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
Administrative Positions
Recruit information for permanent and fixed-term administrative positions.
Employment types
NIMS employs permanent staff with no fixed term of employment (up to retirement age), and fixed-term staff who are employed for a certain fixed period.
Permanent positions
No fixed term of employment (up to retirement age)
Public recruitment for permanent research and engineering positions typically occurs twice a year, from March to May and from September to October*. For administrative positions, recruitment is from March to June. Details vary by type of position, so please check the individual pages for each position. * Please also see the Special Public Recruitment (for permanent research positions equivalent to group leaders) which is open throughout the year.
Fixed-term positions
Employment for a fixed term
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.
Search Filter
Type
Job Type
Affiliation
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2026.05.23
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in MacromoleculesResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Data-driven polymer Design Group
Data-driven research and development of polymer and functional materials
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2026.05.18
Postdoctoral Researcher position availableResearch Center for Structural Materials , Mechanical Properties Group
Micro-/nano-mechanical characterisation of metallic and ceramic materials. The successful candidate will study fundamental deformation processes at the extreme conditions (e.g. cryogenic or hot) of ap...
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2026.05.13
Postdoctoral Researcher (Organic chemistry, Electrochemistry)Research Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) , Frontier Battery Materials Group
We are aiming at developing functional materials applicable to rechargeable batteries with multivalent metal negative electrodes.
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2026.05.11
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Solid-State Battery FieldResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) , Solid State Battery Ionics Group, Solid-State Battery Group
We conduct research on solid-state batteries utilizing oxide-based solid electrolytes. Focusing on lithium and sodium-based solid-state batteries, we aim to realize oxide-based solid-state batteries t...
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2026.05.11
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Structural Materials (RCSM) , Mechanical Properties Group
Atomistic simulation analyses on the structure and mechanical properti...
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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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2026.05.07
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Computational Materials ScienceResearch Center for Structural Materials , Computational Structural Materials Group
Theoretical analysis and design of structural materials and functional materials based on first-principles calculation and first-principle-based model calculation without empirical parameter, and comb...
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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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2026.04.25
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Magnetic RecordingResearch Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials (CMSM) , Magnetic Recording Materials Group
This project aims to demonstrate new recording principles using ferroelectric and multiferroic materials. Thin films will be fabricated by sputtering, and their magnetic and electrical properties will...
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2026.04.24
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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2026.04.24
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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2026.04.22
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Heat-Resistant AlloysResearch Center for Structural Materials (RCSM) , High-Reliability Heat-Resistant Materials Group
"Elucidation and Modeling of Damage Mechanisms in Ni-base Superalloys for Aero-engines"Fundamental research on high-temperature mechanical properties, environmental resistance, a...
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2026.04.17
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Magnetic RecordingResearch Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials (CMSM) , Magnetic Recording Materials Group
A postdoctoral position focused on thin film fabrication for three-dimensional magnetic recording media and/or permanent magnets with reduced rare-earth elements, combined with magnetic and microstruc...
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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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2026.04.06
Postdoctoral Researcher 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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2026.03.30
ResearcherResearch Center for Structural Materials , Additive Manufacturing Group
Research of surface treatment for carbon fiber reinforced plastics
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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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2026.03.12
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ultrafast MagnetismResearch Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials (CMSM) , Magnetic Recording Materials Group
A post doc position on the investigation of the physical mechanisms behind ultrafast magnetization dynamics in functional magnetic multilayers, such as those used in magnetic storage. Specifically, we...
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2026.02.27
Postdoctoral Research FellowAutomated Electrochemical Experiments Team, Battery and Cell Materials Field, Research Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) , Automated Electrochemical Experiments Team
Research on material development and performance evaluation for electrochemical energy conversion. In particular, engaged in R&D targeting lithium metal batteries, sodium-ion batteries, and ...
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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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2026.02.25
NIMS Postdoctoral ResearcherCenter for Basic Research on Materials (CBRM) , Materials Modeling Group(Group Leader:Masahiko Demura)
The successful candidate will engage in the development of hydrogen visualization techniques using conductive polymers, as well as simulation technologies for hydrogen diffusion in metals utilizing ma...
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2026.02.16
Postdoctoral ResearcherResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) , Photovoltaic Materials Group
We conduct research for wide band gap metal halide perovskite solar cells for highly efficient and highly durable tandem or multijunction solar cells.
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2026.02.03
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Spintronics Devices and MaterialsResearch Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials , Magnetic Functional Device Group
The research aims to develop next-generation magnetic recording technologies that achieve ultra-low power consumption and ultra-high recording density. Specifically, we focus on magnetic thin-film dev...
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2026.01.29
Postdoctoral Researcher in MacromoleculesResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Data-driven polymer Design Group
Research on fabrication and application of porous polymer materials
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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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2025.12.25
Postdoctoral Research FellowResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitechtonics (MANA) , Frontier Superconducting Materials Group
Research on the Synthesis, Analysis, and Characterization of Superconducting Materials
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2025.12.22
Research Assistant (Fixed Term)
Research Center for Energy and Environmental Materials , Automated Electrochemical Experiments Team
Synthesis and analysis of battery mateerials. Fabricacion of battery cells and evaluation of battery performance. Compilation of ex...
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2025.12.16
Postdoctoral ResearcherResearch Center for Energy and Environment Materials (GREEN) , Rechargeable Battery Materials Group
We will conduct research and development into advanced lithium batteries that use lithium metal as the anode. In particular, we will focus on the following points:...
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2025.11.21
NIMS Postdoctoral ResearcherResearch 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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2025.11.21
Postdoctoral Researcher in macromoleculesmaterialsResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Molecular Mechatronics Group
We aim to develop organic and polymeric materials that exhibit efficient ion and electronic charge-transporting capabilities.
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2025.11.06
NIMS Postdoctoral ResearcherCenter 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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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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2025.10.03
NIMS Postdoctoral Researcher in Electrochemistry / Materials ChemistryResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials , Electrochemical Energy Conversion Team
Unconventional electrocatalysts discovery via data-driven approaches and Data-driven characterization of electrocatalysts by using cutting-edge in-situ spe...
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2025.08.20
NIMS Postdoctoral Researcher in ElectrochemistryResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials , Automated Electrochemical Experiments Team
Engaged in research on analyzing degradation behavior inside lithium-ion and next-generation batteries, as well as developing technologies for battery performance prediction. In particular, applies ph...
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2025.07.29
NIMS Postdoctoral Researcher in Data-Driven ScienceCenter for Basic Research on Materials , Data-driven Materials Research Field, Data-driven Materials Design Group
Conduct research and development on materials informatics (MI) methods utilizing data science (AI and machine learning).
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2025.07.08
NIMS Postdoctoral Researcher in ElectrochemistryResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials , Automated Electrochemical Experiments Team
Conducts research on material development and performance evaluation of next-generation storage battery materials and electrocatalyst materials. In particular, he/she is to be engaged in data-driven m...
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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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2025.05.08
NIMS Postdoctoral ResearcherResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials , Electrochemical Energy Conversion Team
Unconventional electrocatalysts discovery via data-driven approaches.or Data-driven characterization ...
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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) , Thin Film Electronics Group
The postdoctoral researcher is expected to mainly contribute to design and development of functional oxide thin film transistor. The vacuum film fabrication and characterizations, as well as transisto...
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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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2024.12.25
Postdoctoral Researcher (Fixed Term)Research Center for Energy and Environmental Materials , Rechargeable Battery Materials Group
Fabricate full cells for lithium-ion or other battery systems Develop technologies to improve performance and stability of full batteries
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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...
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2024.06.04
Technical staffResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Smart Polymers Group
Polymer synthesis, cell experiments, some animals experiemnts. Analysis of experimental data. Other necessary research-related work.Duties are subject to change within the scope of the Em...
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2024.04.08
Postdoctral ResearcherResearch Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials , Electrochemical Nano-Bio Group
Elucidation of bioelectron transfer mechanisms through electrochemical experiments using microorganismsDuties are subject to change within the scope of the Employee’s position.
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2023.05.17
NIMS Postdoctoral ResearcherCenter for Basic Research on Materials , Nanoprobe Group
The successful candidate will work on on-surface chemistry with high-resolution atomic force microscope/scanning tunneling microscope system, operating in ultra-high vacuum at low temperature.
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2023.04.07
Postdoctoral ResearcherCenter for Basic Research on Materials, Advanced Materials Characterization Field , Quantum Beam Diffraction Group
Materials informatics for fuel cell catalysts and/or Surface measurements under vac & spectroscopy for electrocatalysts ...
Mid-career recruitment ratio presented according to the Comprehensive Promotion of Labor Policies Act
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-career recruitment ratio of regular employees | 95% | 89% | 81% |