordance with the “Act on the Employment Promotion and Vocational Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities” (Disability must be recognised on or before the closing date of the application).
• – 5-10 additional points will be added to applicants who are eligible for employment protection in accordance with the “Act on the Honorable Treatment of and Support for Persons of Distinguished Services to the State” (A person with disabilities who is eligible for employment protection will be given the highest additional points only).
• Women in science, engineering and technology will be given preference in accordance with the “Act on Fostering and Supporting Women in Science, Engineering and Technology”.

□ Screening Process

Category	Schedule (Expected)	Details
Step 1 (Document screening)	11.26~11.27	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).
Step 2 (Interview screening)	12.3~12.4	Select applicants with the highest average scores (minimum average score: 80). Evaluation Criteria: Competency (50%), Potential (50%)
Appointment	2027.1.16.~	[Expected Start Date] 2027.1.16.(Fri.) *The date above is subject to change.

※ 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)	◦ (Postdoctoral Research Associate) CV, Consent form & Application for IBS(Attached), list of publications, Research statement(1 page), At least 2 letter of recommendation* ◦ (Research Engineer) CV(free format), Personal statement(free format), Consent form & Application for IBS(Attached) * 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

• ○ Workplace: IBS Center for Microbiome-Body-Brain Physiology (GIST/Gwangju)
• ○ (Postdoctoral Research Associate) Employment can be renewed only once and the total appointed term is up to 3 years.
• ○ (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.
• ○ (Salary) Based on IBS regulations (Pay-band system)

□ Application Submission and Deadline

• ○ How to apply: E-mail (osrc@ibs.re.kr)
• ※ E-mail Title : [2026-7 OSRC-Job no.-position name] YYY ← Applicant’s name
• e.g., [2026-7 OSRC-①-Postdoctoral Research associate ] Mike
• [2026-7 OSRC-②-Research Engineer] Mike
• ○ Open and closing dates: Nov. 9., 2026 ~ Nov. 24., 2026 (Until 16:00 KST)
• ○ 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

• ○ 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.
• ○ IBS is an Equal Opportunity / 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.
• ○ 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.
• ○ 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.
• ○ If candidates are disqualified due to a background check or a physical examination result, the job offer will be withdrawn.
• ○ 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.
• ○ No applicants may be hired if there are no applicants deemed qualified during the screening process.
• ○ If hired, the job category/grade and annual salary will be determined in accordance with IBS rules and regulations.
• ○ Inquiries: osrc@ibs.re.kr