Job Opening- Group Leader of the Low-temperature Optics Team

The Center for Quantum Nanoscience (QNS), an extramural research center of the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) located at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, South Korea, is seeking an experienced researcher to lead our Optics Team.

QNS is one of the world-leading research centers in quantum nanoscience. We foster an international and collaborative working environment with a flat organizational culture that values the contribution of every team member. English is the primary working language of our research center, with approximately half of our members from Korea and the other half from various countries around the world.

Please visit our website for more information: qns.science

Position Information

  1. Job Title: Group Leader of the QNS Low-Temperature Optics Team
  2. Organization: IBS Center for Quantum Nanoscience (QNS)
  3. Location: Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
  4. Job Description
    • Lead the development and scientific operation of QNS’s optics-combined scanning probe microscopy platforms, including the free-space propagation optical setups and related STM/AFM instruments with optical excitation and detection capabilities.
    • Drive research at the interface between optical spectroscopy, quantum nanoscience, and scanning probe microscopy, targeting single atoms, molecules, defects, and quantum materials on UHV-clean surfaces.
    • Develop experimental strategies for optical spectroscopy, photoluminescence, light-induced switching, and local charge/spin-state detection at the atomic and molecular scale.
    • Coordinate closely with QNS teams working on chemistry, ESR-STM, surface-ensemble ESR, theory, and quantum materials to identify suitable surface systems for optical investigations.
    • Supervise the technical development of advanced instrumentation, low-temperature operation, alignment of in-situ optical components, UHV-compatible sample preparation, tuneable CW lasers, SPM functionalities, and spectroscopic detection.
    • Mentor students, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff, while contributing to high-impact publications, project planning, external collaborations, and international visibility of QNS.
  5. Required Skills and Experience
    • PhD in experimental physics, physical chemistry, nanoscience, materials science, or a closely related field.
    • Preferably one postdoc in a related field
    • Strong experience with low-temperature optics, preferably with tuneable lasers.
  6. Desired Skills
    • Expertise in combining optical spectroscopy with scanning probe methods, such as STM-induced luminescence, photoluminescence, electroluminescence, or single-molecule/defect spectroscopy.
    • Experience with molecular systems, quantum emitters, defects, 2D materials, molecular magnets, or lanthanide-based quantum systems.
    • Solid understanding of UHV instrumentation, cryogenic systems, vibration isolation, optical alignment, sample transfer, and surface preparation.
    • Ability to guide complex instrumentation projects from construction and debugging to routine scientific operation.
    • Ability to work closely with chemists, theorists, engineers, and experimental physicists in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
    • Proven ability to lead scientific projects, supervise junior researchers, coordinate collaborations, and produce high-quality publications and research proposals.
    • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, with the ability to represent the team and QNS in international conferences, collaborations, and institutional activities.
  7. Employment Conditions
    • Contract Period: Appointment terms will follow IBS/QNS regulations and are renewable based on performance and mutual agreement
    • Salary: Competitive salary package based on IBS/QNS regulations and prior experience
    • Benefits
      • National Pension
      • National Health Insurance
      • Severance Pay
      • Relocation Support
      • Visa Sponsorship
  8. How to Apply: Please send your English CV and a brief research proposal (time horizon: 3 to 5 years; max. 2 pages including figures and references) to: hr@qns.science

QNS offers access to state-of-the-art experimental infrastructure and a highly collaborative international research environment at the forefront of quantum nanoscience.