Junko Hosoya

Q1.What is your role?

I work as an IT infrastructure engineer for DICE, a materials data platform to promote data-driven research* in the materials field. I am responsible for the design, construction, operation and maintenance management of the IT infrastructure. Until now, we have been running the system in an on-premise environment, but from now on we will be moving much of it to a cloud environment, so we will be using a combination of on-premise and cloud computing. I am in charge of maintaining the proper functioning of the IT infrastructure, whether on-premise or cloud, and can be called the "behind-the-scenes" person.
*Data-driven research: using vast amounts of (materials) data to advance research.

Q2.When are the moments that you feel your work is rewarding, and what do you find appealing about working at NIMS?

What attracts me to NIMS is that I can experience in all phases of "design," "construction," and "operation." I gained valuable experience in a project to migrate an on-premise system to a cloud environment. If I raise my hand, I am allowed to take on challenges, which is one of the attractive points of NIMS. There is an organizational culture that accepts new challenges.

Q3.Could you tell us about your career aspirations?

I hope to continue to steadily build up my track record as an infrastructure engineer while acquiring knowledge and skills one by one that I still lack, such as the elimination of operational dependence on individuals and team management skills. Furthermore, in the future I would like to expand my activities as a security engineer by utilizing my certification as a Registered Information Security Specialist. Cyber-attacks are increasing and becoming more sophisticated every year, and the social threats posed by cyber attacks are growing. This is because cyber security measures are a very important issue for fulfilling our social responsibility.

Q4.Do you have a message for students aspiring to work in a technical field?

When I was a student, I specialized in the field of biology, so I did not consider the IT industry at all when I graduated. However, I started working in the IT industry by chance, and here I am today. I hope that you will look into various industries to find your aptitude and what you want to do. NIMS has an environment where you can be entrusted with many tasks depending on your motivation and way of thinking.