Recruit Information (Researcher and Engineer Positions)

Researchers and graduate students interested in working at NIMS

NIMS has two types of employment: permanent positions, who work until retirement age with no fixed term of employment, and fixed-term positions, who are employed for a fixed period of time. This page provides an overview of the recruitment system for research positions and engineer positions.

Following the national government employees, the retirement age will be raised by one year every two years in stages starting in April 2023, and will be 65 years old after April 2031. (For those born on or after April 2, 1967, the retirement age will be 65.)
The mandatory retirement age for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 is 62.

Recruitment System

Permanent positions

No fixed term of employment. Following the national government employees, the retirement age will be raised by one year every two years in stages starting in April 2023, and will be 65 years old after April 2031. (Retirement age: 62 (as of FY2025~2026). For those born on or after April 2, 1967, the retirement age will be 65.)
Open calls for permanent research positions are twice a year, in March/May and September/October.

Research Positions [Regular Open Call]

We employ talented researchers with extensive knowledge and high research capabilities in materials research field.

Permanent Research Positions

Engineer Positions [Regular Open Call]

We employ people with advanced technical skills in materials analysis and processing, specialist equipment maintenance and materials information design to support our research.

Permanent Engineer Positions

Research positions (equivalent to group leader) [Special Open Call]

NIMS is launching an international open call for outstanding researchers who can drive research in materials science, to further strengthen the research at NIMS as a Specified National Research and Development Agency.
Researchers with strong research accomplishments in all fields in materials science, both basic and applied, are eligible to apply. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a new independent research laboratory as a group leader.

Fixed-term positions

Public recruitment for fixed-term positions, which are categorized as research, engineering, technical support (technical assistance), takes place periodically. The job description varies by position, so please check the individual pages for each position.

Fixed Term Researcher

Fixed Term Engineer

Fixed Term Technical Staff

International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS) [fixed term]

International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS) [fixed term]
Our International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS) takes on young researchers (fixed-term) to independently pursue their own research projects based on original ideas. These ICYS Research Fellows have the opportunity to work in NIMS's excellent research environment. The initial term is three years, with the possibility of annual renewal based on evaluation, up to a maximum of five years. (These terms may vary for those joining from within NIMS, depending on their NIMS employment history.) An annual research budget of 2 million yen is provided, along with mentoring and administrative support that allows for a focus on research. There are also preferential measures when applying for permanent research positions at NIMS at the end of the term, with approximately half of applicants being hired permanently. Open calls for ICYS Research Fellows are twice a year, in August/September and February/March.

Fixed Term ICYS Research Fellow

Working at NIMS

Messages from our staffs

Read the voices of permanent staff working at NIMS

"What attracts you to NIMS?"
The appeal of research at NIMS

NIMS is committed to an ever-better research environment. We put in place systems that enable every researcher to fully reach their potential

Welfare Benefits Information

Check here for information on the welfare benefits we offer

Other support systems

Our aim is to ensure a workplace where everyone feels comfortable

About NIMS

What is NIMS?

An overview of NIMS, along with corporate and organizational information

The unique work environment offered by NIMS

Read more about the unique features and attractions of NIMS as a workplace, the only national research and development institute in Japan specializing in materials science research

Recruitment Information