CTPU-PTC Senior Researcher Positions

Theoretical high-energy physics, cosmology, PIML & QS for HEP

Announcement

The Particle Theory and Cosmology Group (PTC) of the Center for Theoretical Physics of the Universe (CTPU) at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), South Korea, invites applications for several senior researcher positions in theoretical high-energy physics and cosmology. The research areas of interest include (but not limited to) the following fields(*1,*2):

1) Physics beyond the Standard Model and Cosmology

axion physics, dark matter, flavor and CP violation, astroparticle physics, cosmological phase transition, ultra-light boson cosmology, topological defects, multi-messenger astrophysics, neutrino physics, collider physics, precision tests, etc.

2) PIML & QS for HEP (Physics-informed Machine Learning and Quantum Simulation for HEP)

simulation-based inference for collider and astrophysics (e.g., jet physics, galactic dynamics, and dark matter), physics-informed generative modeling and representation learning, domain adaptation, ML-assisted lattice field theory, and quantum algorithms and Hamiltonian simulation for high-energy physics, etc. 

The CTPU-PTC group, whose activities have been led by Kiwoon Choi since their inception in 2013, consists of five faculty members, one IBS Young Scientist Fellow, and 14 senior research fellows, together with several affiliated faculty members who work closely with the group. We also maintain active collaboration with the Cosmology, Gravity and Astroparticle Physics Group (CTPU-CGA), led by Masahide Yamaguchi, and strong ties with IBS experimental centers such as the Dark Matter Axion Group (DMAG), the Center for Underground Physics (CUP), and the Center for Exotic Nuclear Studies (CENS). In addition, the CTPU-PTC group is developing a dedicated research program in PIML & QS for HEP, carried out by a multidisciplinary team working across these areas.

Overall, the PTC group sustains a broad research program across the topics listed above, engages in collaborations with researchers worldwide, and runs an active schedule of conferences, workshops, focused programs, and regular seminars. These activities are documented on our Indico page.

The positions can start any time before December 16, 2026, provided that all appointment requirements are fulfilled by the starting date.(*3) The initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of a one-year extension subject to performance review and the funding situation.(*4)

Applications should include curriculum vitae, publication list, research statement, and at least three letters of recommendation. Applicants will also be asked, in the Academic Jobs Online form, to indicate their primary research areas including the themes listed above. In addition, applicants are required to complete and upload the IBS personal information consent and application form ("Consent to Collection and Use of Personal Information and Application for IBS"), which can be downloaded from the official IBS announcement (IBS Job Board). For full consideration, all application materials, including reference letters, should be submitted through Academic Jobs Online by January 05, 2026, 23:59 (KST).

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Job Overview

• Affiliation (workplace): CTPU-PTC (IBS HQ, Daejeon, Korea)
• Job Category: Senior Researcher
• Recruitment Area: Theoretical high-energy physics, cosmology, PIML & QS for HEP
• Required Qualifications:
  1. Degree: Doctoral degree (must be obtained by December 16, 2026, and a certificate must be submitted before the actual appointment date.)
  2. Major: Physics
• No. of Openings: 6

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Application Submission and Deadline

How to apply: Submit the documents through AcademicJobsOnline

• CV
• Publication List
• Research Statement
• At least three Letters of Recommendation
• Answers to the questions on the Research Areas of Interest (in AJO Additional Questions Form)
• The required IBS consent & application form - "Consent to Collection and Use of Personal Information and Application for IBS" (downloadable from the IBS Job Board)
  

Deadline for application submission: January 05, 2026 (23:59) KST

• Inquiries: Recruiting Manager of CTPU-PTC (E-mail: ctpu_recruit@ibs.re.kr）

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Miscellaneous

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

※ Apply the highest additional points across all preferences.

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Screening Process

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Terms & Conditions

• 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. 2024) 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.
• CTPU-PTC, 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Workplace: CTPU-PTC, IBS HQ, Daejeon
• Inquiries: Recruiting Manager of CTPU-PTC (E-mail: ctpu_recruit@ibs.re.kr）