Faculty Positions in Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI)

Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) is aunique government-funded research institute dedicated to astronomy, astrophysics, and space science in Korea. KASI keeps a world-class leading role in scientific research and cutting-edge technology development. KASI operates research facilities both in Korea and foreign countries, and actively collaborates with world-leading organizations such as Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy and National Aeronautics and Space Administration in USA, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and Chinese Academy of Sciences, etc. Some of the facilities and projects include Korean Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network, Korea Microlensing Telescope Network, Gemini Observatory, SPHEREx mission, and the Giant Magellan Telescope.

We currently search for creative and outstanding staff scientists.

The Applications should be submitted by July 7, 2020 (15:00 KST) at  https://www.kasi.re.kr/eng/publication/post/recruitNotice

○ The Areas of Recruitment

○ Schedule for the Selection Process

※ The result of each selection process will be informed to the applicants through e-mail.

※ Presentation about the Research Perfomance

    - About the past research achievement and future research plan 

     (PPT 10~15 pages of Powerpoint Slides or equivalent documents) 

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

     (The duration is subject to adjustment according to the number of successful applicants from the primary selection process) 

   - For those applicants who currently stay abroad, the presentation and interview will be conducted via video conferencing software such as Skype. 

o If the results of Background Checks (Criminal Record Checks)  of applicants from their own countries is found  ineligible, the applicant’s employment will be nullified.

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

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

o KASI is an equal opportunity employer.

  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. 

○ The Areas of Recruitment

  - P1: Galaxy clusters: optical surveys, data analysis, and science  (1 Position)

  - P2: Millimeter wave receiver system development.(1 Position)

  - P3: GNSS / Ionosphere and Upper Atmosphere(1 Position)

  - P4: Space Situational Awareness(1 Position)

  - P5: Astronomical research using survey data (e.g., SDSS4)(1 Position)

  - P6: IGRINS Postdoctoral position at Center for Large Telescopes (CfLAT)(1 Position)

  - P7: Astronomical Instrumentation – Development of OIR Spectrograph(1 Position)

  - P8: Development of Gravitational Wave (GW) Detector Technology(1 Position)

  - P9: Co-phasing technology development for Segmented mirrors(1 Position)

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

※ Those currently employed as post-doctoral researchers at KASI are not eligible for application. 

※ One application out of the 9 areas will be accepted.  

○ Applicants should apply online at https://www.kasi.re.kr/eng/post/eng_jobopening 

   (by 2020.6.26.(Fri) PM5:00 KST)

○ Candidates must upload 

  1) A curriculum vitae, 

  2) Research achievement and plan  

  3) 5-year Publication and project list

○ Schedule for the Selection Process

  1) Document review: 2020.7.6.(Mon) ~ 2020.7.9.(Thu)

  2) Presentation & Interview: 2020.7.27(Mon) ~ 2020.7.31(Fri)

 ※ The result of each selection process will be informed to the applicants through e-mail.

○ Presentation about the Research

  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.

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

○ 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.

○ 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. 

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

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

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

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

▶ P1: Galaxy clusters: optical surveys, data analysis, and science 

The galaxy evolution research group in KASI invites applications for a postdoctoral position in observational studies focusing on galaxy clusters. 

This position is available from September 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. Jongwan Ko (jwko@kasi.re.kr).

▶ P2: Millimeter wave receiver system development

Radio engineering research and development group

Radio astronomy division

This positions are available from 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.

Radio Engineering R&D Group has been working enthusiastically towards state-of-the-art millimeter/sub-millimeter wave receivers and  those active/passive components for radio astronomy since 1986.   

A representative example is the receivers developed for KVN (Korea VLBI Networks : https://kvn.kasi.re.kr) that provide observations from 18 to 142 GHz. Research topics of the group include wide-IF SIS mixers, feed horn antennas, orthomode transducers and phase shifters working at mm/sub-mm frequency range.    

Moreover, the group has a remarkable ability to conduct the quasi-optical circuit design which can make simultaneous observation for several frequency bands. The successful candidate will contribute to development of millimeter wave receivers and relevant components. It will provide the candidate a great opportunity to take part in the design and development of quasi-optical circuit design for compact multiple bands receiver system.

Inquiries can be addressed to Dr. Seog-Tae Han (sthan@kasi.re.kr) 

▶ P3: 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 September 1, 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) 

▶ P4: Space Situational Awareness

The Center for Space Situational Awareness(CSSA) invites applications for 1 postdoctoral fellow position in research using SSA data

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

An additional research fund of 8,000,000 - 10,000,000 Korean Won (~US$7,000-9,000) will be provided each year.

The Center for Space Situational Awareness (CSSA) at KASI has operated the OWL-Net (Optical Wide-field Patrol Network) since 2017. The OWL-Net consists of 5 robotic observatories at 5 countries over the world and each has a 0.5m optical telescope and a 4K camera with about 1.2 degree FOV. OWL-Net is used as a major asset to Korea.

Enquiries can be addressed to Dr. Hong-Suh Yim (yimhs@kasi.re.kr) 

▶ P5_Astronomical research using survey data (e.g., SDSS4)

Center for Large Telescopes (CfLAT) invites the application to Postdoctoral researcher position. This position is primarily for a researcher who can pursue his/her own research using the large survey data such as SDSS4. CfLAT serves as an Associate Institutional Member of SDSS4 and the successful candidate will have access rights to SDSS4 data even before public release. He/She is also supposed to participate in activities supporting the operation of CfLAT within 20% of his/her time. The supporting activities may include (but not limited to) followings, and details can be negotiated upon assignment to the position.

 - Develop science cases for GMT

 - Plan/Develop science cases for next-generation survey projects

 - Any activities related to the operation of CfLAT

This position is available from September 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. CfLAT composed of ~20 members including staff scientists and postdoctoral researchers with a wide research area spanning from observational astronomy to instrument development. We value diversity and creativity with passion for science.

Enquiries can be addressed to Dr. Ho Seong Hwang (hhwang@kasi.re.kr)

▶ P6: IGRINS Postdoctoral position at Center for Large Telescopes (CfLAT)

Center for Large Telescopes (CfLAT) at KASI 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 pursue his/her own research using the IGRINS data, in the field of Star Formation, Exoplanets, Stellar Astrophysics or the Interstellar Medium. The successful candidate is supposed to participate in activities supporting the operation (including user support) of IGRINS within 30% of his/her time

This position is available from September 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. CfLAT composed of ~20 members including staff scientists and postdoctoral researchers with a wide research area spanning from observational astronomy to instrument development. We value diversity and creativity with passion for science.

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

▶ P7: Astronomical Instrumentation – Development of OIR Spectrograph

Center for Large Telescopes, KASI

September 1, 2020 (Exact date negotiable)

An additional research fund of about 10,000 USD will be provided each year.

The KASI Center for Large Telescope 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 international cooperation to develop the state-of-the-art astronomical instruments, including IGRINS, G-CLEF, and GMTNIRS. A successful candidate is expected to work with the spectrometer development team in the field of mechanics, electronics, software, and/or systems engineering.

Dr. Young Sam Yu (ysyu@kasi.re.kr) Instrument Scientist

▶ P8: Development of Gravitational Wave (GW) Detector Technology

The GW technology research team in the Technology Center for Astronomy and Space Science invites applications for a postdoctoral position in optical system control technology.

This positions are available from November 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 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 the field of control electronics for optical systems. 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. 

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

▶ P9: Co-phasing technology development for Segmented mirrors

Technology Center for Astronomy and Space Science

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

 An additional research fund of 4,000,000~8,000,000 Korean Won (3,000~7,000 USD) will be provided each year.

 The Technology Center for Astronomy and Space Science in KASI is responsible for the development of various ground and space-based optical, infrared observation systems owned by KASI. Recently, the center 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)

Faculty Positions in Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI)

Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute (KASI) is aunique government-funded research institute dedicated to astronomy, astrophysics, and space science in Korea. KASI keeps a world-class leading role in scientific research and cutting-edge technology development. KASI operates research facilities both in Korea and foreign countries, and actively collaborates with world-leading organizations such as Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy and National Aeronautics and Space Administration in USA, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, and Chinese Academy of Sciences, etc. Some of the facilities and projects include Korean Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network, Korea Microlensing Telescope Network, Gemini Observatory, SPHEREx mission, and the Giant Magellan Telescope.

We currently search for creative and outstanding staff scientists.

The Applications should be submitted by April 13, 2020 (15:00 KST) at https://www.kasi.re.kr/eng/publication/post/recruitNotice

○ The Areas of Recruitment

○ Schedule for the Selection Process

 ※ The result of each selection process will be informed to the applicants through e-mail.

 ※ Presentation about the Research Perfomance 

    - About the past research achievement and future research plan 

     (PPT 10~15 pages of Powerpoint Slides or equivalent documents) 

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

     (The duration is subject to adjustment according to the number of successful applicants from the primary selection process) 

   - For those applicants who currently stay abroad, the presentation and interview will be conducted via video conferencing software such as Skype. 

o If the results of Background Checks (Criminal Record Checks)  of applicants from their own countries is found  ineligible, the applicant’s employment will be nullified.

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

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

o KASI is an equal opportunity employer.