【Special Open Call】S26-01 World-Class Leaders for Research in Materials Science, Fellow or Distinguished Group Leader (permanent researcher position)

Job description

• Background of the recruitment and description of the project

  
  

  National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) is launching an international open call for outstanding researchers who can drive world-class research in materials science, to further strengthen the research at NIMS as a Specified National Research and Development Agency. The successful candidate will receive full support for the prompt start-up and subsequent development of the research activities on his/her new independent research group as Fellow or Distinguished Group Leader through preferential measures such as (1) allocation of a start-up fund (research fund) of around 100 million yen in the first year, (2)assignment of one permanent group member, (3) priority allocation of laboratory space, and (4) planning of special projects from the second year onwards.

  
  

  The research areas to be recruited: (1) hydrogen-related materials, (2) battery materials, (3) quantum materials, (4) semiconducting materials, (5) artificial intelligence materials, (6) metal and inorganic materials, (7) organic materials, (8) biomaterials, (9) data-driven materials development, and (10) advanced materials analysis technology. Researchers who have world-class achievements in any of the above areas and who are willing to develop them further at NIMS are welcome to apply. We are looking for researchers who can provide strong leadership to take NIMS to a world-class status in the area.

• Work content and job description

  
  
  
  1. Around 100 million yen will be allocated in the first year as start-up funds for research.
  2. To launch a new group, one researcher (permanent position) will be assigned to the group or recruited as needed.
  3. Laboratory space will be allocated on a priority basis.
  4. Special project planning is offered as a priority from the second year onward.
  5. Faculty members of the NIMS Joint Graduate School Program may supervise graduate students as their primary supervisor. (Additional application to the program is required after the employment.)
  6. Remuneration is at the discretion of the NIMS President. It depends on performance, experience, etc.
  7. Employed as a permanent researcher. The retirement age will be 65 from FY2031. Distinguished Group Leaders may hold the position of group leader until the retirement age. Fellows may retain the research group until the age of 70.
  8. Dual Career Partner Support: If a candidate who has successfully passes this screening process accepts a position at NIMS and wishes to have his/her partner work at NIMS, we will consider hiring the partner. Please consult us.

• Assigned department

  
  

  Existing departments

  
  

  affiliated to one of the existing research centers in NIMS.

Job type

• Professor level

Research field

• Nanotechnology/Materials - Metallic material properties
• Nanotechnology/Materials - Inorganic materials and properties
• Nanotechnology/Materials - Structural materials and functional materials
• Nanotechnology/Materials - Nanomaterials
• Nanotechnology/Materials - Polymer materials

Wages

• Annual Salary : 10 million yen ~

  
  

  Salaries will be determined based on ability, experience, performance, etc. Either a monthly or an annual salary system will be applied.
  
  There is a salary increase once a year (July) and a bonus twice a year (June, December).
  
  Various allowances (e.g., dependent care allowance, commuting allowance, and housing allowance) specified in the Salary Regulations for Permanent Employees will be paid according to stipulated conditions. Retirement allowance available.

  
  

  * In the case of the annual salary system, the salary consists of the main salary and the performance salary. The main salary is subject to regular salary increases (once a year (July)), and the performance salary varies according to the annual performance evaluation. The retirement allowance is included in the annual salary.
  
  * Medical benefits and pension plans are provided if the candidate joins the National Public Service Personnel Mutual Aid Association. Workers' accident compensation and unemployment insurance schemes are also available.

Working hours

• Working hours :08:30-17:15

  
  

  Holidays : Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3), annual paid leave, summer holidays, maternity leave, special leave for marriages and funerals, and other types of leave as specified in the Working Regulations for Permanent Employees.

  
  

  Overtime and other explanations : The discretionary labor system for professional work will be applied. It is deemed appropriate for candidates to work 8 hours and 15 minutes per day.
  
  Teleworking program available.

Application requirements

Qualifications

• Education and Degree Requirements

  
  

  Ph.D. / Doctor

• Description

  
  

  Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements 1~4.

  
  
  1. Internationally outstanding research achievements in the relevant area.
  2. Experience as a Research Group Leader (GL) or Principal Investigator (PI) on large externally funded projects.
  3. Ability to communicate in English to lead the relevant research area at an international level.
  4. Over 10 years' research experience since graduating with a Ph.D.

Employment Type

• Regular employee

Contract period

• Tenured - Non-tenure track

  
  

  Distinguished Group Leader: 65 years old.
  
  Fellow: 70 years old.

  
  

  Probationary period present

  
  

  Six months from the start date of employment

Work location

• 305-0047 Ibaraki Tsukuba, Sengen 1-2-1

  
  

  Sengen Site (1-2-1 Sengen), Namiki Site (1-1 Namiki) or Sakura Site (3-13 Sakura)

Compensation

Application Considerations

• Considerations for conducting interviews (e.g., those who live far away, such as overseas)

  
  

  Depending on the situation, web or in-person interview will be conducted.

• Others

  
  

  Gender Equality:
  
  Details are on the following website:
  
  https://www.nims.go.jp/eng/nims/equality/index.html

Number of hired

1 person(s)

• Description

  
  

  A few positions available.

Application period

• 2026/04/01~2027/03/31 Deadline for receipt

  
  

  Applications will be accepted as long as this call is posted on the NIMS official website.

Application method

• Attached documents

  
  

  Other online application forms
  
  Submit an entry sheet and CV (free format) together with the list of publications by email. The entry sheet form can be downloaded from "URL of this job posting".
  
  Please match the applicant's publications with the data in Scopus or Web of Science so that the NIMS recruitment office can verify it.

• Return of application documents

  
  

  We will dispose of all application documents responsibly.

URL of this job posting

• https://www.nims.go.jp/eng/employment/data/smlesb000000csvj.html

Selection / Notification of result

• Selection

  
  

  Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

  
  
  1. The documents will be reviewed on the basis of the entry sheet, the curriculum vitae and the list of publications.
  2. First and second screening. (Web or face-to-face interviews, etc.) Interviews with non-native Japanese speakers will be conducted in English.
     * Those who pass the first screening will be asked to submit a research plan (in the prescribed format), which will be reviewed in the second screening.

• Notification of result

  
  

  * After applying, you will be notified of the selection results by email within approximately one month.
  
  * The results of the selection process will be communicated whether or not a candidate has been successful.
  
  * Individual enquiries about the selection process and results will not be entertained.

Contact details

National Institute for Materials Science

Human Resources Development Office

[S26-01]

nims-recruit(at)nims.go.jp

* Please change (at) to @ and send it.

Notes