Recruitment of Assistant Professor at Ikuhara lab, Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

Job Description

Applicants are invited for an assistant professor for atomic-level observation using electron microscopy or theoretical study of materials interfaces. The position is affiliated to Prof. Yuichi Ikuhara’s Lab at the materials/physics group in AIMR. The group’s research topics are studies of dislocations, grain boundaries and crystalline interfaces in metals and oxides

To reveal their 3D atomic structure combined with atomic-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy,
To reveal the origin of structure-property relationships, and
To establish the universal mathematical theory to describe the interface geometry.

Please see the detail of the group in the following URL.
Nano Interface Laboratory

Applicants are expected to have research experience or a strong interest in related research topics based on either

(i) atomic scale observations by (scanning) transmission electron microscopy and related sample fabrication,
(ii) nanoscale observations (AFM, SEM, in-situ TEM observation, etc.),
(iii) studies of dislocations, grain boundaries and interfaces,
(iv) theoretical calculations (first principles, molecular dynamics, finite element method, phase field simulation, etc.), or
(v) mathematical methods to solve problems in materials science.

The work will be carried out in close collaboration with the partners. The candidate will be expected to adapt and develop scientific skills, join international and interdisciplinary collaborations and present results in scientific journals and at academic conferences.

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree prior to emplyment.

Recruitment information

Position	Assistant Professor
Job type, rank, number	1 person
Term	Fixed-term appointment in two years, renewable based on evaluation until March 2029.
Starting date	October 1, 2025 or earliest possible date thereafter
Deadline for applications	September 30, 2025 Open until the position is filled.
Research fields	Inorganic materials and properties, Composite materials and interfaces, Structural materials and functional materials
Qualifications	Applicants must have, or be close to complete, a Ph.D. or an equivalent degree. Applicants must have skills and experiences to conduct the research explained above.
Treatment	Job type Fixed-term of 2 years Location Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University 2-1-1, Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan Working Hours The Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work will be applied. A total of 7.75 hours is to be worked by the employee per day, with the time worked left to their own discretion. Employees are allowed breaks in accordance with Japanese labor laws. Salary The annual salary system is applied. (according to the rules of Tohoku University) Insurance Health Insurance: Enrollment in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) Mutual Aid Association [Short-term benefits] Pension Insurance: Enrollment in the MEXT Mutual Aid Association [Long-term benefits] Worker's accident insurance: Coverage provided Employment insurance: Coverage provided
Application materials	CV including current address, contact information, academic background, degree, research experiences, etc. Publications list (papers, books, lectures, awards, software, etc.) Outline of research history and accomplishments Research plan (up to two pages) Copies of key papers (up to five) Two recommenders who evaluate the applicant’s research abilities * All documents are used only for screening. * All documents must be written in English.
How to apply	Email the application materials (1) through (6) as a single PDF file to the following email address. The subject of the email should be “AIMR Application”. Email: recruit.aimr_ikuharalab@grp.tohoku.ac.jp

Contact

Assoc. Prof. Kazutoshi Inoue
Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

E-mail:	recruit.aimr_ikuharalab@grp.tohoku.ac.jp

Remarks

Tohoku University has established the International Support Center (ISC) to provide researchers with a wide range of support so that they can focus on their research activities without the typical worries associated with moving and adjusting to a foreign country. ISC provides comprehensive support services including making travel arrangements, securing accommodation, completing bureaucratic procedures, opening a bank account, and more.
ISC website
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Tohoku University’s website about the DEI Declaration is here:
Tohoku University Declaration of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
Pursuant to Article 8 of the Act on Securing, Etc. of Equal Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women in Employment, Tohoku University shall, as a measure for increasing the presence of women among the academic staff, prioritize the hiring of women deemed qualified for each job opening, based on impartial evaluation.
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Tohoku University -Live as Who You Are- Guidelines for Gender and Sexual Diversity
Tohoku University has the largest on-campus childcare system of all Japanese national universities. This network comprises three nurseries: Kawauchi Keyaki Nursery school (capacity: 22) and Aobayama Midori Nursery school (116), both open to all university employees, as well as Hoshinoko Nursery school (120), which is open to employees working at Tohoku University Hospital. In addition, Tohoku University Hospital runs a childcare room for mildly ill and convalescent children which is available to all university employees.
See the following website for information on these and other programs that Tohoku University runs to assist work-life balance, to support researchers, and to advance gender equality, including measures to promote childcare leave among male employees.
Center for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion web page
Human Resources and Planning Department website (in Japanese)

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