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

The Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR) at Tohoku University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher (specially appointed assistant professor) position in theoretical quantum magnonics and spintronics. The position is funded through the JST ASPIRE Japan–Netherlands collaborative research project focused on quantum information technologies based on magnetic materials.

The project aims to establish the theoretical and experimental foundations of standalone quantum magnonics using magnetic materials and spintronic heterostructures. The successful candidate will work on theoretical aspects of quantum magnonics, nonlinear quantum dynamics, spintronic quantum sensing, dissipative quantum systems, and quantum transport.

The project is conducted in collaboration with leading research groups in Japan and the Netherlands, including researchers at Tohoku University, The University of Tokyo, Delft University of Technology, Utrecht University, and the University of Groningen.

Recruitment information

Position Postdoctoral Researcher (Specially Appointed Assistant Professor)
Job type, rank, number 1 person
Term Fixed-term (Initially one year, extendable up to four years depending on performance and project progress)
Starting date Flexible (from October 2026 onward)
Deadline for applications Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Research fields
  • Generation and control of quantum states of magnons with nonlinear magnon interactions
  • Nonequilibrium quantum field theory in dissipative quantum systems and open quantum dynamics in spintronics
  • Magnon qubits and bosonic quantum information
  • Spintronic quantum sensing
  • Quantum transport mediated by pure spin currents
  • Quantum dynamics in van der Waals magnetic materials
  • Tensor-network and many-body numerical methods for open systems in spintronics

*The exact research direction will be adjusted depending on the expertise and interests of the successful candidate.
Qualifications
  • A Ph.D. in physics or a closely related field
  • Strong background in condensed matter theory, quantum many-body physics, quantum information, spintronics, or related areas
  • Experience in analytical and/or numerical methods for quantum systems
  • Strong publication record and scientific communication skills
  • Ability to work with cultural sensitivity in an international collaborative environment

Experience in one or more of the following areas is particularly welcome:
  • Quantum optics or bosonic quantum systems
  • Nonequilibrium quantum field theory
  • Spintronics and magnetism
  • Quantum transport theory
  • Numerical many-body 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. 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
In accordance with Tohoku University regulations depending on experience.
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 (Any format is acceptable. Prescribed form by Tohoku University may also be used.)
  • Publication list
  • One-page research statement describing previous research experience and future interests
  • Contact information for references
*All documents are used only for the selection.
How to apply
  • Applicants should combine Documents 1–4 into a single PDF file and send it via email to the contact address.
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
  • The email title should be “AIMR Application: Elyasi Lab”.

Contact

Assoc. Prof. Mehrdad Elyasi
Advanced Institute for Materials Research (WPI-AIMR), Tohoku University

E-mail: mehrdad.elyasi.b2@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)