Postdoctoral Researcher
Gwangju Institute of Science & Technology · Buk District, Gwangju, South Korea
Apply & track with Apply EdgePostdoctoral Researcher OpeningMicro/Nanoscale Thermal Science | Advanced Materials | Infrared Sensors | Phononic Metamaterials | Semiconductor Thermal Management | Battery DiagnosticsPosition DetailsJob title: Postdoctoral Researcher – Thermal Science, Advanced Materials & SensorsInstitution: Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST)Workplace type: On-site
Jae Hun Seol at GIST. Our group investigates micro- and nanoscale thermal transport, multifunctional materials, emerging-material-based sensors, phononic metamaterials, and advanced thermal management technologies. Collaborative research also includes thermal sensing and modeling for battery diagnostics.We expect to fill one or two positions between November 2026 and January 2027. The starting date is negotiable.Research AreasThe successful candidate will contribute to one or more of the following areas, depending on expertise and interest:Thermal characterization of micro- and nanomaterials: Thermal conductivity, thermal boundary resistance, size effects, and non-classical transport in 2D materials, semiconductors, polymers, and other emerging materials; development of micro/nanoscale thermal metrology, experimental design, and thermal modeling.MoTe₂-based infrared sensors: Ultrafast infrared sensors based on MoTe₂ and other emerging 2D materials; device fabrication and characterization; temperature-dependent electrical, optical, and thermal properties; optimization of responsivity and noise; and investigation of thermal-response mechanisms.Phononic metamaterials for flow control: Design and analysis of phononic and acoustic metamaterials, including bandgaps, local resonances, wave attenuation, acoustic–structure–fluid interactions, and metamaterial fabrication.Thermal management of semiconductor packaging: Thermal characterization and modeling of advanced packages, including heat spreading, hotspot mitigation, interface resistance, chiplets, 2.5D/3D heterogeneous integration, thermal interface materials, heat spreaders, substrates, and multiscale experimental and numerical analysis.MXene-based thermally conductive EMI-shielding materials: MXene films, coatings, laminates, and polymer composites combining high thermal conductivity with EMI shielding; effects of flake size, alignment, interfaces, and processing; in-plane and cross-plane transport, electrical conductivity, and shielding effectiveness for packaging, electronics, and aerospace applications.Thermal sensing and modeling for battery diagnostics: Thermal characterization and electrothermal modeling of battery cells and modules; temperature sensing and sensor placement optimization; and integration of thermal and electrical measurements to support AI-assisted detection of degradation and faults.QualificationsPh.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.Research experience in at least one relevant area, such as micro/nanoscale heat transfer and thermal metrology; 2D materials, MXenes, semiconductor materials, nanocomposites, coatings, or thin films; micro/nanofabrication and MEMS/NEMS; infrared sensors or photodetectors; phononic, acoustic, or mechanical metamaterials; acoustics, vibration, fluid mechanics, or flow control; semiconductor packaging and electronics thermal management; EMI shielding; battery thermal characterization, modeling, or diagnostics; or computational heat transfer, acoustics, and fluid–structure interaction.Ability to conduct independent research and collaborate across disciplines.Strong scientific communication, academic writing, and English proficiency.Applicants are not expected to have experience in all of the research areas listed above.Desirable but Not RequiredExperience with thermoreflectance or pump–probe measurements, MEMS/NEMS device fabrication, 3-omega techniques, material characterization techniques such as SEM, TEM, and Raman spectroscopy, COMSOL Multiphysics, acoustic or vibration experiments/analysis, or package-level thermal analysis.Research Environment and BenefitsAnnual compensation of at least KRW 90 million, subject to the InnoCORE program’s appointment conditions.Access to advanced research, characterization, modeling, and micro/nanofabrication infrastructure.A multi-mentor, multidisciplinary research environment spanning nanoscale heat transfer, emerging materials, infrared sensors, phononic metamaterials, artificial intelligence, semiconductor packaging, battery diagnostics, and aerospace engineering.Opportunities for international and industry collaboration.Support for developing an independent research portfolio and publishing high-impact research.Eligibility to apply for accommodation in GIST’s Young Scientist Building, subject to availability and institutional housing regulations.How to ApplyPlease email the following materials to jhseol@gist.ac.kr:Curriculum vitae, including a complete publication listA brief cover letter describing relevant research experience and preferred research area(s)One or two representative publicationsNames, affiliations, and contact information for two or three professional referencesApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.Center information:https://innocore.or.kr/kaist/kaistLab/krsch_rsch04We welcome applications from creative and motivated researchers interested in interdisciplinary work connecting thermal science, multifunctional materials, semiconductor technologies, sensing, battery diagnostics, and aerospace engineering.