Open Faculty Recruitment
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Studies, Tohoku University
Fixed-term (7 year) tenure-track assistant professor
Overview
The Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Tohoku University specializes in natural products chemistry and synthetic chemistry, with a focus on drug discovery targets, screening, the exploration and synthesis of hit compounds, and formulation and drug delivery. We are particularly committed to advancing research on neurodegenerative diseases (such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS) and developing drug discovery candidates for clinical applications.
We are seeking researchers with outstanding achievements in fields related to central nervous system disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. We welcome a wide range of research approaches, including but not limited to those that leverage emerging technologies—such as AI-based analysis, computational science, and iPS cell-based drug discovery models—to identify novel drug targets for neurodegenerative diseases and validate their relevance. We are also interested in researchers conducting biomarker studies focused on pathological mechanisms such as abnormal tau protein accumulation, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, with the aim of facilitating early diagnosis and monitoring disease progression.
We welcome applications from exceptional early-career researchers who can conduct internationally recognized research, accelerate drug discovery, and contribute to the development of groundbreaking treatments.
Successful candidates will be assigned a mentor faculty member and work together with them to supervise graduate students.
Eligibility and Submissions
Candidates for this position must hold a doctoral degree at the time of appointment and be able to communicate fluently in either English or Japanese. The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on their outstanding research achievements in fields related to central nervous system disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases.
To apply, submit all required documents listed below as separate PDF files using the application form.
Application Registration link: https://jotform.com/251397954433466
Required Documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (prescribed format)
- Submit your Researcher ID information on the application form. If you do not any of the applicable Researcher IDs (Scopus, ORCiD, or Researchmap), submit a complete list of your academic publications.
- Record of research grants received
- List of presentations at international conferences
- Summary of past research activities
- Research plan related to the goals of the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Studies
- Contact information of references, letters of recommendation
Selection Process
The selection committee may ask candidates who successfully pass the document screening to give a presentation.
The start date will be January 1, 2026 or the earliest possible date thereafter.
Allocation of Lab Space
The selected candidate will be assigned an office and laboratory space within the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, located on the Aobayama Campus (6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan).
Accommodation
Successful candidates may be able to move into university accommodation if there are any vacancies on the date of appointment.
Compensation
The annual salary for this position will be determined based on length of experience and performance according to university regulations.
Funding and Research Expectations
This recruitment is part of Tohoku University’s efforts to strengthen research system as Japan’s first University for International Research Excellence. Successfully candidates will be offered 2 million JPY in start-up funding, and 2.5 million annually in basic research funding from the the 2 nd year onward. Successful candidates will also be expected to proactively apply for additional funding, including peer-reviewed grants and other third-party funding, as well as funds or income from collaborative or endowed research in partnership with industry.
The selected candidate is expected to author multiple high-impact academic publications.
Term of Appointment
Fixed-term of 7 years from the start date (no reappointments)
A tenure review will be conducted 5 years after the start date, and tenure will be granted based on the results of the review. Candidates that successfully pass the tenure review will be hired as a tenured associate professor.
Insurance
Successful candidates will be enrolled in the MEXT Mutual Aid Association (health insurance), Employment Insurance, and Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance
Annual Paid Leave
Faculty and staff members are entitled to 20 days of annual paid leave each year. The number of days granted for the year is calculated based on January 1st. Unused paid leave from the previous year (up to a maximum of 20 days) can be carried over each year, with an additional 20 days added. For the first year, annual paid leave is calculated based on the start date (for example, if the start date is April 1st, 15 days will be granted for the remaining 9 months).
Remarks:
- Tohoku University has established a support system to assist the spouses of qualified faculty members in finding employment opportunities for academic and non-academic jobs within the university. For more information, please contact the recruiting department.
- Tohoku University promotes activities to increase Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and encourages people of varied talents from all backgrounds to apply for positions at the university.
Tohoku University’s website about the DEI Declaration can be found here:
https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/about/ - Pursuant to Article 8 of the Act on Securing, Etc. of Equal Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women in Employment, Tohoku University shall, as a measure for increasing the presence of women among the academic staff, prioritize the hiring of women deemed qualified for each job opening, based on impartial evaluation.
- Tohoku University has published ‘Tohoku University-Live as Who You Are-Guidelines for Gender and Sexual Diversity’ to provide explanations and details of how those at the university should respond with respect to diverse sexuality. The purpose of the guidelines is to create an environment in which all students, faculty, and staff respect diverse sexuality in their academic, research, and professional activities.
Please see the Tohoku University Center for Gender Equality Promotion website:
https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/consulting/for_minority/ - Tohoku University has the largest on-campus childcare system of all Japanese national universities. This network comprises three nurseries: Kawauchi Keyaki Nursery school (capacity: 22) and Aobayama Midori Nursery school (116), both open to all university employees, as well as Hoshinoko Nursery school (120), which is open to employees working at Tohoku University Hospital. In addition, Tohoku University Hospital runs a childcare room for mildly ill and convalescent children which is available to all university employees
- See the following website for information on these and other programs that Tohoku University runs to assist work-life balance, to support researchers, and to advance gender equality, including measures to promote childcare leave among male employees.
Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Tohoku University Website:
https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/consulting/for_family/
Human Resources and Planning Department website (Japanese text only):
https://c.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/jinji-top/external/a-4-kosodate/
More Information
- Address Japan
