Opportunities

Available Position Postdoctoral Researcher (CGP25-008)
Recruiting Department Marine Seismology Research Group, Subduction Dynamics Research Center (SDR), Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics (IMG)

*There may be a change in affiliation in the event of a reorganization of JAMSTEC.
Job Description We invite applications for postdoctoral researchers to participate in a “study on understanding the seismogenic zones and oceanic volcanoes through geophysical surveys and observations (FY2026-FY2032 PI: Gou Fujie)”.

[Research Description]
(Immediately upon employment)
In the Subduction Dynamics Research Center (SDR), we investigate seismogenic zones and oceanic volcanoes (i.e., submarine volcanoes and volcanic islands) through marine surveys and observations. To elucidate earthquake generation processes and contribute to the forecasting of large earthquakes and tsunamis, we carry out seismic exploration, seafloor earthquake observations, and geological investigations on the occurrence history of earthquakes and tsunamis. These investigations are conducted in and around major plate subduction seismogenic zones—such as the Nankai Trough, the Japan Trench, and the Kuril Trench—where the occurrence of major earthquakes and tsunamis is of significant concern.
In addition, we conduct geophysical surveys of the submarine volcanoes and volcanic islands that surround Japan to elucidate their internal structures.

We are seeking postdoctoral researchers who will primarily focus on either (1) or (2) below, and additionally engage in multiple research themes such as (3) and (4), in order to contribute to revealing the characteristics of plate subduction seismogenic zones and oceanic volcanic areas. Successful candidates are expected to work actively and collaboratively with researchers in the IMG, as well as with scientists and experts from domestic and international partner institutions.

Research Themes
(1) Research on the internal structure and physical properties of the Earth’s crust and subducting plates based on analyses of marine seismic survey data (multichannel seismic reflection surveys and refraction surveys using ocean-bottom seismometers).
(2) Development of techniques for subsurface imaging and integrated onshore—offshore exploration utilizing the data obtained from seismic surveys (active source) and earthquake observations (passive source).
(3) Research on subsurface structures and processes using marine geophysical observations, including bathymetry, electromagnetism, gravity, and magnetics.
(4) Studies aimed at understanding the characteristics of seismogenic zones and oceanic volcanoes, making use of results from the above research themes.

(The scope of possible changes)
The duties designated by JAMSTEC

[Relevant Research Fields]
Solid Earth Geophysics, Exploration Geophysics, Seismology, Geology, Volcanology, Information Science, Petrology, Materials Science on Earth, etc.
Job Type Postdoctoral Researcher: To contribute to the project, a Postdoctoral Researcher should be able to independently conduct the research subject which is authorized by the project under direction of a leader, and to be appointed to improve their research qualities.
Requirements Applicants are required to have been awarded or expect to have obtained a Ph.D. in a related field by the effective date of employment. In addition, no more than 5 years can have passed between the last day of the fiscal year in which the applicants obtained a Ph.D. and the effective date of employment. (i.e., applicants who earned a Ph.D. after April 2020 are eligible.)
Work Place (Immediately upon employment)
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)
Yokohama Institute for Earth Sciences (YES),
3173-25 Showa-machi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama,
Kanagawa, 236-0001, JAPAN
*Measures to prevent passive smoking: No smoking on the premises (smoking areas are available outside), no work in areas where smoking allowed.

(The scope of possible changes)
The places designated by JAMSTEC (including a place for working from home)
Working Conditions & Contract Period (1) Number of positions:
2 positions for Postdoctoral Researchers

(2) Type of contract:
Fixed-term employee

(3) Working Hours:
Discretionary Labor System for Specialized Work
*The determination of working hours allocation, including start and end times, as well as the method of carrying out research and development activities (including teleworking), is left to the discretion of the employee.
 
(4) Contract Period:         
Total period will be terminated on March 31, 2029 after two contract renewals.
*First contract period is from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
*Effective date of employment is negotiable.
*Contract period can be renewed depending on the performance and working attitude of the successful candidate.
*Contract period might change due to budget constraints of the project.
*On reaching the age of 65 during an employed fiscal year, the contract period will expire at the end of the same fiscal year. This bylaw may change. 
*This position falls under Article 15-2, Act on Promotion of Science and Technology Innovation.
*This position is a non-tenure-track, fixed-term employee position.
Salary Annual salary (paid in 1/12 equal monthly payments)
JPY 4,400,000-5,600,000

*Salary will be competitive, based on the academic qualifications and demonstrated research skills of the candidate.
*There is no raise.
*Bonus and retirement allowance are included in the annual salary.
Terms of Employment (1) Upon appointment, the successful candidate will receive relocation allowances.
(2) Allowance for commuting expenses will be provided.
(3) Employee and JAMSTEC will share the premiums for social insurance and labor insurance in the proportion specified by current statute.
(4) JAMSTEC employee cooperative provides various subsidies for mutual aid and welfare services.
(5) Housing lease service is not available.
(6) Holidays and vacations: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, year-end, and New Year's holidays. Annual vacations with pay, special vacations, leave of absence to care for a family member, and maternity leave are provided.
Application Procedure (1) Required documents

a) CV. Valid Email and home address must be provided.
*Please include contact information for one reference who is a senior research scientist.
The reference person will be required to submit a letter of recommendation for the selected applicant directly to JAMSTEC, by Email, after screening of documents. The reference person should not be an employee of JAMSTEC.
b) Summary of your research (1 page)
c) Research plan for the project (1 page)
d) "Publication (achievement) list" including thesis titles and "List of competitive research funds" awarded to the applicant
*Please list publications in refereed (peer-reviewed) journals separately from unrefereed publications.
*Include DOI codes if available.
*If you have not been awarded any, include "none" in the list.
e) Two (or fewer) representative publications

(2) Submission
Please apply via the following website:
https://recruit.jobcan.jp/jamstec/entry/new/2195177

*All files must be converted to PDF format.
*Since some of the notation is in Japanese on the website, please refer to the following input procedure when entering your information.
Application guide 

(3) Interview
Applicants will be selected based on submitted application material, followed by an interview.
*Web-based online interviews are expected basically.
Closing Date December 17, 2025 at 23:59 in Japan time
*Depending on the situation of applications, the closing date may be extended.
Contact Human Resources Section, Human Resources Dept., Administrative Division, JAMSTEC
Email: recruit-app[at]jamstec.go.jp
*Please replace [at] with @ when addressing Emails and include "SDR CGP25-008" in the subject line.
Remarks (1) Submitted documents will be managed safely according to strict rules. Personal information received during the recruiting process will be used only for recruitment screening and appointment procedures and not for any other purposes.
(2) Successful candidate should submit a certificate documenting their health upon appointment.
(3) Please kindly inform us in case of withdrawal of your application by Email.
(4) Above conditions may be changed at the discretion of the agency.
(5) For non-Japanese speakers, the interview and daily work will be conducted in English.
Diversity and Inclusion In our quest to perform state-of-the-art research and develop scientific and technological innovations based on diverse values, JAMSTEC not only actively recruits women based on gender equality but also strives to create a work environment in which individuality is respected regardless of nationality, race, gender, gender identity, age, or the presence or absence of disabilities.
In response to the diverse needs of our employees, we will also promote more flexible work styles and environments, including shorter working hours and opportunities for discretionary work.
You can see specific actions from the website below.
https://www.jamstec.go.jp/j/about/gender_equality/