InnoCORE Returns in 2026 with Expanded Global Postdoctoral Job Fair

NEW YORK, BOSTON & SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 23, 2026--

The South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) will host the 2026 InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Job Fair in New York, Boston, and Silicon Valley throughout April and May. Building on the success of its inaugural 2025 events, the fair is organized in collaboration with KAIST, GIST, DGIST, and UNIST. This premier recruitment series aims to connect outstanding postdoctoral researchers with leading research opportunities in Korea.

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The InnoCORE Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, launched in 2025, is a government-backed initiative to recruit outstanding early-career researchers in AI-convergent science and technology (AI+S&T). Following a strong reception in 2025—with over 100 postdoctoral researchers interviewed across three U.S. cities—the program is being significantly expanded in 2026, scaling up from an initial cohort of 400 to approximately 1,000 postdoctoral researchers. This year’s job fair series aims to strengthen Korea’s global talent pipeline and deepen partnerships with leading academic and research institutions worldwide.

Building on 2025: Key Milestones

Since its launch in June 2025, the InnoCORE program has made significant strides in establishing Korea as a competitive destination for global research talent. Through overseas job fairs and recruitment campaigns led by the four institutes, 400 postdoctoral researchers were selected in the program’s inaugural year. Each fellow receives an annual base salary of KRW 90 million (approx. USD 62,000) complemented by KRW 60 million in dedicated research funding. This compensation package is roughly double the average for postdoctoral researchers in Korea, reflecting the government’s commitment to attracting top-tier talent.

Looking ahead, the Korean government is significantly expanding the InnoCORE program in 2026. The recruitment scope has broadened from AI and AI-convergent fields to all National Strategic Technology domains, including semiconductors & displays, next-generation batteries, advanced mobility, nuclear energy, advanced bio, space & aerospace, hydrogen, cybersecurity, AI, next-generation communications, advanced robotics & manufacturing, and quantum technology. Furthermore, the program is being extended beyond the four institutes to include government-funded research institutions (GRIs) and universities.

2026 InnoCORE Global Job Fairs

The 2026 job fairs will be held across three major U.S. innovation hubs. Each event will feature InnoCORE program briefings, research cluster presentations, and on-site interviews conducted directly with Korean research group leaders.

Program Details

Backed by a five-year government investment of approximately USD 465 million, the InnoCORE fellowship offers an annual base salary of USD 62,000, with additional compensation available through research and industry partnerships. Fellows receive full access to Korea’s cutting-edge research infrastructure—including supercomputing systems, semiconductor cleanrooms, and advanced biomedical research facilities. The program also features a multi-mentor system connecting researchers with leading experts from both academia and industry, domestically and internationally.

Research & Recruitment Areas

InnoCORE plans to recruit 400 postdoctoral researchers in total, with 25 positions available per research group across 16 interdisciplinary clusters. These opportunities span four of Korea’s premier science and technology institutes: KAIST, GIST, DGIST, and UNIST.

How to Apply

Applicants must hold a PhD in a STEM-related field or be scheduled to obtain their PhD degree by the confirmed appointment date. Detailed information regarding eligibility, specific research groups, and the application process is available on the official InnoCORE website: www.innocore-jobfair.com

Official timeline and guide for InnoCORE (Image: 2026 InnoCORE Global Postdoctoral Job Fair)

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel is seeking counseling and will not be with the team for Day 3 of the NFL Draft on Saturday, following the publication of photos of the coach and longtime NFL reporter Dianna Russini at an Arizona resort.

“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend,” Vrabel said Wednesday night, according to ESPN. “This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.

“I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”

The photos of Vrabel and Russini at a Sedona resort were taken before the annual NFL meetings that began in Phoenix on March 29, according to the New York Post, which published the photos this month.

The NFL said last weekend that it is not investigating Vrabel’s behavior.

Vrabel addressed the matter for the first time on Tuesday, telling reporters he’s had “ difficult conversations with people I care about.”

Vrabel and Russini, who are both married, released written statements to the Post after the publication of the story downplaying what the photos depict. But Russini resigned from The Athletic less than a week later, after the Post’s report prompted an internal investigation at The New York Times-owned sports outlet.

Vrabel said he addressed players about the matter on Monday after they arrived for the start of the voluntary workout program. Two Patriots players were scheduled to be made available to reporters on Tuesday, but Vrabel said he wanted to speak before they did. He also said he didn’t want the interest in the Post photos to take attention away from the NFL draft, which begins Thursday.

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks during an NFL football press conference, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)