APCTP Assistant Professor 2025
(Junior Research Group Leader)
Call for Applications
The Asia Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics (APCTP) invites outstanding early-career researchers to apply for the Assistant Professorship under the Junior Research Group (JRG) Program.
This prestigious program is designed to nurture independent research leaders by providing exceptional support and academic freedom to conduct innovative research in theoretical physics.
About APCTP
Founded in 1996 under the leadership of Nobel Laureate Prof. C. N. Yang, APCTP is an international research center dedicated to advancing theoretical physics. With 19 member countries, the Center serves as a premier hub for scientific collaboration in the Asia-Pacific region. Our mission is to foster cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary connections across various fields.
For more details, visit: https://www.apctp.org.
Position Overview
The APCTP is pleased to re-open the call for the Assistant Professor position to provide more opportunities for outstanding early-career researchers to join the Center. The APCTP Assistant Professor position is designed to enhance the in-house research capacity of the Center by establishing independent Junior Research Groups (JRGs). Each selected JRG leader will be based at APCTP headquarters in Pohang, Korea, where they will have the opportunity to build and lead a research group with full academic independence.
While applications are welcome from all areas of theoretical physics, priority consideration will be given to candidates specializing in:
ᆞQuantum Information
ᆞPhysics of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
ᆞAstrophysics/Cosmology
ᆞStatistical/Bio Physics
ᆞCondensed Matter Physics
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
ᆞHold a Ph.D. degree in theoretical physics or a related field, awarded within the last seven years.
ᆞBe under the age of 40 at the time of application.
ᆞBoth as of August 1, 2025.
For reference, the current JRG groups and their research areas can be found here: APCTP JRGs.
Expectations & Responsibilities
The JRG leader will:
ᆞConduct innovative research and establish an independent research program.
ᆞSupervise and mentor postdoctoral researchers and students.
ᆞFoster collaborations with APCTP’s Partner and Member Institutes in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
ᆞEngage in APCTP’s scientific activities and contribute to its vibrant research environment.
Remuneration & Benefits
APCTP offers a competitive compensation package, including:
ᆞAnnual gross salary: Starting from KRW 80,000,000 (negotiable).
ᆞResearch funding:
- KRW 100,000,000 per year for the hiring of 2 postdoctoral fellows.
- KRW 50,000,000 per year for other research activities.
ᆞHousing support: Rent-free accommodation for the duration of the contract.
ᆞAppointment as an Affiliated Assistant Professor at POSTECH’s Department of Physics.
ᆞContract term: 3+2 years (initial three-year contract with a two-year extension upon review).
Timeline
Stage | Timeline (Tentative) |
| Application Deadline | May 11, 2025 (UTC +09:00) |
| Screening of Candidates | May-June 2025 |
| Interviews | June-July 2025 |
| Announcement of Results | July 2025 |
| Research Start | August 2025 |
Application Procedure
Interested applicants must submit the following documents by May 11, 2025 (UTC +09:00) to jrg@apctp.org:
1. Application Form (PDF format).
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including academic and professional history.
3. Research accomplishments & publication list.
4. Research Statement, detailing research plans and objectives.
5. Two recommendation letters, to be sent directly from referees to jrg@apctp.org.
Important Notes:
ᆞAll documents (1–5) must be in English.
ᆞDocuments 2–4 should be combined into a single, unsigned, and non-encrypted PDF.
ᆞApplicants are responsible for ensuring their referees submit letters before the deadline.
ᆞNo eligibility-related inquiries will be addressed by the Program Officer. Applicants must review the Job Description carefully.
Contact Information
Program Officer (Junior Research Group)
Asia Pacific Center for Theoretical Physics
E-mail: jrg@apctp.org
