The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) is a government-funded research institute located in Daejeon, Republic of Korea. We conduct front-line research in various fields of astronomy, astrophysics and space science, develop astronomical instruments and operate facilities in Korea and overseas. We are currently looking for creative and outstanding postdoctoral scientists. 

ㅇ The Areas of Recruitment

 - P1: Galaxy clusters (simulations, multi-wavelength data, survey telescopes) (2 Position)

 - P2: Research on the KMTNet optical survey data.(1 Position)

 - P3: MUSE Studies of Galaxies in Galaxy Clusters(1 Position)

 - P4: Radio astronomy(2 Position)

 - P5: Astronomy and Astrophysics using Korean VLBI Network (KVN)(1 Position)

 - P6: SPHEREx Instrumentation or Science(2 Position)

 - P7: Solar corona science(1 Position)

 - P8: GNSS / Ionosphere and Upper Atmosphere(1 Position)

 - P9: Theoretical cosmology (early universe, large-scale structure, large-scale optical spectroscopic/radio continuum survey analysis)(4 Position)

 - P10: Development of Gravitational Wave Detector Technology(2 Position)

 - P11: Co-phasing technology development for Segmented mirrors(1 Position)

 - P12: IGRINS Postdoctoral position at Center for Large Telescopes (CfLAT)(1 Position) 

※ New hires may be appointed as postdocs only if their start date is within 5 years of receiving their PhD. 

ㅇ Applicants should apply online at https://www.kasi.re.kr/eng/post/eng_jobopening (by 2020.1.17.(Fri) PM5:00 KST)

ㅇ Candidates must upload 

  1) A curriculum vitae, 

  2) Research achievement and plan  

  3) 5-year Publication and project list

ㅇ Schedule for the Selection Process

  1) About the past research achievements and future research plan (PPT 10~15 pages)

  2) Duration: 30 minutes including 20 minutes of presentation, 10 minutes of Q&A

      (This will be adjusted by the number of successful applicants.)

  3) For foreigners abroad, the presentation and interview will be conducted via Skype.

ㅇ A photocopy of the diploma should be presented when the candidate joins the KASI.  

ㅇ The successful candidate will be provided with the remuneration (starting from around 44,400,000 KRW(about 39,400 USD) per annum excluding severance pay) depending on qualification, research budget and financial supplement for health insurance and national pension, one-way airfare to join the KASI (economy class), and a dormitory room for single/double if needed. (dorm fees : 150,000/90,000 KRW) The KASI is committed to increasing its diversity and welcomes applications from women, minorities and people with disabilities.

ㅇ To proceed with a fair recruitment process, the personally identifiable information which is unrelated to one’s work such as name (first name and surname), picture, names of educational institutions, gender, sexual orientation, address, family or relatives cannot be mentioned in the CV, Research plan, or other necessary documents. 

ㅇ The applicant is responsible for the disadvantage caused by Error/Mistake, omission and being impossible to contact. 

ㅇ Depending on the results of CRIMINAL RECORD CHECK of applicants from their own countries, the ineligible applicant’s employment will be nullified.

ㅇ If a false information is found in the submitted documents, your employment will be canceled.

ㅇ The position and salary of the successful applicants is evaluated by the internal rules of KASI.

▶ P1: Galaxy clusters (simulations, multi-wavelength data, survey telescopes) 

The galaxy evolution research group in KASI invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in theoretical/observational studies focusing on galaxy clusters. 

These positions are available from April 1, 2020. The beginning date is negotiable.

A minimum research fund of 5,000,000 Korean Won (~US$4,500) will be provided each year. 

The galaxy evolution research group in KASI is consistently growing and is active in various fields of observational/theoretical galaxy evolution researches, covering dwarf galaxies, massive galaxies, galaxy clusters, large-scale structures at nearby and distant universe (http://galev.kasi.re.kr)

Enquiries can be addressed to Dr. Jihye Shin (jhshin@kasi.re.kr) and Dr. Jongwan Ko (jwko@kasi.re.kr)

▶ P2: Research on the KMTNet optical survey data.

The big data astronomy project invites applications for postdoctoral fellows in the analysis of the KMTNet survey data.

This position is available from April 1, 2020. The beginning date is negotiable.

An additional research fund of 6,000,000 - 8,000,000 Korean Won (~US$5,000-7,000) will be provided each year.

The big data astronomy project in the KASI invites applications for a postdoctoral fellow position which focuses on preparation for the LSST era. The successful candidate will be devoted to the KMTNet big data analysis and research in 1) galactic/extragalatic survey sciences and/or following-up work for time domain sciences (with Dr. Jae-Woo Kim), 2) faint dwarf galaxy and star cluster studies (with Dr. Hong-Soo Park), or 3) supernova/variable/transient research (with Dr. Sang-Chul Kim). Applicants should have obtained a PhD in astronomy or astrophysics. We particularly welcome candidates with good programming skills and previous experiences with large optical survey data. In addition to the KMTNet, the KASI members can also access observing facilities such as Gemini, MMT, and KVN through proposing the Korean time.

Enquiries can be addressed to Dr. Min-Su Shin (msshin@kasi.re.kr) for the KASI big data project, Dr. Jae-Woo Kim (kjw0704@kasi.re.kr) for the galactic/extragalactic survey and time-domain follow-up science, Dr. Hong-Soo Park (hspark@kasi.re.kr) for the dwarf galaxy studies, and Dr. Sang-Chul Kim (sckim@kasi.re.kr) for the supernova-related research.

▶ P3: MUSE Studies of Galaxies in Galaxy Clusters

The Galaxy Research Group invites applications for a post-doctoral position in extragalactic astronomy. The successful applicant will work with Dr. Yun-Kyeong Sheen on the evolution of galaxies in clusters of galaxies, using VLT/MUSE IFU spectroscopic data. One of the main subjects is a spatially-resolved kinematic study of the elliptical galaxies with post-merger features found in a cluster environment. The selected post-doctoral researcher is also encouraged to expand the subject as a multiband analysis or to develop new science topics using a given data set (e.g., environmental effects on galaxy evolution, theoretical modeling of post-merger galaxies, synthetic stellar population modeling of galaxy spectra etc.). Experience with optical spectroscopy/imaging and multi-wavelength data set is preferred, but is not mandatory. Highly-qualified applicants with a general background in extragalactic science and/or galaxy clusters will be fully considered. 

This position is available from April 1, 2020. The beginning date is negotiable.

An additional research fund of 6,000,000 Korean Won (~US$5,000) will be provided each year.

The Galaxy Research Group is active in various fields of observational/theoretical extragalactic astronomy, covering interstellar medium, supernovae, dwarf galaxies, massive galaxies, and galaxy clusters at the nearby and distant universe (http://galev.kasi.re.kr).

Enquiries can be addressed to Dr. Yun-Kyeong Sheen (yksheen@kasi.re.kr). 

▶ P4: Radio astronomy

The star formation and evolution group at KASI invites applications for two postdoctoral positions in radio and infrared astronomy to work on early star-forming processes in our Galaxy and/or evolved stars. 

The position is available from September 1, 2020, but the starting date is negotiable.

The research budget of 5,000,000 Korean Won (~USD5,000) is guaranteed. Additional travel funds will be also provided if necessary.

The star formation and evolution group (http://starforme.kasi.re.kr) is interested in candidates who work on early star forming processes in our Galaxy and/or radio observation and hydrodynamical modeling of evolved stars (AGB stars or planetary nebulae). The successful applicants are expected to carry out his/her own research projects and actively collaborate with the group members, who are currently leading several large (or PI) projects using JCMT, KVN, TRAO 14m, and ALMA. Detailed information of the group members and ongoing projects is available at the group webpage (http://starforme.kasi.re.kr).

Enquiries may be addressed to: Dr. Chang Won Lee (cwl@kasi.re.kr)

▶ P5: Astronomy and Astrophysics using Korean VLBI Network (KVN)

We invite applications for one postdoctoral position in all areas of astronomy and astrophysics using the Korean VLBI Network (KVN). Preferentially considered those applications with the research experience and plan for multi-frequency AGN survey and astrometry/geodesy using the KVN.

This position will be available from September 1, 2020. The beginning date is negotiable (but not earlier than September 1, 2020).

An additional research fund of 6,000,000 - 8,000,000 Korean Won (~US$5,000-7,000) will be provided each year.

The KVN science group carries out studies by using the KVN. The successful candidate will be responsible for participating in the multi-frequency AGN survey project and undertaking the related studies such as AGN astrometry/geodesy using the KVN. In addition, the applicant is expected to join the KVN and EAVN (East Asian VLBI Network) research activities. 

Enquiries can be addressed to Dr. Taehyun Jung (thjung@kasi.re.kr) 

▶ P6: SPHEREx Instrumentation or Science

The KASI SPHEREx Team invites applications for two post-doctoral positions in instrumentation or science projects related the NASA’s SPHEREx mission. The successful applicants are expected to work on any combinations of the following projects: (1) development and operation of the ground test facilities for SPHEREx, (2) preparation for the NASA SPHEREx mission, (3) developing SPHEREx key or legacy science. The three SPHEREx key science cases are cosmology (signatures from inflation), galaxy evolution (extragalactic background light), and the origin of life (biogenic ices). The legacy science cases include any topics that will be enabled by SPHEREx: e.g., AGNs, local/high-redshift galaxies, galaxy clusters, diffuse ISM, and brown dwarfs. The successful applicants will be given opportunities to collaborate with the international SPHEREx Science Team, thus gaining internal access to the data and tools for SPHEREx. It is also strongly encouraged that he/she develops and leads their own projects within these frameworks. Experience with astronomical instrumentation, optical/IR observation, or multi-wavelength data set is preferred.

This position is available from April 1, 2020, but the starting date is negotiable (as late as October 2020). This position is initially for two years with a possible extension of one more year, depending upon his/her performance, mutual agreement or funding situation.

Additional research fund for travel and other expenses will be provided each year. The amount of this fund is negotiable.

SPHEREx is a new infrared survey satellite, recently selected by NASA as a medium-class explorer (MIDEX) mission for launch in 2023. KASI is the only international partner of the SPHEREx mission, and the KASI SPHEREx Team will participate in preparation for the mission, operation, data reduction/release, and science beyond 2025. We also support SPHEREx-related activities of the Korean astronomical community. The postdocs will also have full access to all the resources and facilities of KASI: KVN/KaVA, Gemini/MMT through K-GMT Science Program, ALMA through East Asia Region and JCMT through East Asian Observatory.

Enquiries may be addressed to Drs. Woong-Seob Jeong (jeongws@kasi.re.kr) or Yujin Yang (yyang@kasi.re.kr).

▶ P7: Solar corona science

The space science division invites applications for a postdoctoral position in corona, solar wind, CME research using solar coronagraph

This positions are available from September 1, 2020. The beginning date is negotiable.

Provision of additional research fund is also negotiable.

The space science division has the research and development center for science, application, and service related to the Sun and space weather. The division is currently developing a solar coronagraph on International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with NASA. For the purpose of technical demonstration, stratospheric balloon experiment was performed in 2019. The launch of the ISS coronagraph is arranged by the end of 2022. The successful candidate will be responsible for undertaking related research using coronagraph. 

Enquiries can be addressed to Dr. Yeon-Han Kim (yhkim@kasi.re.kr) 

▶ P8: GNSS / Ionosphere and Upper Atmosphere

The Space Science Division at the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) invites applications for a postdoctoral position in the area of ionospheric research using GNSS data. This position will participate in developing a near real-time ionospheric monitoring system using GNSS data and work on the validation and application of ionospheric products retrieved from the system. 

The anticipated appointment start date is April 2020, but it is negotiable. The initial appointment will be for two years with the possibility of extension for another one year depending on performance reviews and funding.

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience according to the institute pay scale. An additional fund for travel and other expenses will be provided each year and the amount of fund varies with the project budget.

The Space Science Division is actively conducting research in the heliophysics, planetary science, Earth science and space exploration. The division also implements space programs for space science and astronomy in collaboration with universities and other research institutes

For questions or additional information, please contact Dr. Wookyoung Lee (wklee@kasi.re.kr) 

▶ P9: Theoretical cosmology (early universe, large-scale structure, large-scale optical spectroscopic/radio continuum survey analysis)

The cosmology group at KASI　(CosKASI) invites applications for 4  postdoctoral research fellow positions in theoretical cosmology. 

The positions are available as soon as possible after April 1, 2020 The beginning date is negotiable.

Research fund of 10,000,000 Korean Won (approx. 8,500 USD) will be provided each year.

CosKASI consists of 4 full-time research scientists (Jinn-Ouk Gong, David Parkinson, Arman Shafieloo and Yong-Seon Song), 3 part-time research scientists and a number of postdoctoral research fellows. CosKASI has broad research interests including early universe, large-scale structure and observational cosmology. The detail of CosKASI can be found at the homepage (http://cosmology.kasi.re.kr).

For informal enquiries, contact Jinn-Ouk Gong(jgong@kasi.re.kr)

 or David Parkinson(davidparkinson@kasi.re.kr).

▶ P10: Development of Gravitational Wave Detector Technology

KASI Optical and Infrared Astronomical Technology Group

March 1, 2020 (Exact date negotiable)

An additional research fund of 6,000,000~8,000,000 Korean Won (5,000~7,000 USD) will be provided each year.

The Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) has recently initiated a research program for gravitational wave (GW) detector technology, focused on laser and optical technologies to reduce the quantum noise in GW detectors. KASI is also preparing for collaborations with advanced or next generation GW detectors such as KAGRA, Virgo and ET. Applications are welcome from researchers whose interests are located in one or more of the following fields: quantum optics; laser and optical technology; control electronics; GW detector development. A successful candidate is expected to work with the GW technology research team at KASI and its international collaborators to improve GW detector performances by instrumenting laser and optical systems based on  quantum squeezing or quantum entanglement technologies. We are interested in candidates who have communication skills and cross-cultural abilities to be effective with diverse groups of colleagues and community members.

Enquiries can be addressed to Dr. Sungho Lee (leesh@kasi.re.kr)

▶ P11: Co-phasing technology development for Segmented mirrors

Optical and Infrared Astronomical Technology Group

This positions are available from April 1, 2020. The beginning date is negotiable.

 An additional research fund of 6,000,000~8,000,000 Korean Won (5,000~7,000 USD) will be provided each year.

 The Optical and Infrared Astronomical Technology Group in KASI is responsible for the development and maintenance of various ground-based optical and infrared observation facilities owned by KASI. Recently, the group is actively participating in Creative-fusion technology development program promoted by National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST) including Segmented mirror, Adaptive Optics, and Spectroscopy technologies. A successful candidate is expected to work with the Segmented mirror development for the telescope optics and systems engineering.

Enquiries can be addressed to Dr. Jeong-Yeol Han (jhan@kasi.re.kr)

▶ P12: IGRINS Postdoctoral position at Center for Large Telescopes (CfLAT)

K-GMT Science Group, Center for Large Telescopes (CfLAT) invites the application to IGRINS Postdoctoral position. IGRINS is a cross-dispersed near-IR spectrograph with a resolving power R=λ/Δλ = 45,000. This position is primarily for a researcher who can pursuit his/her own researches using the IGRINS data, in the field of Star Formation, Exoplanets, Stellar Astrophysics or the Interstellar Medium. The successful candidate is supposed to participate activities supporting the operation (including user support) of IGRINS within 40% of his/her time.

This positions are available from April 1, 2020. The beginning date is negotiable.

A research fund of about 10,000,000 Korean Won (~US$8,500) per year will be available.

CfLAT is an official interface between KASI and Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) Organization, where KASI is a founding member of GMT project. K-GMT Science Group is in charge of science promotion and development for GMT that CfLAT is engaged in, and is composed of seven staff scientists and two postdoctoral researchers who value

diversity and creativity with passion for science.

Enquiries can be addressed to Dr. Jae-Joon Lee (leejjoon@kasi.re.kr)