Job Information
Organisation/Company: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Department: Personnel Unit, General Affairs Group, Administration Department
Research Field: Mathematics, Geosciences, Physics, Astronomy, Chemistry, All, Other
Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2), Established Researcher (R3)
Application Deadline: 31 Aug 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.
The NAOJ Gravitational Wave Science Project (GWSP) is a project office to develop gravitational wave astronomy and to contribute to the construction and operation of KAGRA, which is a 3km-scale cryogenic gravitational wave telescope constructed in Kamioka underground, Gifu, Japan, in collaboration with the Institute for Cosmic Ray Research in the University of Tokyo and High Energy Accelerator Research Organization.
In addition to KAGRA, the NAOJ GWSP has another important role to manage TAMA300 (interferometric gravitational wave test facility with 300m armlength in NAOJ Mitaka campus), aiming to develop new technologies.
Work content and job description
We invite applications for a project assistant professor position in the GWSP. A successful candidate for this position is expected to:
- lead the development of low-absorption large sapphire substrates.
- lead the characterization of the sapphire mirrors used as KAGRA’s test masses.
- lead the demonstration of advanced frequency-dependent squeezing methods for future gravitational-wave detectors.
The successful candidate is also expected to actively collaborate with international gravitational-wave projects.
As prerequisites for this position, applicants are expected to have a wide range of experience and skills in the field of astronomy or physics, and to have leadership for experimental projects.
Possibility of changes to job duties: None
Assigned department
Existing departments
Work location
Address
181-8588 Tokyo 2-21-1 Osawa, Mitaka
Depending on project requirements, the work location may also be the NAOJ Kamioka branch, Gifu.
Number of hired
Number of hired: 1 person(s)
Where to apply
Website: https://jrecin.jst.go.jp/seek/SeekJorDetail?fn=0&ln=1&id=D126071782&ln_jor=1
Additional Information
Benefits
Compensation
Annual salary: 5 million yen - 8 million yen
Wages description: The successful candidate will be employed under the scheme of the annual salary system of NAOJ and will be paid monthly in 12 equal payments.
Working hours: 08:30-17:15
Break time: 12:00-13:00
Employment type: Others
Employment type description: Employee on Annual Salary System
Contract period: Nontenured
Contract period description: [Terms of Appointment] The successful candidate should be able to start as soon as reasonably possible after the job offer has been accepted. The term is for 3 years (See Notes ※1 and ※2 below) including the probation period of 6 months. An annual performance review will be conducted.
※1: Contract may be renewed, provided that the contract term shall not be renewed beyond 31 March 2031. Renewal of contract will be determined in consideration of one or more of the following criteria:
・Volume of workload at the time of expiration of contract
・Progressing conditions of present business
・Aptitude, work records and attitude of an employee
・Financial condition of NINS
※2: For a person who has been employed by NINS within 6 months retroactively from the starting date, the term will be set so that the total employment period will be less than 10 years.
Probationary period: Probationary period present
Probationary period description: including a probation period of 6 months
[Various systems]
Bonus: Not provided.
Retirement allowances: Not provided.
[Insurance]
[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
•The NAOJ Advisory Committee for Research and Management will make the final decision for the appointment.
• NINS Employee Regulations (NINS is an executive institute that manages NAOJ) 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, childcare, and/or family care, please indicate it in your curriculum vitae. We will consider it when assessing your performance. For details, 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 https://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
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