Researchers work at a government-funded science and technology institute. [Herald DB]
Researchers work at a government-funded science and technology institute. [Herald DB]

An annual salary of 90 million won, 100 million won in research funding and overseas training — that is the package on offer as South Korea moves to cultivate top talent in national strategic technology fields.

The National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST) announced Monday it will launch the 2026 National Postdoc Fellowship (NPF) program to identify and develop outstanding early-career researchers in national strategic technology fields.

The NPF helps postdoctoral researchers build independent research experience and grow into global scientists by drawing on the facilities and infrastructure of government-funded research institutes. A key feature is its integrated support structure, which links research funding with overseas exchange opportunities, capacity building and career development.

NST plans to invest a total of 7.6 billion won ($5.46 million) this year to select about 38 outstanding postdoctoral researchers. Eligible applicants are researchers who obtained a doctorate in science or engineering within the past seven years, though those expected to receive their degree within three months may also apply. Participants must be able to commit to the program for at least one year.

Selected researchers will receive an annual salary of 90 million won. Separately, they will receive 100 million won per year in seed research funding to pursue independent projects of their own design. A one-time overseas training grant of up to 30 million won is also available over the three-year program period to support exchanges with international research institutions.

A poster for the National Postdoc Fellowship. [Provided by NST]
A poster for the National Postdoc Fellowship. [Provided by NST]

The program goes beyond research funding to support researchers' long-term growth. NST has built an integrated support framework linking research performance, capacity building, global exchange and career development, enabling postdoctoral researchers to lead their own work while drawing on the infrastructure of government-funded institutes.

The program will offer tailored education covering both foundational and specialized competencies by job function, along with career development support. It will also back learning communities — known as communities of practice — aimed at fostering creative and challenging research and development planning and strengthening research capabilities. A competition to share outstanding research outcomes and a researcher exchange program are also planned.

NST will centrally manage NPF recruitment based on the research staffing needs of each participating government-funded institute. From Tuesday, applicants can check available positions, working conditions, required documents and application procedures on the NST integrated recruitment website and the individual websites of participating institutes.

"The NPF has been restructured to help outstanding postdoctoral researchers grow into future research leaders by building on the excellent research environment of government-funded institutes," NST Chairman Kim Young-sik said. "We will actively support them in developing into core research talent in national strategic technology fields."


nbgkoo@heraldcorp.com