Call for Applications-ICYS Principal Investigator (PI), ICYS Research Fellow (RF)

Call for Applications
・ ICYS Principal Investigator (PI)
・ ICYS Research Fellow (RF)　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　A Few Positions Available

The International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS) of the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) invites outstanding researchers to apply for two career positions: ICYS Principal Investigator (PI) and ICYS Research Fellow (RF).

● ICYS Principal Investigator (ICYS PI)

As an ICYS PI, you will lead your own independent research unit and establish an original, globally recognized research field in materials science, with full access to cutting-edge research facilities at NIMS.

  • The appointment term is 5 years*
  • Annual research grant of 4 million yen
  • The annual salary exceeds 8 million yen**
  • Eligible to apply for permanent researcher positions at NIMS
  • English is the official language at ICYS
  • comprehensive secretary service and technical support in English is provided

If the candidate does not pass the ICYS PI review, the one will be considered as an ICYS RF candidate if desires.

● ICYS Research Fellow (ICYS RF)

As an ICYS Research Fellow, you will conduct independent and self-directed research in diverse areas of materials science, with full access to NIMS’s cutting-edge research facilities.

  • Initial contract: 3 years (renewable up to 5 years, based on annual evaluation)*
  • Annual research budget: 2 million yen
  • Annual salary: over 6 million yen**
  • Eligible to apply for permanent researcher positions at NIMS
  • English is the official language at ICYS
  • Comprehensive secretary service and technical support in English is provided

Application Requirements for Both Positions: All applicants must have obtained a PhD degree within the last 10 years. Please submit the following documents to the ICYS Recruitment Desk by March 24, 2026 JST:

  • CV
  • Application form including a research proposal for ICYS
  • Copy of PhD certificate
  • PDF files of three significant publications
  • List of DOI of journal publications

Please note that you cannot apply for both the ICYS PI and ICYS Research Fellow simultaneously.

Download application formats and find more details on our website. Selection is based on the originality and quality of the research proposal and research achievements.

* If you are currently a non-permanent researcher (Post doc, etc.) at NIMS, maximum contract term depends on your work experience at NIMS.
** Approximately 23% of annual salary will be deducted for social insurance premium, residence tax, and income tax.

ICYS Recruitment Desk
National Institute for Materials Science
www.nims.go.jp/icys/recruitment/