"Independent Associate Professor at Immunology Frontier Research Center, The University of Osaka"

The Immunology Frontier Research Center (IFReC) at the University of Osaka calls for applications for Young Lead Researchers leading your own research group in Immunology, Cell Biology, or other related fields.

The Young Lead Researcher (YLR) program at IFReC aims to cultivate promising young researchers into internationally competitive, independent researchers. This program offers researchers with a doctoral degree and further research experience the opportunity to establish and lead their own research groups. Through this experience, they are expected to advance their careers toward becoming future Principal Investigators (PIs).

Profile of a Candidate for YLR

1. A highly independent researcher with a clear, original research vision, along with the motivation and ability to realize it.
2. A researcher with internationally recognized achievements, who has played a significant role in those accomplishments and can leverage that experience.
3. A researcher who demonstrates strong commitment to managing a research group and mentoring junior researchers.
4. A researcher with a strong desire to develop original research over the next five years and move forward to the next stage of their academic career.

Position Overview and Support

Group Leader Position: The selected candidate will be appointed as an Associate Professor and serve as a Group Leader, independently leading and managing their own research group.

Fully Equipped Laboratory Space: While sharing laboratory space with other YLRs, each YLR will be provided with a dedicated area equipped with the necessary facilities to begin research immediately.

Research Support: Funding includes salary support for one postdoctoral researcher, along with research grants for the initial three years.

Mentoring by Senior Researchers: Senior Principal Investigators at IFReC, Shizuo Akira, Shimon Sakaguchi and Shigekazu Nagata, will offer guidance on research direction and support the professional development of YLRs.

Fixed-Term Appointment (5 years): This is a non-tenure-track position with a five-year term. Candidates are expected to achieve significant results during this period and move on to the next stage of their academic career.

Job Description

Position: Associate Professor

Affiliation: Immunology Frontier Research Center, The University of Osaka (Japan)

Number of positions: Two

Research grants: JPY 7M per year for 3 years

Personnel cost support for group members: JPY 10M per year

Work location: Suita Campus, The University of Osaka in Osaka, Japan

Start date: After 1 April 2026 (Start date of work is negotiable.)

Period of employment: 5 years from the date of hire

Insurance: Enrollment in Health Insurance, Employment Insurance, and Workers' Accident Compensation Insurance

Application and Selection

1. Application deadline: 31 October 2025 or until the position is filled
2. Application submission: Submit the required documents listed below by email as attachments to: ifrec-office@ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp. Email subject line: YLR Program Application (Associate Professor Position)
3. Selection process: (1) Document screening (2) Online interviews in November for candidates who successfully pass the document screening. (3) Onsite research seminar and interviews in late December for candidates who successfully pass the online interview. Travel expenses for the seminar and interview will be covered by IFReC.

Required documents

All documents should be A4 or letter size and written in English.

• Curriculum vitae (education and work experience)
• List of research achievements
• Copies of 10 key publications
• Overview of research achievements (approximately 1,000 words)
• Records of research grants from the past 5 years
• Detailed outline of future research proposals (approximately 1,000 words)

For more information, please visit the following URL: https://www.ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/recruit/#sec02

IFReC website: https://www.ifrec.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/