Recruitment
We welcome applications from prospective Master’s, Ph.D., and postdoctoral researchers interested in joining our lab.
We are looking for self-directed and intellectually curious researchers who are eager to define and pursue original research agendas as part of our team.
Required Competencies
Ability to Formulate Original Research Questions
A strong sense of inquiry that moves beyond surface-level interest in games toward identifying meaningful and researchable phenomena within game contexts.
In-Depth Understanding of the Lab’s Research Agenda
Capacity to critically engage with the Lab’s published work over the past five years and clearly articulate how it informs future research directions.
Self-Directed Learning and Research Capability
Willingness to independently acquire and apply relevant foundational knowledge and skills (e.g., psychological research methods, data analysis tools, basic programming, emerging technology trends) necessary to lead research projects.
Clear Alignment of Goals
Ability to articulate how your academic and professional goals align with the Lab’s vision and contribute to its long-term research trajectory.
Application Documents and Submission
Please complete the application form and upload the required documents via the Recruitment Survey. All submissions will be reviewed, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted individually by email within 1–2 weeks for an interview.
Here are the details of documents:
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Personal Statement and Research Plan - Based on your understanding of the Lab’s vision and research direction, clearly describe the research questions you hope to pursue and explain why this work should be conducted in our Lab.
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Future Career Plan - Outline your long-term academic or professional goals and explain how your proposed research during graduate study connects to your broader career trajectory.
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Most Meaningful Game - Select a game that has provided you with a meaningful or formative experience. Analyse why it was significant and explain how this experience relates to the research questions you seek to explore.
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Materials to Prove Your Research Competency - English CV, academic transcript, undergraduate thesis or papers, research reports, project portfolio, or any materials demonstrating your ability to conduct independent research.
A Note for International Students
Since our laboratory is based in Daejeon, South Korea, a certain degree of Korean language proficiency is important for navigating daily life and administrative processes beyond research. At the same time, it is important to note that KAIST provides a highly international academic environment: the majority of graduate courses are taught in English, most scholarly resources are available in English, and within our lab we conduct meetings and discussions in English whenever international students are present.
Accordingly, Korean proficiency is not required for academic participation in the lab. However, applicants who wish to engage more deeply with local communities and cultural contexts, particularly in research that involves fieldwork with Korean players and institutions, are strongly encouraged to demonstrate advanced ability (TOPIK Level 5 or higher). Such proficiency facilitates meaningful communication and broadens the scope of scholarly engagement.
Prospective students are also strongly advised to secure independent funding for living expenses prior to application, so that they may dedicate themselves fully to research. External opportunities such as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) and the Fulbright Program provide excellent avenues for financial support.
34141 대전광역시 유성구 대학로 291 산업디자인학과동(N25) #3222