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APCTP Assistant Professor 2026

(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 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.

 

This call focuses on the following research areas within theoretical physics:

• • Cosmology/Astrophysics
• • Quantum Information
• • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• • Biological Physics
• • Nuclear Physics

 

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• • Hold a Ph.D. in theoretical physics or a related field, awarded within the last seven years.
• • Be under the age of 40 at the time of application.
• • Both as of August 1, 2026.

 

For reference, the current JRG groups and their research areas can be found here: APCTP JRGs.

 

Expectations & Responsibilities

The JRG leader will:

• • Conduct innovative research and establish an independent research program.
• • Supervise and mentor postdoctoral researchers and students.
• • Foster collaboration with APCTP’s Partner and Member Institutes in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
• • Engage in APCTP’s scientific activities and contribute to its vibrant research environment

 

Remuneration & Benefits

APCTP offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• • Annual gross salary: Starting from KRW 80,000,000 (negotiable).
• • Research funding:
    - KRW 100,000,000 per year for the hiring of 2 postdoctoral fellows.
    - KRW 50,000,000 per year for other research activities.
• • Housing support: Rent-free accommodation for the duration of the contract.
• • Appointment as an Affiliated Assistant Professor at POSTECH’s Department of Physics.
• • Contract term: 3+2 years (initial three-year contract with a two-year extension upon review, one additional year subject to budget availability).

 

Timeline

Stage	Timeline (Tentative)
Application Deadline	March 12, 2026 (UTC +09:00)
Screening of Candidates	March - April, 2026
Interviews & Symposium (on-site, S. Korea)	Early May 2026
Announcement of Results	May 2026
Research Start	August 2026  (earlier start may be considered depending on the final selection date)

 

Application Procedure

Interested applicants must submit the following documents by March 12, 2026 (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:

• • All documents (1–5) must be in English.
• • Documents 2–4 should be combined into a single, unsigned, and non-encrypted PDF.
• • Applicants are responsible for ensuring their referees submit letters before the deadline.
• • No 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