Job description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) calls for outstanding researchers to create new research groups in various fields of Materials Science. The successful candidate will receive full support for prompt start-up of research activities through preferential measures such as (1) allocation of start-up funds of 30 million yen in the first year, (2) assignment of one permanent staff member at the beginning, and (3) priority allocation of laboratory space.
Researchers with strong research accomplishments in all fields in materials science, both basic and applied, are eligible to apply. In particular, priority will be given to research into (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. Internationally highly esteemed researchers in any of these fields, and who are willing to further develop these achievements at NIMS are welcome to apply.
The successful candidates are expected to lead in the relevant areas to a world-class level through the group research. They are expected to go beyond basic research considering future applications. We also welcome applicants from overseas and those with corporate experience.
Work content and job description
- 30 million yen will be allocated as start-up funds for the first year, in addition to the operating subsidy project research funds. After that, special budgetary measures will be taken into consideration according to the situation.
- Laboratory space will be allocated on a priority basis.
- To launch a new group, the quota of one permanent researcher will be provided at the beginning.
- Graduate students can be admitted as faculty members* of the NIMS Joint Graduate School Program. (*Additional application to the program is required after the employment.)
- Remuneration will be determined at the discretion of the President, depending on performance, experience, etc. in accordance with the Salary Regulations for Permanent Employees.
- No term of office. Group leaders may hold office until age 65, subject to reappointment review. Fellows* can maintain their research groups until the age of 70. (*Additional screening will be required.)
The successful candidates are expected to develop high-level innovative research on materials and/or devices taking advantage of the excellent research environment at NIMS. NIMS provides English supports to non-Japanese speaking researchers.
Assigned department
Existing departments
affiliated to one of 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 : 8 million yen ~ 13 million yen
Salaries will be determined based on ability, experience, performance, etc. Either a monthly or an annual salary system will be applied.
There will be 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.
A retirement allowance is also 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. Workmen''s 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.
- Outstanding research achievements at an international level in the relevant area.
- Experience in obtaining competitive external funding as a Principal Investigator for leading group research.
- Ability to communicate in English to lead the relevant research area at an international level.
- Over 10 years'' research experience since graduating with a Ph.D.
Employment Type
- Regular employee
Contract period
Tenured - Non-tenure track
Retirement age: 62 (as of FY2025~2026)
* Following the national government employees, the retirement age will be raised by one year every two years in stages starting in April 2023, and will be 65 years old after April 2031. (For those born on or after April 2, 1967, the retirement age will be 65.)
* In case an employee retires before the age of 65, he/she can use the reemployment system to be rehired until the age of 65 if he/she so desires.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
Selection / Notification of result
Selection
Applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received.
- Documents will be screened through entry sheet.
- First and second round interviews. (Web or in-person interviews. Interviews with non-native Japanese speakers will be conducted in English.)
* Those who pass the first round of interviews will be asked to submit a research plan (in the prescribed format), which will be reviewed in the second round of process.
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, regardless of whether an applicant was successful or not.
* Individual inquiries regarding the selection process and results will not be entertained.
Contact details
National Institute for Materials Science
Human Resources Development Office
[G26-01]
nims-recruit(at)nims.go.jp
* Please change (at) to @ and send it.
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