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

We look for a Specially Appointed Assistant Professor to join the group of Prof. Hiroshi Yabu in AIMR, Tohoku University.

We conduct research in polymer phase separation in 3D confined spaces. We are seeking individuals who have both the ambition and the ability to explore the frontiers of polymer chemistry, polymer materials, and soft matter fields. In this call for applications, we seek individuals with the motivation and capability to develop new scientific principles in fields such as polymer chemistry, polymer materials, and soft matter, in relation to the research project “Dynamic Pattern Formation via Artificial Control of Light-Induced Nonreciprocal Interactions,” under the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research on Transformative Research Areas (A) “Dynamical Materials Science.”

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 August 1, 2026 or earliest possible date thereafter
Deadline for applications Friday, July 31, 2026
Please note that the application process may close early if a suitable candidate is found.
Research fields
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Polymer Materials
  • Soft Matter
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
  • Curriculum Vitae with photo
  • A list of research achievements (Free format, including acquisition of external funding, awards, etc.)
  • Details of research achievements (about 1,000 words, including your experience in programming and numerical/theoretical analyses) and a research plan at AIMR (about 1,000 words)
  • One or Two letters of Recommendation
  • Other materials (if there is anything of special note, it may be attached)
* All documents are used only for the selection.
How to apply Applicants should combine Documents 1–3 and 5 into a single PDF file and send it via email to the contact address.
In addition, Document 4 (Letters of Recommendation) must be sent directly from the referees to the same contact email address.
The email title should be “AIMR Application: YABU Lab”.

Contact

Prof. Hiroshi Yabu
Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University

E-mail: aimr-yabu-lab@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.

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 (will open in a new tab)
  • 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) (will open in a new tab)
  • 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 (will open in a new tab)
  • 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 (will open in a new tab)
    Human Resources and Planning Department website (in Japanese) (will open in a new tab)