Overview

The Center for Northeast Asian Studies (CNEAS), established in 1996 as an independent research institute at Tohoku University, aims to create interdisciplinary knowledge that contributes to solving cross-border environmental issues under cooperative globalization. In response to the changing global socio-political landscape, the Center established a new Department of Geopolitical Studies in April 2025. Through enhanced collaboration with scholars in Japan and abroad, the Center seeks to further promote regional studies that foster a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of Russia, East Asia, and Japan.

As part of this initiative, the Center invites applications for distinguished scholars in the Division of Diplomacy and Security Studies and the Division of Interethnic Relations and Conflict Studies within the Department of Geopolitical Studies. We seek candidates who possess a comprehensive understanding of Russia, China, and related regions and who demonstrate a strong commitment to research, teaching, and academic administration. The successful candidates will have the ability and motivation to make significant contributions to the Center, the University, and the broader field of Northeast Asian Studies.

We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all nationalities.

1. Field of Recruitment

Division of Diplomacy and Security Studies and Division of Interethnic Relations and Conflict Studies, Department of Geopolitical Studies

2. Number and Rank of Positions

Two positions: Professor or Associate Professor

3. Area of Specialization

Humanities and Social Sciences related to Diplomacy and Security Studies or Interethnic Relations and Conflict Studies

4. Duties

Individual and collaborative research related to the candidate’s field of specialization
General education: Teaching undergraduate courses in accordance with the candidate’s expertise
Graduate education: Teaching graduate-level courses (concurrent appointment)
Administrative duties related to the above

5. Qualifications

Ph.D. in the Humanities, Social Sciences, or a closely related field by the time the appointment begins
Advanced proficiency in Japanese and English sufficient for research, teaching, and administrative duties
Proficiency in at least one additional language relevant to Northeast Asian Studies (e.g., Russian, Chinese, or another regional language)
Established research achievements in the relevant field
Demonstrated excellence either in coordinating international collaborative research between Japan and other countries or in policy engagement and public outreach

6. Compensation

The annual salary will be determined in accordance with Tohoku University regulations on employee salary and will be based on length of experience and performance.
Estimated salary range: 8,000,000–10,000,000 JPY per year (before tax and deductions)
Professor: approx. 9,500,000 JPY per year (Ph.D., 25 years’ experience)
Associate Professor: approx. 8,200,000 JPY per year (Ph.D., 15 years’ experience)
Commuting allowance may also be provided
Social insurance: Enrollment in the MEXT Mutual Aid Association (health insurance and Employees’ Pension Scheme), employment insurance, and industrial accident compensation insurance

7. Employment Conditions

Employment status: Full-time
Term of employment: Permanent appointment
Working hours: Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work. The basic working hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30–17:15; however, the actual working hours are left to the discretion of each employee.
Days off: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and the New Year holidays (December 29–January 3)
Leave: Annual paid leave, sick leave, and special leave (e.g., marriage or childbirth).

8. Expected Start Date

As early as possible on or after April 1, 2027

9. Application Deadline

July 20, 2026 (Mon.) 17:00 JST