Osaka University of Economics & Law (OUEL), known in Japanese as Ōsaka Keizai Hōka Daigaku, is a private higher education institution located in Yao City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1968, OUEL has grown into a respected university focusing on practical education in economics, business administration, and law. Situated in the Asia Pacific region, it attracts students and faculty interested in Japan's dynamic economy and legal system. The university's main campus provides a serene yet accessible environment, just 30 minutes from central Osaka by train, making it ideal for professionals balancing urban life with academic pursuits.
Jobs at Osaka University of Economics & Law span teaching, research, and administrative roles, contributing to its mission of nurturing professionals for business and legal sectors. With around 4,000 students, OUEL emphasizes small class sizes and hands-on learning, creating opportunities for faculty to engage deeply with students. The institution's commitment to real-world application means positions often involve industry collaborations and policy research relevant to Japan's post-pandemic economy.
Founded by Shigeki Yamaji as Osaka University of Economics, the university expanded in 2003 to include a Faculty of Law, reflecting Japan's evolving needs for legal experts in business. Over 50 years, OUEL has built a reputation for producing graduates who excel in corporate, governmental, and legal fields. Its mission centers on 'practical scholarship,' integrating theory with practice to address contemporary challenges like digital transformation in finance and international trade law.
This history shapes job opportunities, prioritizing candidates who can bridge academia and industry. Faculty positions have evolved to include interdisciplinary roles combining economics with legal studies, especially in areas like corporate governance and sustainable business practices.
OUEL offers undergraduate and graduate programs across three main faculties: Economics, Business Administration, and Law. The Faculty of Economics covers macroeconomics, econometrics, and regional development, while Business Administration focuses on management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. The Faculty of Law emphasizes commercial law, intellectual property, and international law tailored to Japan's context.
Graduate schools support advanced research, with master's and doctoral programs attracting scholars worldwide. These structures influence job openings, with demand for specialists in fields like fintech economics and business compliance.
Common positions include full-time professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and lecturers. Research-focused roles like research assistants are available for graduate-level support. Administrative jobs cover student services and international relations. For a full breakdown, explore university job types.
Remote higher ed jobs are limited but growing in administrative areas. Check remote higher ed jobs for options.
To secure jobs at Osaka University of Economics & Law, candidates typically need a doctoral degree (PhD) in economics, law, or a related field for tenure-track positions. A master's degree suffices for lecturers, but publications in peer-reviewed journals are essential.
Research focus prioritizes applied studies, such as economic policy analysis for Japan's aging population or legal frameworks for SMEs. Preferred experience includes 3-5 years of teaching, grant acquisition (e.g., from JSPS), and publications (5+ papers). Skills like data analysis with Stata or R, Japanese legal knowledge, and English proficiency are valued.
Key competencies:
Tenure-track position: A faculty role leading to permanent employment after evaluation, common at OUEL for assistant professors. Koza system: Japanese departmental structure where professors lead research labs. JSPS: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, funding body for research grants.
The application process at OUEL starts with monitoring the university's career page or JREC-IN portal for openings. Submit documents including CV, list of publications, research/teaching statement, and recommendation letters by the deadline, usually 1-2 months before start date.
Tip: Network via academic conferences in Osaka. See how to write a winning academic CV and employer branding secrets.
OUEL advances diversity through its Global Faculty Program, recruiting international scholars since 2015. Women in academia are supported via mentorship and quotas in hiring. The university hosts English-taught courses and partners with ASEAN universities for exchanges, fostering inclusive environments. Specific examples include scholarships for female law students and anti-bias training for staff.
OUEL promotes work-life balance with flexible research hours, parental leave (up to 1 year), and wellness programs like yoga classes. The Yao campus features green spaces, a library with 300,000+ volumes, sports facilities, and cafes. Faculty enjoy proximity to Osaka's cultural sites, with commuting support. Annual events include international festivals and research symposia, building community. Despite Japan's academia demands, OUEL caps teaching loads at 10 hours/week for professors.
With Japan's economy rebounding, OUEL seeks experts in sustainable economics. Enrollment grew 5% in 2023, increasing job demand. Explore professor jobs or research jobs.
Related reading: Become a university lecturer.
Osaka University of Economics & Law offers rewarding jobs in a vibrant Japanese academic setting. For more higher ed jobs, career tips via higher ed career advice, university jobs, or to post openings, visit post a job.
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