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Ref.
2026/RBPPL/15362

Job offer type
Experts

Type of contract
CDDU

Activity sectors
Technological Innovation ; Health determinants ; Disease prevention ; Health systems

Deadline date
2026/05/31 23:59

Duration
jusqu'au 31/08/2028

Mission description

This position is open to two types of profiles (Profile A or Profile B). Applications corresponding to either specialization will be considered, but only one candidate will be hired at the end of the process.

 

The Role & Tracks

We are seeking highly motivated experts to join our team within the framework of the prestigious Expert Technique International (ETI) program, supported by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Candidates will bridge the gap between engineering/computational science and biological application, strengthening scientific ties between France and Korea and being the relay of the French Embassy for cooperation in the field of health.

 

[Track A] Researcher in AI-Based Protein Modeling

 

The successful candidate will be a pivotal member of IPK's newly structured AI Drug Discovery Team. This role will bridge computational science and biological application, contributing to the expansion of IPK’s preventive and therapeutic solutions in alignment with its "One Health" and "Preparedness" approaches.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the application of Generative AI and Deep Learning (DL) strategies for protein target-based drug development
  • Strong mathematical foundation relevant to computational biology
  • Conduct advanced antibody/antigen modeling to support vaccine and therapeutic discovery
  • Perform target-based virtual screening to identify potential drug candidates
  • Collaborate with internal biology teams to validate computational models with experimental data
  • Contribute to Franco-Korean cooperation activities in coordination with the French Embassy in Seoul

Or

 

[Track B] Principal Investigator in Physical AI for Biological Systems

 

We are seeking a visionary Principal Investigator / Senior Research Scientist to lead the design and deployment of Physical AI systems. As an ETI expert, you will bridge engineering and biology by designing closed-loop experimental platforms capable of “Sensing, Reasoning, and Acting” autonomously within Biosafety Level (BSL-2/BSL-3) environments. Your work will enable intelligent systems to directly operate laboratory hardware, such as microscopes and microfluidic devices, based on real-time biological data.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design and engineer autonomous "closed-loop" experimental platforms integrating computer vision, machine learning, and robotic control
  • Drive the strategy for moving IPK from manual experimentation to adaptive, high-throughput, AI-driven research paradigms
  • Collaborate with internal biology teams to deploy autonomous systems for pathogen-focused research
  • Develop architectures where AI analyzes real-time data to actuate hardware (microscopes, liquid handlers) without human intervention
  • Translate complex biological workflows into automated, programmable protocols for BSL-2/BSL-3 environments to increase reproducibility and speed
  • Contribute to Franco-Korean cooperation activities in coordination with the French Embassy in Seoul

 

Note on Eligibility: We are looking for expertise in EITHER Track A OR Track B. Candidates meeting the requirements for at least one of these specialized tracks are encouraged to apply

Project or context description

About Institut Pasteur Korea (IPK)

Institut Pasteur Korea (IPK) is a renowned research institute operating under the Korean Ministry of Science and Technology (MSIT). As a key player in global public health, IPK focuses on infectious disease research, including bacteriology, virology, parasitology, and mycology. We are currently expanding our R&D capabilities to include advanced Artificial Intelligence, Generative Models, and Physical AI & Robotics to accelerate the development of diagnostics, vaccines, and "Self-Driving Laboratories".

 

Why Join IPK?

  • Pioneer the Future: Be a key architect in IPK’s transition toward autonomous, AI-driven science.
  • Prestige: Work within the prestigious framework of the French Government’s ETI program.
  • Global Impact: Directly contribute to solving global public health challenges and accelerating the discovery of infectious disease cures.
  • Strategic Impact: Play an active role in strengthening scientific cooperation and strategic ties between France and Korea.

Required profile

Candidate Profile (Track A):

  • Education: PhD in Computer Science, Computational Biology, Medicine, or a related Life Sciences field with a strong focus on protein modeling or structural biology.
  • Technical Expertise: Proficiency in AI/ML/DL programming (Python, PyTorch, Tensor Flow, etc.) specifically applied to biological sequences and structures.
    • Deep knowledge of structural bioinformatics and hands-on experience with Generative AI models in the context of drug discovery.
    • Familiarity with protein-protein interaction (PPI) modeling and docking simulations.
  • Experience: Minimum 3 years of relevant research or industry experience (post-doctoral experience is highly desirable) in computational protein engineering. Proven track record of project management and scientific writing

·       Experience with French partners and knowledge of the training system for scientists and health personnel in France particularly appreciated.

 

Or

 

Candidate Profile (Track B):

  • Education: PhD (preferred) or Master’s degree with significant, high-level research or industrial experience in Bioengineering, Robotics, Computer Science, or Mechanical Engineering.
  • Technical Expertise:
    • Physical AI & Robotics: Proficiency in controlling hardware via code (ROS, Python, C++) and integrating various sensors and actuators
    • AI & Computer Vision: Strong background in ML/DL frameworks and image processing for real-time sensing and feedback loops
    • Instrumentation: Hands-on experience with lab automation systems, such as high-content screening (HCS), microfluidics, or automated liquid handling
  • Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in building hardware/software integrated systems that interact with the physical world and ability to bridge the gap between engineers and biologists

·       Experience with French partners and knowledge of the training system for scientists and health personnel in France particularly appreciated.

 

Common Requirements & Benefits (Applicable to Both Tracks)

 

Language & Soft Skills:   

  • English: Fluent (Mandatory) – Essential for daily operations, high-impact scientific writing, and international grant applications.
  • Communication: Proven ability to bridge the gap between engineering/computational science and biological applications.
  • Strategic Collaboration: Ability to foster ties between French and Korean scientific communities and coordinate international grant applications (e.g., Horizon Europe, ANR/NRF).
  • Ability to operate in an international and institutional environment, with an interest in science diplomacy and bilateral cooperation

 

Desirable Extras (The "Plus" Factors):

  • French Connection: Experience working with French research institutes (CNRS, INSERM, INRIA, Institut Pasteur) or knowledge of the French scientific ecosystem.  As an Expert Technique International funded by the French government, the successful candidate will regularly interact with the French Embassy in Seoul and contribute to strengthening French Korean cooperation in the field of health.
    In coordination with the second ETI, in his capacity as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), the candidate will act as a relay of the Embassy for cooperation in the health sector and will support and participate in the Embassy’s activities in the field of scientific and academic cooperation. The role also includes welcoming and advising French and international researchers visiting Korea, as well as promoting France as a destination and partner of choice among Korean researchers.

Additional information

Assignment location: Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

 

Duration of the assignment: up to 24 months, renewable once subject to conditions

 

Start date (subject to change): 01/09/2026

 

Type of contract: Fixed-term project contract (CDDU), private law employment contract (civil servants will be seconded to Expertise France for the duration of the assignment)

 

Remuneration: determined according to Expertise France’s remuneration policy: base salary + (where applicable) family allowance + technical and expatriation allowance + coverage of housing costs* and, where applicable, security/guarding costs* + coverage of schooling expenses* for dependent children under 21 accompanying the expert in the country of residence + round-trip airfare between contractual address and place of residence (1 initial outbound flight, 1 intermediate round trip, 1 final return) + coverage of relocation* and visa* costs + social coverage (CFE, health insurance, provident scheme)

(*Items marked with an asterisk are reimbursed to the expert upon presentation of supporting documents, within the limits of the budget allocated by Expertise France.)

 

Documents to be provided:

  • CV in English
  • Cover lette in English
  • Please clearly indicate whether you are applying for Profile A or Profile B

 

NB: Candidates interested in this opportunity are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible. Expertise France reserves the right to carry out pre-selection before the closing date of the publication.

Deadline for application : 2026/05/31 23:59

Expertise France is the public agency for designing and implementing international technical cooperation projects. The agency operates around four key priorities :

  • democratic, economic, and financial governance ;
  • peace, stability, and security ;
  • climate, agriculture, and sustainable development ;
  • health and human development ;

In these areas, Expertise France conducts capacity-building initiatives and manages project implementation, leveraging technical expertise and acting as a project coordinator. This involves combining public sector expertise with private sector skills to drive impactful results. 

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