2026-1 Recruitment Announcement for Research Positions at the Mathematics of Biological Dynamics Group
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 Mathematics of Biological Dynamics Group in the Center for Mathematical and Computational Sciences is a new research group led by CI Jinsu Kim and scheduled to commence operations in December 2026. The Group will study the dynamics of biochemical systems using mathematical tools such as differential equations and stochastic processes, focusing on the following areas:
1. Biological Computing and Biology-inspired Computing
Living organisms respond to their surrounding environments and interact with various molecules to produce specific outcomes. These biological processes can be described not only as dynamical systems but also as computational processes that process information and generate outputs.
We study Biological Computing, which uses actual biomolecules and chemical reactions to perform computations, and Biology-inspired Computing, which develops new computational approaches inspired by the underlying mechanisms of biological processes. In particular, our goal is to uncover the computational principles underlying biological processes, design new computational systems, and mathematically characterize their capabilities and limitations.
2. Reaction Network Theory
Complex chemical reactions occurring within living organisms can be represented by mathematical structures called reaction networks. Interestingly, the topological and geometric structures of these networks can sometimes reveal important dynamical properties of the entire system.
We aim to develop new mathematical theories that reveal fundamental connections between reaction network structures and their dynamics. We are particularly interested in dynamical phenomena such as irreversibility, non-exponential convergence, and non-ergodicity, which are often difficult to analyze using existing mathematical theories.
3. Mathematical Study of General Dynamical Systems
In addition to dynamical systems arising from reaction networks, we study biological phenomena using a broad range of mathematical models, including stochastic partial differential equations, partial differential equations, and discrete dynamical systems.
We are particularly interested in mathematically analyzing various dynamical behaviors observed in complex biological systems and developing new theories and methods to explain them. Our goal is to advance the mathematical understanding of biological phenomena by exploring and developing dynamical systems theories beyond specific models or mathematical techniques.
The Group invites applications for three Senior Researcher positions and three Postdoctoral Research Associate positions in these areas. The starting annual salary is no less than KRW 57 million. Following an initial contract, one renewal may be granted after a review under applicable regulations. The maximum total appointment period, including renewal, is five years for Senior Researchers and three years for Postdoctoral Research Associates. The expected appointment date is September 1, 2027. Earlier appointment is possible; however, the appointment must take place no later than December 1, 2027.
Recruitment Area and Openings
| Category | Job Category | Recruitment Area | Required Qualifications | Affiliation (workplace) | No. of Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ① | Senior Researcher | Mathematics of biological dynamics | (Degree): Doctoral degree as of the expected appointment date (September 1, 2027) (Major): Mathematics, AI, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related field | Mathematics of Biological Dynamics Group (HQ, Daejeon) | 3 |
| ② | Postdoctoral Research Associate | Mathematics of biological dynamics | (Degree): Doctoral degree as of the expected appointment date (September 1, 2027) (obtained within recent 5 years or to be obtained within 3 months from the expected appointment date) (Major): Mathematics, AI, Statistics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related field | Mathematics of Biological Dynamics Group (HQ, Daejeon) | 3 |
| Total | 6 |
- Applicants may not apply to more than one recruitment area.
- The final number of appointees may change depending on the screening results. Please refer to the job description for details on the duties and qualifications.
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. Male applicants must have completed or be exempted from compulsory military service.
- 전문연구요원 종사를 희망하는 경우에는 지원 의사와 병역 관계를 응시원서 또는 CV 등에 표시하여 제출 필요. 다만 현역입영대상자의 전문연구요원 신규 편입은 불가하며, 보충역 대상자 및 타 기관에서 전직해서 오는 경우에 한하여 지원 가능
- 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 applicants who submit a certificate of disability
- 5 to 10 additional points for applicants eligible for veterans’ benefits who submit a certificate confirming their eligibility for employment support.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Application Submission | October 21, 2026 – November 6, 2026, 16:00 KST | Online application through the IBS website |
| Step 1 (Document screening) | November 18, 2026 | Review items: Relevance to the recruitment area, expertise in research achievement, work capability, development potential, etc. Eligibility: Applicants who have met the required qualification Among applicants with an average score of at least 80, up to seven times the number of openings for Senior Researcher and five times the number of openings for Postdoctoral Research Associates will be selected for the next stage. |
| Step 2 (Interview screening) | November 26, 2026 | Review items: Expertise in the recruitment area, presentation skill, attitude, problem solving skills, development potential, fluency in foreign languages (English), etc. Eligibility: Applicants who pass the document screening Select the highest-scoring candidates with an average score of at least 80, up to the number of openings. If a selected candidate declines the appointment or is found ineligible, an alternate may be appointed in order of ranking. The alternate list will remain valid for up to three months from the earlier of the expected appointment date (September 1, 2027) or the appointment date of the originally selected candidate. ※ IBS may select fewer candidates than the number of openings if there are not enough qualified applicants. |
| Appointment | September 1, 2027 | The appointment date may be adjusted, including to an earlier date, but cannot be later than December 1, 2027. |
- The interview may be conducted via videoconference depending on the research group’s circumstances.
- The schedule above may be subject to change according to the research group’s circumstances.
- There can be additional required documents for successful candidates.
Required Documents
Step 1 (Document screening)
- Curriculum vitae including a list of publications (PDF format)
- Research statement (1 page, PDF format)
- At least two recommendation letters
- Consent to Collection and Use of Personal Information (form available on the application page)
- Recommendations must be submitted directly by the recommender through the link provided based on the information entered during the online application process. Applicants are responsible for confirming with their recommenders that the recommendation request email has been received and should follow up as needed.
- (if applicable) Supporting documents for applicants with disabilities or eligible for veterans’ benefits
Step 2 (Interview screening)
- Additional documents may be required of successful candidates.
Term of employment contract
- (Senior researcher) will be eligible to renew employment contract once after the initial term and the total employment period is up to five years.
- In case of the Group’s closure during employment, the employment contract will be terminated accordingly.
- (Postdoctoral research associate) will be eligible to renew employment contract once after the initial term and the total employment period is up to three years.
- In case of the Group’s closure during employment, the employment contract will be terminated accordingly.
Application Submission and Period
- How to apply: online application through the website
- Required documents (Upload in PDF file format)
- CV including a list of publications
- Research Statement (1 page)
- At least two recommendation letters
- Consent to Collection and Use of Personal Information (form available on the application page)
- Recommendations must be submitted directly by the recommender through the link provided based on the information entered during the online application process.
- Applicants are responsible for confirming with their recommenders that the recommendation request email has been received and should follow up as needed.
- Application period: October 21 to November 6, 2026 (until 4:00 p.m. KST on November 6)
- Please note that applications that do not include all required documents by the deadline will 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 referees’ information] and experience). However, personal information that can identify the applicant (e.g., gender and age) will not be provided to the screening committee.
- 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. Personal information that could lead to bias in the screening process will not be provided to the screening committee.
- 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 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: uribae@ibs.re.kr


