Special Postdoctoral Positions for displaced scientists (2025) – University of Tokyo, Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe

Position Description

The Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU), WPI at the University of Tokyo solicits applications for its special Postdoctoral Fellowship program. 

Established in 2007, the Kavli IPMU aims to discover the fundamental laws of nature and to understand the universe by bringing together mathematicians, statisticians, theoretical and experimental physicists, and astronomers. We are seeking candidates who are interested in our broad range of sciences and in interacting with people across disciplines. 

At this time, we are specifically calling for those in the overseas who are adversely affected by the sudden change in the circumstances.  This includes those who have been forced to leave their positions involuntarily in the middle of their term of office or who are unable to move to the next post that had been promised.

This postdoctoral fellow is for up to three years and provided with a good salary compared to other prestigious institutions in Japan, so that they can maintain a high standard of living in a cultured and safe environment in Japan. They also receive start-up funding including travel support and are encouraged to travel internationally, visit other institutions, and attend conferences, up to 3 months every year. We also provide support in applying for and obtaining the external funding necessary for a career as a researcher.

Our postdoctoral fellows have opportunities to conduct research in astronomy, astrophysics, cosmology of the early universe, gravitation, high energy physics phenomenology, mathematics, observational cosmology, theoretical physics, string theory, quantum information, science communication, and public policy. Details on our research programs can be found here.

English is the official language of the Kavli IPMU and currently more than 60% of its full-time scientific members come from outside of Japan. We are building a diverse community of scientists, and we strongly encourage female and international applicants. 

Screening will take place as the application comes by, with a final deadline of November 30, 2025. Applicants should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae (with email address and citizenship), a statement of research interests, and a list of publications. Applicants should also ensure that at least three letters of reference are submitted on their behalf. Include the descriptions of circumstances the applicant is facing such as the cancellation of program or termination of position in the cover letter. 

They should be uploaded at Application Form.
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Email inquiries regarding the application process may be sent to academicjob-inquiry@ipmu.jp.

Personal information received through this application process will not be used for any other purposes.

Per Japanese government rules on protection of personal information and on foreign trades, we are required to include this link to this solicitation.