After completing his PhD degree in Environmental Microbiology at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Rhee began his career as a research associate at the University of Freiburg in 1997. He was awarded the prestigious Humboldt research fellowship in 1998 and subsequently continued his career as a researcher in various institutions investigating the ecophysiology of key microorganisms involved in biogeochemical cycles. 

In 2005, he joined the Department of Microbiology at Chungbuk National University as an assistant professor establishing the Environmental Microbiology and Genomics Lab. As a full professor, he currently serves as the chair of the Brain Korea (BK21) program at the department. Rhee's research interests include: Investigating the interactions between microbes of different element cycles, examining the ecophysiology of microorganisms involved in atmospheric (greenhouse) gas transformation, and elucidating the niche specialization affecting distribution and diversity of nitrification microorganisms. Outside of work, Rhee enjoys hiking, drinking tea and playing tennis.

Email: rhees@chungbuk.ac.kr