Job Information
Organisation/Company: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Department: Personnel Unit, General Affairs Group, Administration Department
Research Field: Geosciences; Astronomy; Chemistry; Physics; Mathematics; All; Other
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2); Established Researcher (R3)
Application Deadline: 15 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)
Country: Japan
Type of Contract: Permanent
Job Status: Not Applicable
Hours Per Week: See description
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has been playing a key role in the forefront of astronomical research worldwide, as demonstrated in the construction and operation of large-scale astronomical facilities as well as in the development of space-based instruments, in the effort to promote cutting-edge astronomy utilizing these advanced telescopes. Mizusawa VLBI Observatory (hereafter the Observatory) of the NAOJ has played a key role in advancing radio astronomy through VLBI arrays. During the current mid-term period (2022–2028), the Observatory is actively engaged in the operation of the East Asian VLBI Network (EAVN) and related VLBI facilities, while also conducting cutting-edge VLBI research and development such as Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) and Black Hole Explorer (BHEX) in collaboration with the domestic and international astronomical communities. Looking toward the era of next-generation international large-scale interferometers such as the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) and next-generation Very Large Array (ngVLA), the Observatory is formulating a strategic vision to advance global VLBI through international collaboration. At present and for the foreseeable future, the Observatory’s focus is the activities on SKAO’s Assembly, Integration and Verification (AIV), with aims not only to directly contribute to the SKA project but also to build capacity for future participation in international large-scale radio astronomy projects such as the ngVLA and other future international projects. Together with the SKA1 Promotion Group, established as a sub-project within the Observatory, the Observatory is committed to fostering the next generation of researchers who, through their experience in SKAO-related activities, will go on to take leading roles in advancing both NAOJ-wide initiatives and major international projects.
Work content and job description
The job description of the successful candidate is expected as follows, though details are subject to the candidate’s experience and expertise:
- Direct contribution to future large-scale projects (approximately 50%, for the time being)
- In the coming years, the successful candidate will be responsible for making direct international contributions to SKAO’s AIV activities. In the near term, this will involve extended stays at SKAO construction and operations sites, demonstrating Japan's presence and contributing to the project. The candidate will also be expected to coordinate international activities related to AIV and, potentially, the SKA Regional Centre Network (SRCNet), as well as support liaison activities with the SKAO Headquarters, working closely with the Lead of the SKA1 Promotion Group. Over the longer term, the successful candidate may be asked to contribute to other major international astronomy projects.
- Individual research based on long-wavelength radio observations (approximately 35%)
- The candidate will conduct cutting-edge research based on their own research interest by utilizing facilities related to the Observatory including future large-scale radio interferometers such as SKAO and its precursor and pathfinder instruments. This may include theoretical studies based on observational data. Experience with, or aspirations to contribute to, future VLBI initiatives including SKA -VLBI, Global -VLBI, Space -VLBI, and ngVLA -LBA would be an advantage.
- Contributions to the Observatory, NAOJ, and SOKENDAI (approximately 15%)
- The successful candidate will contribute to the Observatory and the entire NAOJ through committee works and public outreach activities, and also contribute to graduate school education at SOKENDAI via lectures and supervising graduate students.
(Scope of possible changes) Research and teaching activities designated by NINS / NAOJ
Assigned department: Existing departments
Work location
Address: 181-8588 Tokyo 2-21-1 Osawa, Mitaka
Division and Location: Mizusawa VLBI Observatory, Mitaka, Tokyo
(Scope of possible changes) Location designated by NINS / NAOJ
Number of hired: 1 person(s)
Where to apply
Website: https://jrecin.jst.go.jp/seek/SeekJorDetail?fn=0&ln=1&id=D126080610&ln_jor=1
Additional Information
Benefits
Compensation
Annual salary:6 million yen - 8 million yen
Wages description: Salary: The amount of an annual salary shall be determined based on professional knowledge, skills, required education, and job experiences as per the NINS regulations (NINS, or the National Institutes of Natural Sciences, is an executive institute that manages NAOJ). The payment will be made monthly in 12 equivalents.
Allowances: Dependent allowance, residential allowance, commutation allowance, and other allowances will be paid to employees who meet the conditions outlined in the NINS regulations. An amount equivalent to the year-end allowance and diligence allowance will be included in the annual salary.
Working hours:08:30-17:15
Break time:12:00-13:00
Holidays:Saturdays and Sundays, National Holidays, New Year holidays (December 29th – January 3rd),Annual paid leave, Refreshment leave, Summer closure, Bereavement leave, etc.
Overtime and other explanations:The Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work shall be applied.(standard work hours: 38.75 hrs./week, from 8:30 to 17:15 with an hour intermission)
Employment type:Regular employee
Contract period:Tenured
Contract period description:The candidate should be able to start as soon as reasonably possible after the job offer has been accepted. The term of the contract will continue up to the end of the Japanese academic year, in which the faculty reaches NAOJ's mandatory retirement age of 65. A review for the continuation of employment as an assistant professor will occur in the fifth year. In case that the review may result that the successful candidate couldn’t have fulfilled duties as an assistant professor enough, the successful candidate would be requested to transfer to another position within NAOJ.
Probationary period:Probationary period present
Probationary period description:The hired candidate will undergo a six-month probationary period upon commencement of employment.
Various systems
Pay increase system:Available. Once a year in accordance with the performance review.
Bonus:An amount equivalent to the year-end allowance and diligence allowance will be included in the annual salary.
Retirement allowances:Provided.
Transportation expenses:Provided. Commutation allowance will be paid to employees who meet the conditions outlined in the NINS regulations.
Others:Travel and relocation: Eligible employees will be provided with a relocation travel package to NAOJ, subject to the travel regulations of NINS (details must be arranged with the administration office).
Insurance
Employees' Health Insurance:Available. MEXT Mutual Aid Association.
Employees' Pension Insurance:Available.
Worker's accident insurance:Available.
Employment insurance:Available.
Measures for preventing passive smoking at the workplace
Smoking is prohibited on the premises excluding designated outdoor smoking areas.
Supplementary explanation of compensation
Additional comments
- Candidates selected in the final shortlist may be interviewed by the selection committee either via the internet or face-to-face. The expense for the interview will not be covered by NAOJ.
- This position is subject to the NINS Employee Regulations. The annual salary schedule indicated in Table (2) of the Research-Education Employee Base Annual Salary shall be applied to this position.
- Policy for Equal Employment Opportunity: Abiding by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act for Men and Women, NAOJ is committed to the realization of a society with gender equality.
- If two candidates are deemed equal in their performance evaluation, NAOJ will take positive action to employ women.
- If you have taken a leave(s) such as for maternity, child care, and/or family care, please indicate it in your curriculum vitae. We will consider it when assessing your performance.
- For further information about NAOJ’s efforts to achieve a gender-equal society, see https://www2.nao.ac.jp/~open-info/gender-equality/en/.
- NINS implements the program to support staff members (young researchers) who received educational loans (scholarships) from the Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) and are now repaying them. For details, see www.nins.jp/about/folder7/dairihenkan.html.
Name of recruiter: Inter-University Research Institute Corporation, National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS), National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ)
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Country: Japan
City: Tokyo
Contact
City: Tokyo
