Recruitment of Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at Hiroshi Kakinuma Lab, Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

We look for a Specially Appointed Assistant Professor to join the group of Assoc. Prof. Hiroshi Kakinuma in AIMR, Tohoku University. Kakinuma group is a newly founded lab that starts on 01. Jan. 2026. The main research interest of the group are as follows:

Multiscale analysis of hydrogen behavior in metals using conductive polymers
Data-driven analysis of hydrogen diffusion in metals and development of materials design guidelines
Elucidation of corrosion and hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms and development of environmentally robust materials

We seek a motivated researcher who can take initiative and work collaboratively with Assoc. Prof. Kakinuma on the above topics. While prior experience in these specific research areas is not required, enthusiasm for research is essential. Experience in machine learning, corrosion science, or hydrogen embrittlement would be highly regarded. Appropriate guidance on experimental methods will be provided according to the applicant’s background. Applicants are expected to actively communicate and work cooperatively within the research team.

AIMR uses English as its official language, so proficiency in Japanese is not required. The position does not include teaching duties, providing an environment where you can focus entirely on research.

Recruitment information

Position	Specially Appointed Assistant Professor
Job type, rank, number	1 person
Term	Fixed-term of 1-3 years (depending on the research career of the successful candidate)
Starting date	April 1, 2026 or earliest possible date thereafter
Deadline for applications	31, March, 2026 (However, recruitment will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is hired.)
Research fields	Visualization of hydrogen in metals Data science and machine learning for structural materials development Corrosion science and hydrogen embrittlement
Qualifications	Ph. D. degrees or related doctor’s degree
Treatment	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. (Equivalent to JSPS Postdoctoral fellow at 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	Cover Letter (optional) CV (Prescribed form by Tohoku University) including list of publications and talks Research Statement (up to two pages) One or Two recommenders who evaluate the applicant’s research abilities * All documents are used only for the selection.
How to apply	Send the application materials (1) to (4) by email to the contact information as a single PDF file. The email title should be “AIMR Application: Kakinuma Lab”.

Contact

Assoc. Prof. Hiroshi Kakinuma
Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

E-mail:	hiroshi.kakinuma.a1@tohoku.ac.jp

Eight Reasons You Should Build Your Early Career at AIMR

The Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR) at Tohoku University offers a world-class research environment in a safe and comfortable city, and also provides you with comprehensive support. Early-career researchers benefit from not only a salary, but also affordable living costs, supportive administrative services, and ample opportunities for international exchange. Together, these make AIMR an attractive place to advance your early career.

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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 Declaration of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
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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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