[IBS-CSBD] Postdoctoral Researcher / Senior Researcher Positions in Systems Neuroscience

About this position

The Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), invites applications for Postdoctoral and Senior Researcher positions in systems neuroscience.

This advertisement is specifically for positions under PI Seung-Hee Lee.

Our lab investigates how neural population dynamics across multiple brain regions give rise to perceptual/goal-directed behavior in mice, combining quantitative behavioral analysis, large-scale in vivo recording (Neuropixels, multichannel electrophysiology, two-photon and one-photon calcium imaging), optogenetic circuit manipulation, and computational modeling. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a related field.

Research Areas

We study how distributed neural circuits give rise to behavior, using the mouse as a model system.

We combine quantitative behavioral analysis, large-scale in vivo neural recording, causal circuit manipulation, and computational modeling to understand how neural population dynamics across multiple brain regions encode, transform, and drive behavior.

Ongoing projects span the following areas:

• Quantitative behavior: Design of behavioral paradigms in freely moving and head-fixed mice, high-throughput behavioral tracking, and machine-learning–based pose estimation and behavioral segmentation.
• Multi-region, population-level neural recording: Simultaneous monitoring of neural activity across brain regions and cell types using Neuropixels and multichannel electrophysiology, as well as two-photon and one-photon (miniscope) calcium imaging in behaving animals.
• Neural population dynamics: Dimensionality reduction, latent-variable and dynamical-systems modeling, and decoding approaches to characterize how population activity evolves during behavior and how information is coordinated across regions.
• Causal circuit manipulation: Cell-type– and projection-specific optogenetic control of neural activity, combined with simultaneous recording/imaging, to determine how targeted perturbations reshape neural dynamics and behavior.
• Computational modeling: Development of circuit, network, and normative models that generate testable predictions and are constrained by, and interpreted alongside, experimental data.

We welcome applicants with expertise in one or more of these areas, including experimentalists with strong quantitative skills and computational researchers interested in close collaboration with experimental work.

Postdoctoral researchers will lead independent projects within this framework; senior researchers are expected to drive a research program, mentor junior lab members, and contribute to the lab's long-term scientific direction.

Qualifications

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a closely related field (e.g., Biology, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or Applied Mathematics) and must satisfy the eligibility requirements specified in the official IBS recruitment announcement.

Candidates with a strong publication record and hands-on experience in one or more of the research areas described above are particularly encouraged to apply. For the Senior Researcher position, prior postdoctoral experience and a demonstrated ability to lead independent research projects are required.

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by 6:00 PM (KST), November 6, 2026, through the official IBS recruitment website. Applications received after the deadline or through other channels will not be considered.

Location

Center for Synaptic Brain Dysfunctions, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), KAIST Campus, Daejeon, Republic of Korea

Selection Process

• Document screening

• Interview (in person or via video conference, at the applicant's convenience)

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Salary

Annual salary ranges from KRW 60,000,000 to KRW 100,000,000 and is determined according to the IBS pay band system based on the applicant's post-Ph.D. research experience.

The final salary within each band is set through negotiation, taking into account the applicant's qualifications and experience.

For detailed information on qualifications, required documents, and the application process, please refer to the positions under PI Seung-Hee Lee in the official IBS recruitment announcement.

Official recruitment announcement: https://www.ibs.re.kr/prog/recruit/kor/sub04_01/view.do?pageIndex=1&searchCondition=&searchKeyword=&idx=2182