Description
The Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) is Korea's leading multidisciplinary national research institute, driving science and technology innovation for the nation and the world. We are seeking creative and passionate researchers to join us in a full-time, permanent research position in the field of Physical AI, based at our headquarters in Seoul, Korea.
Founded in 1966, KIST has set the standard for research while supporting Korea's national science and technology development. As we mark our 60th anniversary, we are building the next chapter of "World Class KIST" — and we are looking for talented researchers ready to shape the future of Physical AI with us.
In this role, you will pursue research across the full range of Physical AI, including:
- Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models
- Robot control
- Reinforcement learning
- Embodied AI
- World models
- AI model and system optimization
- Data analysis
- Position type: Full-time, permanent research position
- Location: KIST Headquarters, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Selection Process
- Application review (document screening)
- Qualification verification seminar (field/technical interview)
- Comprehensive interview
- Background check and pre-employment medical examination
- Final offer
- Note: Candidates who advance to the qualification verification seminar stage must separately complete an online personality assessment; those who do not complete it within the given deadline will be disqualified. The selection stages and timeline are subject to change.
Language: The detailed job announcement and recruitment process are provided in Korean only.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
- A Ph.D. degree. Candidates expected to obtain their Ph.D. within seven (7) months of the announcement date (14 August 2026) are also eligible to apply.
General eligibility (applies to all KIST research positions)
- No grounds for disqualification under Article 33 of the State Public Officials Act of the Republic of Korea.
- No grounds for disqualification from international travel.
- For applicants subject to the Republic of Korea's mandatory military service: military service must be completed or exempted as of the application deadline. (Applicants currently serving as Professional Research Personnel at KIST are eligible to apply.)
- No record of having been hired through fraudulent means at a Korean public institution.
Please note: KIST follows a blind recruitment policy, in line with public-sector hiring rules in Korea. Applications must not directly or indirectly reveal personal information such as date of birth/age, gender, photo, hometown, family details, or assets. Any application that includes such information may be disqualified, and successful candidates may have their acceptance revoked.
For full details, please refer to the official job announcement via the application link. (Provided in Korean only)
