Researcher or Researcher (II) – Marine Seismology / Marine Geophysical Research (CKS26-001)

Available Position

Researcher or Researcher (II) (CKS26-001).

Recruiting Department: Marine Seismology Research Group or Marine Geophysical Research Group, Research Center for Marine Geodynamics Observations (MGeo), Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics (IMG). The affiliation of the successful candidate will be determined during the employment process, and there may be a change in affiliation in the event of a reorganization of JAMSTEC.

Job Description

JAMSTEC is recruiting a Researcher or Researcher (II) to engage in the following research (immediately upon employment).

At the Research Center for Marine Geodynamics Observations (MGeo), geophysical studies are conducted aimed at understanding various phenomena that occur within the crust and on the seafloor, based on surveys and observations conducted using JAMSTEC research vessels and equipment. In particular, marine seismic surveys, ocean-bottom seismic recordings, and various geophysical measurements are carried out in plate subduction seismogenic zones, as well as around submarine volcanoes and volcanic islands surrounding Japan, aiming to elucidate the internal structure of the crust and the distribution of its physical properties related to earthquakes and volcanic activity. The development of observational and analytical techniques required for this research is also promoted.

JAMSTEC is seeking a Researcher or Researcher (II) who will enthusiastically engage in observational research and technological development regarding subsurface structures and processes. The ideal candidate will utilize a variety of marine geophysical data, including marine seismic surveys (multi-channel seismic reflection and refraction surveys using ocean-bottom seismometers), seafloor bathymetry, electromagnetics, gravity, and geomagnetic data, while also considering integrated analyses with land-based observational data. The successful candidate is expected to actively collaborate with researchers at JAMSTEC, as well as with researchers and experts from domestic and international partner institutions.

Relevant Research Fields: Solid Earth Geophysics, Exploration Geophysics, Seismology, Geology, Volcanology, Information Science, etc.

Job Type

Researcher (Science): expected primarily to conduct fundamental, originative or advanced research based on theories, observations and experiments related to research and development.

Researcher (Technology): expected to conduct fundamental, originative, or advanced technology development and related research.

Researcher: expected to further accumulate and develop own expertise, and to continuously create and publish results as a dedicated researcher.

Researcher (II): expected to independently conduct research and technology development and share results through scientific publications and technology innovation.

Job Title (Science/Technology) and the position will be determined during the employment process.

Requirements

Applicants must have completed a Ph.D. in a closely related field of research or technology development.

Qualifications and Experience (desirable):

• Experience in participating in research cruises and publishing research outcomes.
• Experience in participating in or contributing to international projects, as well as publishing joint research results with international collaborators.
• Expertise in geophysical data analysis, with the ability to develop programs for data processing and analysis as needed.

Work Place

(Immediately upon employment) Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), Yokohama Institute for Earth Sciences (YES), 3173-25 Showa-machi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0001, Japan.

The scope of possible changes includes places designated by JAMSTEC, including a place for working from home.

Working Conditions & Contract Period

• Number of positions: 1 position for a Researcher or Researcher (II).
• Type of contract: Tenure-track fixed-term employee.
• Working Hours: Discretionary Labor System for Specialized Work; the determination of working hours allocation, including start and end times, as well as the method of carrying out research and development activities (including teleworking), is left to the discretion of the employee.
• Contract Period: From April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2032. Effective date of employment is negotiable. One contract period is a maximum of five fiscal years and will not be renewed. On reaching the age of 65 during an employed fiscal year, the contract period will expire at the end of the same fiscal year. After undergoing an evaluation during the period of employment, the contract may be modified to one without termination.

Salary

Annual salary (paid in 1/12 equal monthly payments), e.g., JPY 7,000,000-9,300,000. Salary will be competitive, based on the academic qualifications and demonstrated research skills of the candidates. Bonus and retirement allowance are included in the annual salary.

Terms of Employment

• Relocation allowances upon appointment.
• Allowance for commuting expenses.
• Employee and JAMSTEC will share the premiums for social insurance and labor insurance in the proportion specified by current statute.
• JAMSTEC employee cooperative provides various subsidies for mutual aid and welfare services.
• Company-Leased Housing will be available (subject to eligibility criteria based on income, etc.).
• Holidays and vacations: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, year-end, and New Year's holidays. Annual vacations with pay, special vacations, leave of absence to care for a family member, and maternity leave are provided.

Application Procedure

Required documents:

• CV (with valid email and home address; educational history from high school and above).
• Summary of research (1 page).
• Research plan at JAMSTEC (1 page).
• "Publication (achievement) list" including thesis titles and "List of competitive research funds" awarded to the applicant, listing refereed and unrefereed publications separately, with DOI codes if available.
• Two (or fewer) representative publications.
• Two letters of recommendation from two senior research scientists (1 letter from each), signed and converted to PDF. Employees of JAMSTEC will not be accepted as writers of the letter of recommendation.

Submission: Convert application documents (a–e) to PDF format and upload them via the online application portal. Recommenders should send letters of recommendation directly to the recruitment contact address as an email attachment by the closing date, using "MGeo CKS26-001 [Applicant Name]" as the subject line.

Interview: Applicants will be selected based on submitted application material, followed by an interview (web-based online interviews are expected basically).

Closing Date

September 14, 2026 at 23:59 Japan time. Depending on the situation of applications, the closing date may be extended.

Contact

Human Resources Section, Human Resources Dept. Administrative Division, JAMSTEC. Email: recruit-app[at]jamstec.go.jp (please replace [at] with @, and include "MGeo CKS26-001" in the subject line).

Remarks

• Submitted documents will be managed safely according to strict rules; personal information will be used only for recruitment screening and appointment procedures.
• Successful candidates should submit a certificate documenting their health upon appointment.
• Applicants should inform JAMSTEC in case of withdrawal of application by email.
• For non-Japanese speakers, the interview and daily work will be conducted in English.

Diversity and Inclusion

In its quest to perform state-of-the-art research and develop scientific and technological innovations based on diverse values, JAMSTEC actively recruits women based on gender equality and strives to create a work environment in which individuality is respected regardless of nationality, race, gender, gender identity, age, or the presence or absence of disabilities. JAMSTEC also promotes more flexible work styles and environments, including shorter working hours and opportunities for discretionary work.

How to Apply

More information and application: https://www.jamstec.go.jp/recruit/e/details/mgeo20260914/