homeFaculty Special Appointment

Faculty Special Appointment

Program Overview

POSTECH Special Appointment System
for Outstanding Faculty

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) operates the Special Appointment System for Outstanding Faculty to strategically recruit outstanding scholars and provide distinguished recognition and support commensurate with their academic excellence. Faculty members appointed through this system are provided with differentiated support to ensure an optimal environment for pursuing innovative and high-impact research.

POSTECH University Professor

The POSTECH University Professor designation is awarded to tenured faculty members who have achieved world-class excellence in education and research. Candidates are initially appointed at around the age of 59 through a rigorous evaluation process. Upon approval by the Board of Trustees, their tenure may be extended up to the age of 70. Faculty members appointed under this program are granted full faculty status and receive the same position and benefits as full-time faculty members beyond the standard retirement age of 65.

2022.09 - 2029.08
2021.03 - 2026.08
  • YoungChul Sung Life Sciences
2017.09 - 2027.08
2017.03 - 2026.08
  • KilWon Cho Chemical Engineering
2015.09 - 2024.08
  • Kimoon Kim Chemistry
POSTECH Distinguished Professor

The POSTECH Distinguished Professor is designed for outstanding tenured faculty members, typically appointed between the ages of 50 and 55, who have demonstrated world-class achievements in education and research or show strong potential to become globally leading scholars. Selected faculty members are granted an extension of tenure up to the age of 70 and are provided with the same position and benefits as regular full-time faculty members beyond the age of 65.

2026
2025
Chair Professor

We appoint Endowed Chair Professors from among distinguished scholars and scientists who have achieved internationally recognized excellence in research. We provide financial incentives funded by principlal of the endowment which can also be utilized to support research activities.

POSTECH Next Generation Leader

The Young Distinguished Professor support program is designed to foster and support outstanding faculty members who will enhance university competitiveness and lead future science and technology through creative and challenging research. Eligibility is extended to professors and associate professors promoted within the last two years. Selection is based on a comprehensive evaluation of the excellence of research achievements, potential as a next-generation leader, and the originality of the research field. Selected leaders receive research grants of up to 300 million KRW over three years

2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
Global POSTECH

We aim to invite distinguished scholars from world-leading institutions to POSTECH to foster world-class research collaboration and innovative education

  • Global POSTECH Distinguished Professor

    World-recognized scholars with proven excellence, such as Nobel Prize and Fields Medalists.

    2026
    • Anders Nilsson
    • Stuart S.P. Parkin
    • Willibrordus Martinus Pancratius van der Aalst
    2025
    • Stuart S.P. Parkin
    • Luke Pyung-se Lee
    • Sang Wook Jung
  • Global POSTECH Scholar

    Outstanding global scholars with distinguished achievements and high potential for future impact

    2026
    • Stefano Sacanna
    • Eva Olsson
    • Jayce R. Getz
    2025
    • Jaehong Kim
    • Patrice Genevet