Recruitment of Specially Appointed Assistant Professor at the research group of Assoc. Prof. Yizhou Zhang, Core Research Cluster for Materials Science (CRC-MS), Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

We are seeking a highly motivated Specially Appointed Assistant Professor to join the research group of Assoc. Prof. Yizhou Zhang at the Core Research Cluster for Materials Science (CRC-MS), Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University.

The Yizhou Zhang Group investigates the relationships between chemistry, dynamics, and the structure of self-assembled polymeric materials. Our goal is to leverage this understanding to design multifunctional nanostructured templates with tailored properties for environmental and energy applications. The successful candidate will lead research on the development of novel nanostructured polymer materials derived from liquid crystals for chiral, organic solvent and/or gas separations. Responsibilities include materials synthesis, membrane/device fabrication, and transport characterization experiments.

AIMR uses English as its official working language. Japanese Language Proficiency JLPT N2 or above is a plus. The candidate is expected to actively communicate and collaborate with members of the research team and contribute to an interdisciplinary research environment. The position carries no teaching responsibilities.

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	September 1, 2026 or the earliest possible date thereafter
Deadline for applications	April 30, 2026 (Recruitment will be closed once a suitable candidate is hired.)
Research fields	Soft matter Liquid Crystals Polymer Physics and Chemistry Self-Assembled Materials
Qualifications	Education Ph. D. degrees (or expected completion by start date) in: Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, and Related disciplines Desired Attributes: Strong interdisciplinary research mindset. Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary domains. Excellent communication, documentation, and teamwork skills
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. 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 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 Cover Letter (optional) * All documents will be used strictly for selection purposes only.
How to apply	Submit the application through email in the contact information Send the application materials (1) to (6) as a single PDF file via email. The email subject line should contain “Tohoku University Application: AIMR-CRCMS Soft Materials”.

Contact

Assoc. Prof. Yizhou Zhang
Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University

E-mail:	zhang.yizhou.e4@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)
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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