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K-클럽 과학기술인 경력개발 종합지원 플랫폼

Global R&D Career Salon

[Group8] Building an R&D Career in Korea as an International Researcher

조회수9 등록일2026-06-02


★ Group name : Building an R&D Career in Korea as an International Researcher


★ Leader : Jaeson Jang Senior researcher, Brain Science Institute, KIST


★ Schedule(Regular Meeting)

- 4:006:00 PM, followed by dinner July 24 (Fri), August 28 (Fri), September 11 (Fri), October 16 (Fri) ~

- The schedule may be adjusted after the recruitment of club members is completed.


★ Meeting Location(Regular Meeting)

- Meeting room near Wolgok Station, Line 6, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul



1. What is the purpose of this Group?

“A club for the sustainable settlement and growth of international researchers pursuing R&D careers in Korea.”

This club is designed for international student researchers, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career researchers who wish to continue their research and careers in Korea. Together, participants will learn about Korea’s research environment and hiring structure, while exploring various career paths in academia, industry, and related R&D sectors.

Participants will discuss practical topics such as the culture of Korean research institutions, job preparation, CV/resume writing, and interview simulations. Through sharing experiences and information, the club aims to build a supportive network that helps international researchers settle and grow sustainably in Korea.


2. Who is the group leader?

“Based on my experience across academia and industry in both Korea and abroad, I hope to support international researchers in building sustainable R&D careers in Korea.”

I have experienced diverse research environments and career cultures through my Ph.D. training and industry experience in Korea, my postdoctoral training in the United States, and my return to a government-funded research institute in Korea. In particular, while working in the U.S., I personally experienced the challenges of being an international researcher, including language, cultural, administrative, and networking barriers. In Korea, I have also closely observed international colleagues facing similar difficulties.

Based on these experiences, I hope to help international researchers gain a more realistic understanding of career paths in Korean academia and industry, share experiences and information with one another, and pursue sustainable professional growth in Korea.


[Affiliation / Position]

Senior Researcher, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)

[Degree / Major] Ph.D. in Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST

[Research Areas] Computational neuroscience, social interaction, and collective creativity


3. Who would you like to be part of this group with?

“We are looking for international students and researchers who wish to continue their research and careers in Korea.”

We welcome anyone who fits the following:

- International students and researchers interested in R&D careers in Korea, regardless of major, nationality, or affiliation

(including undergraduate students, graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and others)

- Those who want to gain practical information about the culture, process, and administrative aspects of hiring in Korean academia and industry,

as well as daily life adjustment in Korea

- Those who want to prepare for their careers through practical activities such as CV/resume writing, self-introductions, and interview simulations

- Those who want to build a lasting network with fellow researchers who share similar concerns and goals


4. What aspects can I discuss and develop by participating?

“Sharing practical strategies for designing and settling into an R&D career in Korea.”

- Understanding career paths and hiring culture in Korean academia and industry

- Strengthening practical career preparation skills, including CV/resume writing, self-introductions, research experience presentations, and interview simulations

- Sharing experiences related to language, cultural, administrative, and networking barriers faced by international researchers

- Building a peer network for long-term growth in Korea’s research environment


5. Tentative Schedule

※ The schedule is subject to change.

Session

Topic and Detailed Activity Plan

1st Meeting

- Introduction to the club’s direction, networking xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-xss-objectives, and session-by-session format

- Sharing each participant’s research field, career goals in Korea, and current challenges

- Discussing common interests and concerns through small-group conversations

- Exchanging ideas by areas of interest and discussing future networking formats

2nd Meeting

- Sharing practical information about Korean lab culture, workplace communication, and hiring procedures

- Discussing administrative, daily life, language, and cultural adaptation experiences faced by international researchers

- Summarizing practical adaptation strategies based on participants’ experiences

- Deepening understanding of Korea’s research environment through mutual Q&A and discussion

3rd Meeting

- Hosting a seminar with an experienced academic researcher

- Sharing information on entry processes, hiring structures, and research performance management at Korean universities and research institutes

- Discussing experiences and strategies for securing research funding and growing as an independent researcher

- Q&A and small-group networking based on each participant’s academic career interests

4th Meeting

- Hosting a seminar with a speaker experienced in industry

- Sharing insights on the Korean R&D hiring process, required competencies, and workplace adaptation

- Discussing strategies for resume/CV writing, presenting research experience, and preparing for interviews

- Comparing academia and industry, and organizing preparation strategies tailored to each participant’s career direction

5th Meeting

- Practicing self-introductions and research experience presentations based on academic or industry job application scenarios

- Practicing responses to expected interview questions and understanding Korean interview culture

- Identifying strengths and areas for improvement through peer and club leader feedback