Recruitment of Assistant Professor at Hao Li Lab, Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

We are seeking a highly motivated Assistant Professor to join the research group of Prof. Hao Li at Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University.
The Li group operates the AI-Driven Intelligent High-Throughput Experimental Laboratory. The successful candidate will be responsible for Laboratory Automation & High-Throughput Synthesis. They will contribute to the development, integration, and optimization of laboratory automation infrastructure and experimental systems designed for the high-throughput synthesis and characterization of advanced materials. This includes hardware design, system control, and data acquisition.

Recruitment information

Position	Assistant Professor
Job type, rank, number	1 person
Term	Fixed-term for 1-3 years (The specific duration will be determined based on the successful candidate's research experience and career stage).
Starting date	April 1, 2026 or earliest possible date thereafter
Deadline for applications	March 31, 2026 (Recruitment will be closed once a suitable candidate is hired.)
Research fields	Nanotechnology/Materials: General applied physics, basic physical chemistry Information/Communication: Computational Science Nanotechnology/Materials: Green Sustainable Chemistry, Environmental Chemistry, Energy Chemistry
Qualifications	Education Ph. D. degrees (or expected completion by start date) in: Materials Science,Chemical Engineering, Mechanical / Electrical / Automation Engineering, Robotics, Applied Physics, Related disciplines Language Requirements Basic English communication skills sufficient for daily research activities, technical discussions, and collaboration in an international research environment. Japanese Language Proficiency: JLPT N2 or above (optional) Desired Attributes Strong interdisciplinary research mindset Ability to collaborate across science, engineering, and AI domains Experience with: Data-driven experimentation Optimization algorithms (e.g., Bayesian optimization) Autonomous laboratory frameworks Excellent communication, documentation, and teamwork skills Required Background Strong experience in laboratory automation hardware In-depth knowledge of: Fluidic technologies and liquid handling systems Solid material handling and processing Sealing, containment, or reactor system design Machine vision system integration and calibration Hands-on engineering skills with experimental system assembly Materials Science Expertise Demonstrated experience in synthesis of one of these advanced materials: Alloy catalysts Single-atom catalysts MOFs (Metal–Organic Frameworks) COFs (Covalent Organic Frameworks) Familiarity with high-throughput or combinatorial synthesis methods
Content of work	Design and implement automated experimental platforms, including: Liquid handling and fluidic drive systems Solid processing, dispensing, and handling systems Sealing technology and sample containment devices Machine vision for object recognition, inspection, and feedback Establish automated workflows for materials synthesis, processing, and characterization Collaborate with AI and control system researchers to enable closed-loop autonomous experimentation Support validation, optimization, and documentation of hardware and experimental methods
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. While the standard working hours are considered 7.75 hours per day, the actual timing and execution of work are left to the employee's discretion. Breaks are provided in accordance with Japanese labor laws. Salary Annual salary system in accordance with Tohoku University regulations. 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 (Any format is acceptable. Prescribed form by Tohoku University may also be used.) List of Publications Cover Letter (optional) Summary of Past Research (3 pages maximum) Research Plan at AIMR (2 pages maximum) Contact Information for Two or Three Recommenders who can evaluate the applicant’s research abilities * Note: All documents will be used strictly for the selection purposes only.
How to apply	Send the application materials (1) to (6) as a single PDF file via email. The email subject line should be “AIMR Application: Hao LI Lab (Position1)”.

Contact

Prof. Hao Li
Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

E-mail:	li.hao.b8@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
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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