DGIST–IBS Research Center Director Candidate Recruitment (Biological Science–Related Fields)

Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) respectfully invites exceptional global leaders in the Biological science-related fields—such as AI-based protein design, aging biology, chemical biology, and complexity biology—to consider applying for the position of Director of a proposed Institute for Basic Science (IBS) Research Center on the DGIST campus. We are seeking scientists who combine outstanding research excellence with a bold and forward-looking vision to lead a major research initiative for the next decade or more. The selected Director will have the opportunity to establish a world-class center dedicated to curiosity-driven, high-impact basic research, supported with full academic independence and comprehensive institutional backing from DGIST.

Apply Online (Link)

 

ABOUT DGIST

DGIST is a government-funded public research university in South Korea, established with a clear mission to drive cutting-edge advancements in science and technology. At the heart of DGIST’s mission is a strong commitment to convergence science — an interdisciplinary approach that merges traditional academic fields to address the grand challenges threatening the sustainability of human society. This collaborative ethos drives cutting-edge research across focus areas including novel AI-biotechnology, aging biology, brain science, and nanobio sciences. In addition, DGIST provides access to advanced omics technologies, animal resource center, state-of-the-art imaging facilities, high-performance computing resources, and a vibrant community of talented undergraduate and graduate students.

Since its establishment in 2004, DGIST has achieved rapid growth and significant scholarly impact. This progress is reflected in our global reputation: in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, DGIST ranked 4th worldwide and 1st in South Korea for citations per faculty. In the 2024 THE Young University Rankings, DGIST placed 33rd globally, 3rd nationally, and was the highest-ranked new entrant worldwide.

Visit the DGIST Website (Link)

 

ABOUT IBS

Established in 2011, the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) is South Korea’s premier national research institute dedicated to long-term, large-scale, and curiosity-driven basic science.

IBS offers outstanding researchers full academic independence, generous and stable funding, and a world-class research environment with the goal of producing frontier discoveries that benefit humanity.

IBS Director Recruitment Information (Link)

 

THE POSITION

Distinguished scientists in Biological science-related fields* who are capable of leading large-scale, long-term, collaborative research will be considered as candidates for the Director position of DGIST Campus Centers.

The organizational structure of each center is flexible and may include a co-directorship model or a single directorship with Associate Director(s), depending on the research scope and leadership vision.

* Biological science-related fields

1. Life Science

 – Brain science: Brain-inspired artificial intelligence

 – Life code: Molecular synthetic biology, Complex biology

 – Development/Growth/Aging: Developmental biology, Aging biology, Neuroimmunology, Phyto-environmental biology

 – Infectious diseases: Virome and applied platform research

2. Chemistry

 – Chemistry for life science : Chemical biology, Molecular neuroscience

3. Interdisciplinary

 – Single-cell level integrated analysis

 – Artificial photosynthesis

 – AI-based protein design

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to conduct large-scale, long-term, collaborative research in basic science

• Credentials equivalent to those of a chaired/endowed professor at a world-renowned university or a director at a Max Planck Institute in a relevant area of expertise, or have the potential to reach the aforementioned level in the near future

• Must be able to commit to basic science research at IBS for a long term and must have demonstrated scientific excellence

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

The applicant’s scientific excellence and adequacy of research plan will be reviewed by domestic and international scholars based on qualitative assessment

• Scientific excellence: Quality and significance of the applicant’s research achievements, research capabilities and potential, and other relevant aspects

• Adequacy of research plan: Adequacy, reasonability and feasibility of the center/group organization and operation plan, proposed budget and cost allocation, plan to nurture and support early career scientists, and mid- to long-term development plan and visions

 

ADDITIONAL OFFER BY DGIST

To ensure the success of the IBS Center and its Director, DGIST additionally offers a highly competitive support package:

• Competitive Salary and Incentives: A highly competitive annual salary is offered, with additional financial incentives provided by DGIST over a sustained period.

• Faculty Appointment: Tenure-track position as a DGIST Fellow, with retirement age set at 70. Performance reviews are conducted every five years to ensure long-term career stability.

• Research Equipment and Startup Funding: Substantial funding is available for research equipment over a multi-year period. A generous startup fund is also provided upon appointment to support early-stage research activities.

• Sustainable Research Funding: IBS provides consistent annual research funding for each center, independent of host institution support, enabling long-term, high-impact research.

• Laboratory Space and Infrastructure: Spacious laboratory facilities are provided, with flexibility for expansion. Researchers have priority access to DGIST’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, including supercomputing resources, cleanrooms, and animal research facilities.

• Additional support: Includes research personnel, housing, and child education support.

 

POSITION DETAILS

• Must work full time and salary will be negotiated with the IBS President and DGIST President.

• Should be dedicated to the research of the center

 – Engagement in for-profit business is prohibited.

• Have the authority to organize their center/group, including personnel, detailed research plan and budget allocation.

• The center will undergo a consultation-based interim review after two years from the start date and additional reviews follow every three years thereafter.

 

INTERESTED?

Applications are accepted until October 13, 2025, 16:00(KST) via online Application (Link)

• Required documents:

1. Personal Statement (Motivation Letter)

2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae

3. Representative Papers (up to 3)

4. Contact Details of Two Recommenders (Name, Contact Information)

 

CONTACT

For further information, please contact the DGIST Research Promotion Team.

(d-rnd@dgist.ac.kr)

Deadline: Oct. 13, 2025, 16:00(KST)