Full-time, Tenure-Track Position in Mathematics, Akita International University

Job Details

Akita International University (AIU), Faculty of International Liberal Arts, invites applications for a tenure-track position in Mathematics and either System Science, Astronomy or Computer Science (Undergraduate level) at the rank of Assistant Professor, starting on April 1st, 2027.

Akita International University was founded in 2004 as Japan's first public university corporation. The university offers an all-English-medium education in international liberal arts designed to prepare its students for responsible leadership in a globalized age. In the most recent Times Higher Education (THE) ranking of Japanese Universities, out of more than 800 universities, AIU was ranked 10th overall, 2nd for its engagement, and 1st for the international environment, competing with the best universities in Japan. We are proud of this recognition of the quality of our programs, and we seek an individual who can contribute to ongoing excellence at AIU.

Located in Akita, Japan, the school operates on a semester calendar with an intensive winter program between semesters. All AIU students must spend one full academic year studying abroad; each year, roughly one-quarter of its students are from one of the school’s 200 exchange partner institutions. This means that our classes typically have a wide international mix of students who study alongside our traditional degree-seeking Japanese students. The university serves about 900 undergraduates and approximately 60 graduate students. For more details about the school, visit the website at https://web.aiu.ac.jp/en/.

At present, AIU offers an undergraduate curriculum with advanced programs in Global Business, Global Studies, and Global Connectivity, which seeks to integrate digital technologies and the humanities. We are searching for a liberally educated individual to join the Global Connectivity program with a passion for classroom teaching and scholarly research. The successful applicant will take over foundational mathematics courses (Mathematics for Liberal Arts, College Algebra) in collaboration with colleagues and will have the possibility to teach subjects close to their research interests. The teaching load is 18 credits per year. Please note that all courses at AIU are taught in English.

We expect an understanding of how mathematics is situated within all knowledge, why the subject is challenging for many, and a willingness to break away from the traditional forms of mathematics education. In particular, we seek an individual who contributes to the Infinity Room, AIU’s initiative to provide alternative, social experiences of mathematical thinking.

As a Liberal Arts College, our principal endeavor is helping students develop critical thinking skills, global dispositions, and the capacity to bring multiple perspectives to bear in seeking solutions to the complex issues of our global and digitalized times. We seek candidates who possess the ability to foster disciplined inquiry and discussion among a very diverse student body. Additionally, as a small international liberal arts college that stresses the necessity of interdisciplinary work, we seek an individual who welcomes close collaboration with colleagues across the range of the university’s programs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ph.D. in a related field (If the Ph.D. is “expected,” documentation of the anticipated date of conferral is required.) Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills Ability to teach at a high level in English Scholarly promise A commitment to liberal arts education and the AIU Mission Statement

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Teaching experience at the university level Scholarly achievement Experience working in multi-cultural and multi-ethnic environments Experience living or working in Japan and familiarity with Japanese culture

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach undergraduate courses in one or more of the areas indicated above. Specific teaching assignments will be determined in consultation with the program supervisor and in consideration of the successful candidate’s specific areas of expertise. Advise individual undergraduate students Engage in scholarly activities leading to presentation and publication Participate in service to the university, program, and community Collaborate with faculty and staff on program development

APPOINTMENT:

The initial appointment is based on a three-year, fixed-term contract, renewable up to two times. The position is tenure-track, with the first opportunity to apply for tenure typically occurring in the sixth year of employment. Salary is competitive within Japan and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Generous benefits are also included as part of the remuneration, including partial rent allowance, health insurance, and a research fund allowance.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES:

To be considered for the position, please complete the online application and upload the following documents using the URL below. Applications will be accepted by July 31, 2026 (JST); however, the position may close early if suitable candidates are found.

Please make sure to merge all the documents and files into a single PDF file and then submit this file through the Application Form. The order is as follows:

1. Letter of application Curriculum Vitae Statements of Teaching Philosophy and Teaching Interests
2. Statements of Research Interests
3. Syllabi for two courses that you do or could teach in the areas indicated in the list above
4. Copies of up to three recent publications
5. Doctoral Degree Certificate (or documentation of the anticipated date of conferral if the Ph.D. is expected.)
6. Names and email contact information for three current references

Application Form: https://forms.gle/7e7W5fW9uA1jhL626

AIU Jobs and Vacancies: https://web.aiu.ac.jp/en/news/category/recruit-en/

Screening of applicants will begin immediately after the advertisement is published. After the initial screening, several candidates will be invited to participate in online interviews. Finalists for the position will then be invited to AIU, at university’s expense, for an interview, a research presentation, a teaching demonstration, and a chance to see the campus and the community.

AIU is an equal opportunity employer and strongly believes in the importance of diversity within its community and encourages applications from all underrepresented groups, including ethnic and gender minorities, and female applicants.