Researcher [A26-01]
Development of LLM-based Autonomous Materials Discovery Methods, Several positions are available

We are seeking a researcher to lead the development of original "AI-driven materials research methodologies" and their application to innovative materials discovery by integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI agents, with domain expertise in materials science. We expect candidates not only to utilize existing AI tools but to design and develop optimized reasoning engines and autonomous exploration frameworks tailored to solve complex challenges in materials science, thereby establishing new academic frontiers. Our goal is to pioneer a next-generation materials development paradigm where LLMs sophisticatedly orchestrate external and internal tools to derive new materials while verbalizing the underlying scientific reasoning process.
We place high value on the ability and passion to complete the entire cycle from the design and synthesis to the verification of specific new materials leveraging self-developed AI methods and NIMS’s world-class, large-scale materials databases, as well as our extensive computational and experimental infrastructure. We welcome applications from researchers who possess the leadership to achieve a true paradigm shift in Materials Informatics by harmonizing "methodological AI development".

* Research Environment Support up to 10 million yen depending on the research plan at the time of arrival is available.

* Engineering position is also currently open.
A26-02 Materials Science Specialized LLM & AI Agent Development

No person falling under any of the following items may be eligible for the application:

1. a person who has been sentenced to imprisonment or a more severe punishment, and of whom the execution of the sentence has not been completed or who has not yet ceased to be amenable to the execution of the sentence;
2. a person who was dismissed by a disciplinary action and for whom period of two years has not expired since the day of that disposition;
3. a person who, on or after the date of the enforcement of the Constitution of Japan, formed or belonged to a political party or other organization which advocated the overthrow by force of the Constitution of Japan or the government established thereunder.

We believe that the fulfillment of the overall work and family life of each employee, who has diverse values and lifestyles, will lead to the revitalization of NIMS, and we are working to create a workplace where both men and women can work comfortably.
Details can be found on the following website:
https://www.nims.go.jp/eng/nims/equality/index.html

• Since the second phase of the action plan starting in April 2007, NIMS has achieved goals such as an uptake in leave-taking and the introduction of reduced working hours. In May 2009, NIMS was certified as a “Childcare Support Company” under the Act on Advancement of Measures to Support Raising Next-Generation Children. NIMS has established a work environment that facilitates handling both a career and the responsibilities of raising children.
• Flexible working systems, such as the flex-time system and the discretionary work system, are in place.
• Maternity leave, parenting leave, part-time work for child care, and family care leave, etc. are available.
• Personnel expenses to employ an assistant for 1 year may be provided to researchers, engineers and permanent administrative staffs who take care of children or other family members.
• NIMS supports female researchers. NIMS encourages applications from female candidates.

Smoking is not permitted on the premises except in designated smoking areas.

1.     Acquisition of Applicant ID
Access the following link to obtain your Applicant ID, which is required to complete the application and recommendation forms.
Form for Applicant ID
Enter all required information in English. An email containing your Applicant ID will be sent to the email address you provide in this form.
If you do not receive an email containing your Applicant ID within three days of submitting this form, please contact us at the email address below.
E-Mail: nims-recruit=nims.go.jp (Please change "=" to "@")


2.     Application documents　[Click here to download the A26-01 application form]
Use the provided forms (Curriculum Vitae (Word file), Application Form (Word file), and The number of publications (Excel file)) for this position number, which can be downloaded by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.
Submit the curriculum vitae (Word), the application form (PDF), the number of publications (Excel), and PDF copies of no more than three representative papers to appliform=nims.go.jp. (Please change "=" to "@") The subject line of the email should read: Application for A26-01 (Applicant ID).

*If you wish to give your presentation in Japanese at the interview, submit a scanned copy of TOEIC / EIKEN(英検) / TOEFL / IELTS, etc. academic score certificate.
*Applicants currently enrolled in graduate school must submit their academic transcript as PDF file in addition to the documents listed above.
 
I. Curriculum Vitae
Use the provided form for this position number.
Enter necessary information in English or Japanese. Submit the curriculum vitae file in Word format.
 

II. Application form
This document is used to examine the knowledge, skills, research abilities, abilities to plan and propose researches, and English communication skills of an applicant.
Use the form for this position number. After filling out the application form (Word file), convert it to a PDF file.
 

(1) Research accomplishments

Describe your past research achievements in English within four pages of A4 size papers.

(2) Research Plan at NIMS

Describe plans of a research you want to do at NIMS (a short-term research plan and a mid- to long-term research plan) in English within two pages of A4 size papers.

(3) List of publications

Clearly categorize as original papers, review papers, invited presentations, patents, and books in the sequence of publication from new to old with serial numbers assigned. Forthcoming research papers and articles in academic journals may be included only if they have been accepted for publication. There is no limit to the number of pages. Provide information in English. Publications written in Japanese may be described in Japanese.
 

III. The number of publications
This document is used to count applicant's research achievements: papers, invited talks, patents, books, etc. Use the prescribed form (Excel file). Submit the number of publications file in Excel format.
 

IV. PDF copies of no more than three representative papers
Submit representative papers (within three papers) of yours in PDF format. You may add supplementary data to the papers. In such cases, prepare PDF files by combining the paper and the supplementary data to submit.
 

VI. Academic transcript (Only for graduate students)
Applicants currently enrolled in graduate school must submit their academic transcript as PDF file.

 

3.     Letters of recommendation　[Click here to download the A26-01 recommendation form]

Submit two letters of recommendation.
Applicants must request that their references send their letters of recommendation directly to recommend=nims.go.jp. (Please change "=" to "@")
Use the form for this position number. Complete the form in English or Japanese and convert it into a PDF file.
The subject line of the email should read: Recommendation for (Applicant ID) from (full name of reference).
Applicants currently enrolled in graduate school, one reference must be your doctoral dissertation supervisor.
Please let the references know in advance that NIMS may contact them directly.


4.     Multiple applications

For applications to the Targeted Recruitment “AI for Materials,” apply for either the Research Position (A26-01) or the Engineer Position (A26-02).
Multiple applications for Special Open Call,  Regular Open Call and ICYS Research Fellows recruitment are accepted. However, note that the application documents are different, so please prepare them separately.


* The information provided for application will be used only for the employment selection and as the analytical data for verification of the recruitment process, and will not be used for any other purpose. We appropriately manage the personal information under the NIMS Regulations for Protection of Personal Information.

* Incomplete or incorrect applications may be rejected. Submitted application documents cannot be changed.

* Information cannot be provided on the details of the screening process.