Recruitment of Principal Investigators (PI, Tenure-Track Professors), Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

As part of a major positive action initiative to support female in research, Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University is establishing new professor positions exclusively for applicants who identify as female.

This initiative was established under the provisions of Article 8 of the Act on Equal Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women in Employment (Special Provisions Concerning Measures for Female Workers).

Background and Purpose

As a strategic measure to further strengthen our research and educational capabilities, AIMR, Tohoku University is conducting a targeted recruitment of qualified scholars who identify as female for professor positions. Welcoming outstanding female researchers from Japan and abroad into leadership positions will bring diverse perspectives to our research fields, serving as a driving force for breakthroughs in existing academic disciplines. Furthermore, the presence of diverse role models will have a profound educational impact on fostering the next generation of talent.

With the aim of promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) this recruitment is conducted under the provisions of Article 8 of the Act on Equal Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women in Employment (Special Provisions Concerning Measures for Female Workers) as a “positive action” initiative. This measure goes beyond merely improving numerical targets; it aims to accelerate the participation of female in research, thereby elevating the University's research excellence and driving its transformation into a world-leading research institution.

Job Description

AIMR at Tohoku University invites applications for Principal Investigator position (PI, Tenured Professor). AIMR was established in 2007 as one of Japan’s World Premier International Research Centers (WPI) and aims to lead materials research beyond conventional ideas with interdisciplinary approaches.

The research organization of AIMR consists of five target groups: Materials Physics, Non-equilibrium Materials, Soft Materials, Device/System, and Mathematical Science. Since 2012, we have promoted collaboration between materials science and mathematics. Currently, we conduct research under the “3 Fields x 3 Tops” Strategy, which is built upon “Math-driven Research Assets” that integrate mathematics with AI, Data Science, and Advanced Metrology.

We welcome highly motivated candidates with an outstanding academic background and strong desire to participate in an interdisciplinary research environment alongside scholars from a wide range of research fields. The official language in AIMR is English and substantial support is provided for researchers coming from all around the world.

Recruitment information

Position	Professor (Principal Investigator, PI) Tenured Faculty
Job type, rank, number	1 person
Term	Tenure Status: Tenured (No fixed term) Start Date: August 1, 2026, or later
Starting date	August 1, 2026, or the earliest possible date thereafter
Deadline for applications	May 31, 2026, 17:00 (JST)
Research fields	Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or other scientific fields related to materials science
Qualifications	Female who holds a Doctoral degree upon taking up the post Distinguished research achievements Ability to communicate effectively in either English or Japanese Candidates must hold a Ph.D. at the time of appointment and possess the ability to communicate effectively in either English or Japanese. Applicants are expected to have an outstanding track record of research excellence in their respective fields. In addition to conducting research, the successful candidate is expected to actively contribute to promoting diversity among the members of Tohoku University.
Content of work	The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a laboratory as a PI and directing research.
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. The annual salary amount is determined in accordance with the Regulations on Employees Salary at National University Corporation 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 Annual Paid Leave Employees are entitled to twenty days annual paid leave per year. The number of days provided is reckoned as of January 1st. Each year, twenty days are added to any remaining paid leave from the previous calendar year (up to twenty days). Annual leave for the first year of employment is calculated based on the start date (e.g., a start date of April 1st would provide 15 days for the remaining nine months of the calendar year). Laboratory Space The successful candidate will be allocated laboratory space within the AIMR. Research Support In addition to basic research support funding, startup research funding will be provided for the first three years after appointment.
Application materials	Please prepare the following materials in English. Cover Letter Curriculum Vitae (Any format is acceptable. Prescribed form by Tohoku University can also be used.) Publications List Summary of Past Research (3 pages maximum) Research Plan at AIMR Format: Written in English, maximum 2 pages, PDF format. Required Content (The following two items must be included): The social significance of the research, the most critical challenges or new fields the applicant　wishes to explore, the methodology, and the innovative aspects of the research. Potential collaborations with AIMR researchers to achieve research goals (please specify the names of the researchers). Copies of Major Publications (Up to 5 papers) Three Letters of Recommendation Researcher ID Information Please enter your Scopus Author ID, ORCID ID, or Researchmap information directly into the application form. Survey on Recruitment Information Applicants are requested to complete a survey regarding where they found this job advertisement. (Please note that the survey results will have no impact on the selection process.) All submitted documents will be used solely for the selection process and will not be returned. Selection Process First Screening (Document screening) and Second screening (Interview)
How to apply	Pre-application Form: https://jotform.com/252640500891453 After registering via the pre-application form above, a link to your personalized application form will be sent to you via email. Please access your personalized application form, select AIMR, and upload documents 1 through 6 as individual PDF files. Recommendations must be submitted directly by the referees via the following link. Recommendation Letter Submission Form: https://forms.gle/uiMpg3tap9k3B5ht8 Please enter the information for items 8 and 9 directly into the designated fields on the application form.

Contact

Recruitment team, Research Support Division
Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

E-mail:	aimr_recruit@grp.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.

Learn More

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
Tohoku University promotes activities to increase Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and encourages people of varied talents from all backgrounds to apply for positions at the university.
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.
Tohoku University has published ‘Tohoku University - Live as Who You Are - Guidelines for Gender and Sexual Diversity’ to provide explanations and details of how those at the university should respond with respect to diverse sexuality. The purpose of the guidelines is to create an environment in which all students, faculty, and staff respect diverse sexuality in their academic, research, and professional activities. Please see the Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Tohoku University website:
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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