| Available Position | AIMEC Researcher or AIMEC Postdoctoral Researcher (WAM26-001) |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Department | Research Division, Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC), Tohoku University and Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) *There may be a change in affiliation of WPI-AIMEC. |
| Job Description | Advanced Institute for Marine Ecosystem Change (WPI-AIMEC), an alliance-type WPI research center jointly established by Tohoku University and JAMSTEC, aims to elucidate the response and adaptation mechanisms of marine ecosystems to environmental changes, and to realize their predictions through interdisciplinary and international collaborative research. Through these efforts, WPI-AIMEC contributes to planetary stewardship aimed at regenerating and restoring oceans and ecosystems toward the realization of a sustainable global environment and human society. WPI-AIMEC has formulated five Grand Challenges (GCs) as an overarching research agenda to realize the elucidation and prediction of marine ecosystem changes. GC1:Elucidating adaptability and vulnerability of marine ecosystems to physiochemical divers GC2:Decoding climate-ocean-ecosystem connectivity and spatiotemporal variability GC3:Coupling of surface and twilight zone ecosystems and the impact on biogeochemical cycles GC4:Resolving complexities in coastal marine ecosystems and the impact of human activities GC5:Promoting planetary stewardship through projection of marine ecosystem change For details of these GCs, please refer below. https://eartharxiv.org/repository/view/9810/ WPI-AIMEC has established three research clusters to promote cross-disciplinary and international collaborative research aimed at addressing AIMEC's five Grand Challenges (GCs). These clusters are not fixed organizational structures but flexible and cross-cutting research platforms that foster open participation, interaction, collaboration, and integration among researchers from diverse fields. We are currently seeking 6–7 AIMEC Researchers or AIMEC Postdoctoral Researchers who will actively contribute to research activities across these three clusters. [Research Startup Funds] In the first year of appointment, AIMEC Researchers will receive 3 million yen and AIMEC Postdoctoral Researchers will receive 2 million yen as research startup funds. (No additional funds will be provided in subsequent years.) [Double Mentor System] We have a "Double Mentor System*" to provide comprehensive support for research and life in Japan. *Double Mentor System: AIMEC Researchers and AIMEC Postdoctoral Researchers are assigned, as needed, two mentors from different research fields among AIMEC-affiliated PIs or researchers, who provide support for interdisciplinary collaborative research. [Research Description] (Immediately upon employment) Below are the three research clusters, their corresponding GCs, and related fields of expertise. https://wpi-aimec.jp/en/research/cluster.html Cluster 1: Climate-Ocean-Ecosystem Interactions Cluster 1 aims to elucidate the interactions among climate variability, ocean physicochemical environments, biogeochemical processes, and marine ecosystems through an integrated cross-disciplinary approach combining observations, experiments, and modeling. Working closely with the University of Hawai'i WPI-AIMEC's international satellite institute, the cluster will focus on large-scale oceanic variability and ecosystem responses in the Northwest Pacific, surface-to-mesopelagic coupling, and biogeochemical cycling, thereby advancing mechanistic understanding of climate-ocean- ecosystem dynamics essential for ecosystem prediction. Related GCs: GC1, GC2, GC3 [Related Fields of Expertise] Physical oceanography, meteorology, remote sensing, ecology, paleoceanography/paleontology, biogeochemistry or isotope geochemistry, microbiology/microbial ecology, marine data science (including observational informatics), mathematical and statistical sciences (including AI, machine learning, model development, and predictive simulation), and related fields. Cluster 2: Coastal Marine Ecosystem Change Cluster 2 aims to advance mechanistic understanding of coastal ocean-ecosystem dynamics through cross-disciplinary research and international collaborations with Onagawa Bay serving as a core observational and testing field. Building on this foundation, cluster 2 will extend its research scope from Japanese coastal waters to subtropical and subarctic regions. By addressing emerging coastal ecosystem risks such as marine heatwaves, deoxygenation, harmful algal blooms, and abrupt oceanographic changes, cluster 2 seeks to establish a scientific basis for assessing and predicting coastal ecosystem responses, adaptability vulnerabilities, recovery processes, and resilience. Related GC: GC4 [Related Fields of Expertise] Marine biology, ecology, developmental biology, molecular biology, fisheries science, biogeochemistry or isotope geochemistry, microbiology/microbial ecology, environmental impact assessment, mathematical and statistical sciences (including bioinformatics, AI, machine learning, model development, and predictive simulation), and related fields. Cluster 3: Projection and Planetary Stewardship Cluster 3 aims to advance the assessment and prediction of marine ecosystem change including changes associated with human activities through an integrated cross-/trans-disciplinary approach combining artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data science, mathematical modeling, oceanographic observations, biodiversity data including eDNA, and citizen science. By building a scientific knowledge base that supports stewardship from regional to global scales, cluster 3 will contribute the ocean economy, ocean policy international collaboration, and the formation of strategic partnerships and alliances. Related GC: GC5 [Related Fields of Expertise] Marine economics, marine policy, environmental impact assessment (including ecosystem service valuation), theoretical ecology, disaster science, mathematical and statistical sciences (including AI, machine learning, data assimilation, model development, digital twin, and predictive simulation), Earth system science, and related fields. (The scope of possible changes) The duties designated by WPI-AIMEC |
| Job Type | [Job Title] Researcher: Researcher is expected primarily to conduct fundamental, originative or advanced research and development based on theories, observations and experiments related to research and development. [Position] AIMEC Researcher: (If employed by Tohoku University: Professor or Associate Professor; If employed by JAMSTEC: Project Researcher) To contribute to the research and development of WPI-AIMEC, an AIMEC researcher is expected to independently to conduct research and technology development and to share results through scientific publications and achieve technology innovation. In advancing the elucidation of the response and adaptation mechanisms of marine ecosystems to environmental changes and realizing their predictions, AIMEC Researchers are expected to promote research based on their disciplinary expertise, assume a central role in transdisciplinary and international collaborative research, create research outcomes that contribute to the achievement of the GCs, and maximize their value and impact. [Job Title] AIMEC Postdoctoral Researcher: (If employed by Tohoku University: Assistant Professor; If employed by JAMSTEC: Postdoctoral Researcher) AIMEC Postdoctoral Researcher is expected to independently conduct the research subjects which are authorized by the Director under the direction of a leader, and to improve their research qualities. In advancing the elucidation of the response and adaptation mechanisms of marine ecosystems to environmental changes and realizing their predictions, AIMEC Postdoctoral Researchers are expected to develop advanced experimental and analytical technologies and methods, actively participate in transdisciplinary and international collaborative research, and proactively contribute to the creation of high-impact research outcomes that contribute to the achievement of the GCs. *Job title will be determined during the employment process. |
| Requirements | AIMEC Researcher: Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in a closely related field of research or technology development. AIMEC Postdoctoral Researcher: Applicants must have obtained or expect to obtain a Ph.D. in a related field by November 1, 2026. Additionally, no more than 5 years may have elapsed between the end of the fiscal year in which the applicant obtained a Ph.D. and the effective date of employment. Specific dates regarding eligibility are below. *For appointment on November 1, 2026: Applicants who obtained a Ph.D. after April 2021. |
| Work Place | (Immediately upon employment) One of the following options will be assigned based on the successful candidate's research background, future research direction, and research environment. a) Tohoku University Aobayama Campus, 6-3, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8578, JAPAN b) JAMSTEC Yokohama Institute for Earth Sciences (YES), 3173-25, Showa-machi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0001, JAPAN *Tohoku University: Measures to prevent passive smoking: No smoking on the premises, no work in areas where smoking allowed. *Yokohama Institute for Earth Sciences: 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 WPI-AIMEC (including a place for working from home) |
| Working Conditions & Contract Period | (1) Number of positions: 6 to 7 positions for AIMEC Researchers or AIMEC 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: AIMEC Researcher: The total period will be terminated on October 31, 2031 after 5 contract renewals. The term of this position is 5 full years in the calendar year. AIMEC Postdoctoral Researcher: The total period will be terminated on October 31, 2029 after 3 contract renewals. The term of this position is 3 full years in the calendar year. *First contract period is from November 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. *We request that the successful candidates start work by March 31, 2027. *Effective date of employment is negotiable. *Contact 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. *These positions fall under Article 15-2, Act on Promotion of Science and Technology Innovation. *Not eligible to apply for the tenure track system at Tohoku University, or the examination for the position of Permanent Employee at JAMSTEC. |
| Salary | Annual salary (paid in 1/12 equal monthly payments) *Salary will be competitive, based on the academic qualifications and demonstrated research skills of the successful candidate. *Bonus and retirement allowance are included in the annual salary. *There is no raise. AIMEC Researcher: e.g., JPY 7,000,000-14,000,000 AIMEC Postdoctoral Researcher: e.g., JPY 6,600,000-7,200,000 |
| Terms of Employment | (1) Upon appointment, the successful candidate will receive relocation allowances. (2) Allowance for commuting expenses will be provided. (3) Both of Tohoku University and JAMSTEC are fully covered by various insurances (health insurance, employee pension insurance, unemployment insurance, workers' accident compensation insurance, etc.) to promote welfare and benefits. *At Tohoku University, there is the Mutual Aid Association of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and at JAMSTEC, there are the Corporate Pension Fund and Mutual Aid Association System, etc. (4) Both AIMEC Researchers and AIMEC Postdoctoral Researchers assigned to Tohoku University have the right to move into the Lodging House. At JAMSTEC, AIMEC Researchers are eligible for the company housing lease service, although there are criteria based on income etc., and AIMEC Postdoctoral Researchers are not eligible. (5) 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. (6) Tohoku University has the largest on-site childcare environment of any national university in Japan, including the Kawauchi Keyaki Nursery School (22 children) and the Aobayama Midori Nursery School (116 children), which are available to all staff. There is also a nursery for children with minor illnesses and children after illnesses on the premises of the University Hospital, which is available for use by all university staff. |
| Application Procedure | (1) Required documents a) CV * Valid email and home address must be provided. * Educational history should include all qualifications from high school and above. b) Summary of your research (1 page) c) Research plan for WPI-AIMEC (1 page) *Please create it while clearly specifying the desired cluster. 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. *Include grants from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and other competitive research funding sources *Include records of scholarship awards received. *If you have not been awarded any, include "none" in the list. e) Two (or fewer) representative publications *If you do not have a published paper, please upload a PDF stated "none". f) One letter of recommendation from a senior research scientist. *The letters must be signed and converted to PDF. *Faculty and staff of Tohoku University and employees of JAMSTEC who are members of WPI-AIMEC shall not be recognized as a recommender. (2) Submission a)–e) Convert all application documents to PDF format and upload them to the following website: https://recruit.jobcan.jp/jamstec/entry/new/2272802 *Since some of the notation is in Japanese on the website, please refer to the following input procedure when entering your information. Application guide f) Please arrange for your recommender to send their letter of recommendation directly to the following contact address as email attachment by the closing date. wpi-aimec_hr[at]jamstec.go.jp *Please replace [at] with @ and use "AIMEC WAM26-001 [Applicant Name]" as the subject line. (3) Interview Applicants will be screened based on their applications. Those who pass will be interviewed online. *Please note that all interviews will be conducted entirely in English. |
| Closing Date | September 6, 2026 at 23:59 in Japan time *Depending on the situation of applications, the closing date may be extended. |
| Contact | Recruitment Desk, Research Promotion and Planning Division, WPI-AIMEC Email: wpi-aimec_hr[at]jamstec.go.jp *Please replace [at] with @ when addressing Emails and include "AIMEC WAM26-001" 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 WPI-AIMEC. (5) For non-Japanese speakers, the interview and daily work will be conducted in English. |
| Diversity and Inclusion | Tohoku University promotes activities to improve Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and welcomes active applications from diverse individuals. With the aim of realizing an environment in which employees respect diversity in their academic, research, and professional activities, the University has established "Tohoku University - Everyone Plays a Leading Role - Guidelines on Diverse Sexuality" that outlines its policies and specific measures to be taken. Please refer to the following website for information on Tohoku University's DEI initiatives. https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/ 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/e/about/gender_equality/ |