Job Opening- Group Leader of the QNS Chemistry 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 Chemistry 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 Chemistry Team
  2. Organization: IBS Center for Quantum Nanoscience (QNS)
  3. Location: Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
  4. Job Description:
    • Lead the QNS Chemistry Team in the design, synthesis, purification, and characterization of surface-compatible molecular systems such as organic and metal-organic complex for quantum nanoscience experiments.
    • Develop chemical strategies to interface molecular systems with atomically clean surfaces, including UHV-compatible deposition, on-surface reactions, supramolecular assembly, and molecular-network formation to be characterized with scanning probe and surface-ensemble investigations.
    • Coordinate closely with QNS experimental and theoretical teams.
    • Establish and manage external collaborations with chemistry groups, external research facilities (e.g. synchrotrons), and molecular-materials laboratories, including joint proposal writing, preparation, and publication of high-impact interdisciplinary research.
    • Mentor students, postdoctoral researchers, and technical staff in synthetic chemistry, molecular characterization, surface preparation, and collaborative project development, while contributing to the scientific strategy and international visibility of QNS.
  5. Required Skill and Knowledge:
    •  PhD in chemistry, materials science, molecular nanoscience, or a closely related field, with a strong record of research achievements in molecular systems relevant to quantum materials, molecular magnetism, or surface science.
    • Demonstrated expertise in synthetic chemistry, especially in the preparation of functional molecules.
    • Experience with molecular purification and characterization methods, such as HPLC, mass spectrometry, UV–Vis, NMR, magnetic characterization, electrochemistry, or related analytical techniques.
    • Strong understanding of surface-compatible molecular design, including thermal stability, sublimation behavior, adsorption geometry, chemical functionalization, and compatibility with UHV-based experiments.
    • Familiarity with surface-science techniques such as STM, AFM, XPS, XAS/XMCD, ESR-STM, or molecular deposition under UHV conditions is strongly preferred.
    • Ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment and communicate effectively with physicists, chemists, materials scientists, theorists, and engineers.
    • Proven ability to lead scientific projects, supervise junior researchers, coordinate collaborations, and contribute to 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.
  6. 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
  7. How to Apply: Please send your English CV and an 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.