About the Role
K-THEP invites applications for postdoctoral and visiting positions funded by the Korean Government’s Brain Pool (BP) program.
Postdoctoral Fellows
We seek hep-th researchers interested in quantum simulation. Possible topics include quantum simulation of holographic and large N models, black hole dynamics, quantum chaos and entanglement in many-body systems, and lattice gauge theories, though we welcome other directions that connect the group’s core topics with quantum simulation. Prior experience with quantum simulation is not required. We prefer longer appointments, ideally around one year depending on the starting date. Appointments may be extended based on research performance, up to December 31, 2027.
Visiting Scholars
We welcome visiting scholars whose research relates to the work of Profs. Kim, Joung, or Yoon. Visits must be at least two months long, and visits of six months or longer are preferred.
Position Details
Starting Date: Flexible. Appointments can start at any time and are arranged in monthly units, ending no later than December 31, 2027.
Duration: All appointments end no later than December 31, 2027. Postdoctoral fellows: longer appointments are preferred, ideally around one year depending on the starting date, with possible extension based on performance. Visiting scholars: minimum two months; six months or longer preferred.
Salary: For postdoctoral fellows, the annual salary starts from 60,000,000 KRW (including the four major social insurances and severance pay) and is negotiable based on research experience. Support for visiting scholars is determined according to Brain Pool program guidelines and the candidate’s career stage.
How to Apply
Please send your application by email to Prof. Junggi Yoon (junggi.yoon@khu.ac.kr) with the subject line “[Brain Pool] Your Name – Postdoc” or “[Brain Pool] Your Name – Visiting Scholar.”
Postdoctoral Fellows: Cover letter, CV with publication list, research statement (including your interest in quantum simulation), and contact information for three referees
Visiting Scholars: CV with publication list, a short research plan (1–2 pages) describing intended collaboration with K-THEP faculty, and preferred visit dates
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. Informal inquiries before applying are welcome.
Requirements
Postdoctoral Fellows: Ph.D. in theoretical high energy physics (hep-th) or a closely related field by the start of the appointment, and a strong interest in quantum simulation.
Visiting Scholars: Faculty members or senior researchers in theoretical physics whose research connects with that of Profs. Nakwoo Kim, Euihun Joung, or Junggi Yoon.
All candidates must meet the eligibility requirements of the Brain Pool program.
About Our Group
The K-THEP (Kyung Hee Theoretical High Energy Physics) group in the Department of Physics at Kyung Hee University, Seoul, works on a broad range of topics in theoretical high energy physics, including string theory, quantum gravity, holography, and quantum information. The group also has a growing research program in quantum simulation, which applies quantum computing platforms to problems in quantum gravity and quantum field theory.
Faculty members:
Prof. Nakwoo Kim: Superstring theory, AdS/CFT correspondence, exact solutions in supergravity
Prof. Euihun Joung: Higher-spin gravity, AdS/CFT correspondence, modified gravity theories
Prof. Junggi Yoon: Large N models, holography, 2D/3D gravity, quantum information theory, quantum simulation
Together with postdoctoral researchers and graduate students, K-THEP forms a large and active community. The group holds regular seminars and journal clubs, organizes international workshops, and maintains close ties with leading theoretical physics institutes in Korea, including KIAS and APCTP. Seoul is also home to a fast-growing quantum science and technology community, which gives many opportunities for interaction beyond the group.