Recruitment Information
NIMS Recruitment Policy
The National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) is one of Japan’s leading research institutions, designated as a “Designated National Research and Development Institute,” a status reserved for organizations expected to achieve world-class research excellence. NIMS holds a unique global position as Japan’s only national research institute specialized in materials science and technology.
We believe that people are the foundation for maintaining and advancing our research at the global level. Accordingly, NIMS places the highest priority on recruiting outstanding individuals across all professions — not only researchers who conduct cutting-edge studies but also engineers who provide advanced technical support and administrative staff with exceptional management and organizational skills. We actively recruit talented individuals from diverse backgrounds — including universities, research institutes, and industries both in Japan and abroad — and foster an environment that enables creative and pioneering research.
For research positions, NIMS conducts international open recruitment at all levels, from early-career researchers who have just completed their doctoral studies to experienced scientists who have established their research careers elsewhere. Through tenure-track programs such as the ICYS Fellowship, NIMS provides a clear career pathway from graduate studies to independent research positions. After appointment, NIMS offers flexible and individualized support — including startup research funding, full coverage of equipment relocation costs, and team-building assistance — to ensure that new researchers can begin their work immediately.
A distinctive feature of NIMS is its support for both mission-driven research at the organizational level and independent, curiosity-driven research initiated by individual researchers. Research performance is evaluated through fair and transparent processes, and compensation is determined dynamically based on results and achievements.
NIMS places the highest priority on creating an environment where researchers can focus fully on their work. Our state-of-the-art shared facilities are maintained and operated with the professional support of skilled engineers, providing researchers with an ideal environment to pursue their scientific goals. Furthermore, NIMS has established joint graduate school programs with seven leading Japanese universities in materials science, offering opportunities for collaboration with excellent graduate students recruited internationally.
NIMS warmly welcomes talented and passionate individuals who aspire to lead the world in materials science and help shape the future of society.
Kazuhiro Hono, Ph.D.
President, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)
Recruitment information by type of position
Fixed-term positions
Public recruitment for fixed-term positions, which are categorized as research, engineering, technical support (technical assistance), and administrative positions, takes place periodically. The job description varies by position, so please check the individual pages for each position.
Mid-career recruitment ratio presented according to the Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Policies Act
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-career recruitment ratio of regular employees | 86% | 80% | 82% |
Search Filter
Type
Job Type
Affiliation
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2026.09.14
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Quantum MaterialsResearch Center for Electronic and Optical Materials , Semiconductor Defect Design Group
This position is for research on the physical properties of quantum materials for quantum sensing applications, such as NV centers formed within diamonds. Specifically, spin characterization of color ...
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2026.09.14
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Structural Materials (RCSM) , Mechanical Properties Group
Atomistic simulation analyses on the structure and mechanical properties of metals.
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2026.09.11
Technical Staff (Fixed Term)Research Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) , Mathematical Catalysis Research Team
General technical and laboratory support duties, including but not limited to: Performing and preparing electrochemical measurements using potentiostats
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2026.09.09
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials (RCMB) , Autonomous Polymer Design and Discovery Group
Research on the fundamental and applied photophysical properties and photofunctions of organic dye molecules and supramolecular systems
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2026.09.08
Researcher [R26-16]
Optical NanomaterialsResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) , Nanoparticle Group
The successful candidate will lead research that aims to significantly accelerate the synthesis of nanoparticles exhibiting excellent optical properties by progressively integrating data- and AI-drive...
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2026.09.08
Researcher [R26-15]
High-temperature processes and microstructure control of metallic materialsResearch Center for Structural Materials (RCSM) , Welding and Joining Technology Group
From a metallographic perspective, we investigate high-temperature phenomena, including crystal growth, phase transformation, recrystallization, and grain growth, to establish the underlying science f...
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2026.09.08
Researcher [R26-14]
Materials Science (for women)To be determined based on the applicant's expertise
Basic, fundamental and applied research on materials and substances with a view to their application as materials.In particular, priority will be given to research into (1) Hydrogen-related materials,...
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2026.09.08
Researcher [R26-13]
Materials ScienceTo be determined based on the applicant's expertise
Basic, fundamental and applied research on materials and substances with a view to their application as materials.In particular, priority will be given to research into (1) Hydrogen-related materials,...
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2026.09.07
Project Engineer (Fixed Term )Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Biomaterials Field, Nano-Bio Composites Team
Synthesis, optimization, and evaluation of nano-composite materials, including biomaterials experiments (dental applications) Computational and...
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2026.09.03
Researcher [F26-07]
Biomaterials/Synthetic BiologyResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials (RCMB)
The development of medical materials with properties that enable active control of biological responses is an important fundamental technology for next-generation therapeutic modalities. For example, ...
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2026.09.03
Researcher [F26-05]
Thermal Management MaterialsTo be determined based on the applicant's expertise
The successful candidate will conduct basic and applied research aimed at solving heat generation/dissipation issues associated with the increasing integration and performance of semiconductor devices...
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2026.09.03
Researcher [F26-03]
Development of Advanced CeramicsResearch Center for Electronic and Optical Materials
We are seeking a wide range of motivated early-career and mid-career researchers capable of leading the research and development of advanced ceramics across diverse domains, including functional ceram...
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2026.09.03
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) , Semiconductor Functional Device Group
Research on functional electronic devices utilizing ultra-thin semiconductors at the molecular and atomic scale, involving organic materials and transition metal dichalcogenides.Responsible for ...
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2026.09.02
Postdoctoral Research FellowCenter for Basic Research on Materials , Data-driven Materials Research Field, Materials Modeling Group
This position is offered within the GteX project, which promotes digital transformation (DX) in materials research.The successful candidate will work primarily on the development of battery-rela...
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2026.08.27
Researcher [F26-02]
Superconducting Materials and CoilsResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN)
At NIMS, from a materials perspective, fundamental research that contributes to the advancement of superconducting technology—which enables the innovative high-performance enhancement of devices...
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2026.08.24
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) , Qubit Materials Group
Research on low-dimensional materials, superconducting materials, and their junctions using thin-film fabrication, microfabrication, and electrical characterization.
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2026.08.21
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Data-driven Polymer Design Group
Research on fabrication and application of porous polymer materials
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2026.08.18
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Structural Materials (RCSM) , Steel Research Group
Deformation and fracture behavior of steels
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2026.08.06
Postdoctoral research Fellow in micro-/nano-mechanical characterisation of metallic and ceramic materials.Research Center for Structural Materials (RCSM) , Mechanical Properties Group
The successful candidate will study fundamental deformation processes of plasticity and fracture in the vicinity of interfaces between dissimilar phases, including at the extreme conditions (e.g. cryo...
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2026.08.05
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) , Battery Materials Analysis Group
We aim to elucidate the reaction mechanisms of secondary batteries and fuel cells using measurement techniques such as XPS, XADS, and AFM.
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2026.08.04
Postdoctoral Research FellowCenter for Basic Research on Materials(CBRM) , Nanoprove Group
We conduct research on surface chemistry—such as the synthesis of carbon nanostructures—using an extreme high-vacuum, low-temperature atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microsc...
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2026.08.03
ICYS Reseach Fellow (RF)International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS)
As an ICYS RF at NIMS, you will independently plan and conduct research based on your own ideas, making use of NIMS's state-of-the-art shared facilities. You are encouraged to pursue innovative resear...
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2026.08.03
ICYS Principal Investigator (PI)International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS)
As an ICYS PI at NIMS, you will independently advance research based on your original ideas, managing your own small research unit and utilizing NIMS's state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated r...
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2026.07.29
Postdoctoral Research FellowAutomated Electrochemical Experiments Team, Battery and Cell Materials Field, Research Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) , Automated Electrochemical Experiments Team
Research and performance evaluation on materials for electrochemical energy conversion, utilizing autonomous/automated experimental techniques. Specifically, candidates are expected to conduct R&D...
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2026.07.03
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ceramics processingResearch Center for Electronic and Optical Materials , Optical Ceramics Group
Slurry preparation for bulk ceramics, sintering and evaluation of processing parameters
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2026.07.02
Soecially Appointed Research FellowCenter for Green Research on Energy and Environmental Materials , Solid State Battery Ionics Group
The successful candidate will conduct research on ion transport mechanisms in oxide solid electrolytes and all-solid-state battery materials. The aim is to understand lithium-i...
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2026.05.09
Postdoctoral ResearcherResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Data-driven Polymer Design Group
Job Description:We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team in the development of advanced polymer materials designed to promote material circulat...
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2026.04.30
Researcher [N26-01]
Next-Generation Semiconductor, Several positions availableResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics , Semiconductor Device Group
Research and development aimed at the realization of ultra-high-speed and ultra-low-power GAA-CFET*, focusing on the following areas: Thin-film deposition (...
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2026.04.28
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Semiconductor DeviceResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics , Semiconductor Device Group
Research on material, device, and process technologies for next-generation logic semiconductors. Leading experimental research in semiconductor...
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2026.04.24
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Data-driven Polymer Design Group
Data-Driven Research and Development of Polymer and Functional Materials
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2026.04.09
Postdoctoral Researcher (Electron Microscopy)
Center for Basic Research on Materials (CBRM) , Electron Microscopy Group
The successful candidate will engage in the characterization of advanced materials by applying in situ transmission electron microscopy techniques for thermal, electrical, and mechanical stress observ...
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2026.03.27
【Special Open Call】G26-01 Leaders Conducting Research in Materials Science,
Researcher (permanent position), Group Leaderaffiliated to one of existing research centers in NIMS
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) calls for outstanding researchers to create new research groups in various fields of Materials Science. The successful candidate will receive full suppo...
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2026.03.27
【Special Open Call】G26-02 Leaders Conducting Research in Materials Science,
Researcher (permanent position), Female candidates only, Group Leaderaffiliated to one of existing research centers in NIMS
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) calls for international applications for female researchers (group leaders) to lead research groups in order to promote women’s active partic...
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2026.03.27
【Special Open Call】S26-01 World-Class Leaders for Research in Materials Science,
Fellow or Distinguished Group Leader (permanent researcher position)affiliated to one of the existing research centers in NIMS.
National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) is launching an international open call for outstanding researchers who can drive world-class research in materials science, to further strengthen th...
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2026.02.26
Engineer [A26-02]
Materials Science Specialized LLM & AI Agent Development, Several positions are availableResearch Network and Facility Services Division (RNFS) , Materials Data Platform (MDPF)
We will promote the R&D and implementation of a next-generation AI infrastructure to revolutionize materials development by maximizing the use of NIMS’s vast accumulation of materials scienc...
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2026.02.26
Researcher [A26-01]
Development of LLM-based Autonomous Materials Discovery Methods, Several positions are availableCenter for Basic Research on Materials (CBRM) , Data-driven Materials Research Field
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-ed...
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2026.01.14
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials (RCMB) , Data-driven Polymer Design Group
Research of adhesive materials.
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2025.10.25
NIMS Postdoctral Researcher in Microbial Electrochemical EngineeringResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Electrochemical Nano-Bio Group
Elucidation of bioelectron transfer mechanisms through electrochemical experiments using microorganism
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2025.06.05
ICYS Special Call for Applications from Young Researchers in the U.S. ; ICYS Reseach Fellow (Post-doctoral Research Fellow)International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS)
Pursue independent research based on your original innovative ideas on materials in the best research environment of NIMS.Research Fields: Quantum Ma...
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2025.04.05
Postdoctoral ResearcherResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) , Thermal Energy Materials Group
Development of thermoelectric materials & devices
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2025.03.10
Postdoctoral ResearcherResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) , Thermal Energy Materials Group
Development of thermal conductivity measurements and analysis
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2025.01.15
NIMS Postdoctral ReseacherResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) , Hydrogen Ion Materials Group, Hydrogen Technology Materials Field
The successful candidate will work on the exploration of new electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction reaction or new reaction in organic electrolysis.
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2024.06.22
NIMS Engineer (Fixed Term)Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Mechanobiology Group
Design and synthesis of organic and polymeric compounds. Preparation of their assemblies and analyses on the resultant structures and propertie...