Recruit Information (Researcher and Engineer Positions)

Recruitment Policy for Researchers and Engineers

NIMS is one of Japan’s leading research institutions and has been designated as a Designated National Research and Development Institute, a status reserved for organizations expected to deliver world-class research excellence. NIMS holds a unique global position as Japan’s only national research institute dedicated to materials science and technology.

At NIMS, we believe that people are the foundation for sustaining and advancing research at the global level. Accordingly, we place great importance on recruiting exceptional individuals not only for research positions, which directly drive scientific discovery, but also for engineering positions that provide advanced technical expertise. We actively welcome talented professionals from diverse backgrounds—including universities, research institutes, and private industry both in Japan and abroad—and strive to create an environment where original and pioneering research and technological innovation can thrive.

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 at other institutions. Through tenure-track programs such as the ICYS Fellowship, NIMS provides a clear career pathway from graduate study to independent research positions. After appointment, NIMS offers flexible and individualized support, including startup research funding, full coverage of equipment relocation costs, and support for hiring young researchers, ensuring that new members can begin their work immediately. In addition, NIMS has established joint graduate school programs with seven leading Japanese universities, offering opportunities to collaborate with outstanding graduate students recruited through international open calls.

A defining feature of NIMS is its dual emphasis on mission-oriented research at the organizational level and independent, curiosity-driven research initiated by individual researchers. Research achievements are evaluated through fair and transparent processes, and compensation is determined dynamically based on performance.

Building and maintaining such a research-focused environment requires the contributions of highly skilled engineerswith advanced expertise in analytical science, data science, and information technology.

At NIMS, engineers are provided equal professional status and support as researchers, engaging in technical development and innovation that underpin the institute’s scientific excellence.

Kazuhiro Hono, Ph.D.
President, National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS)

Permanent positions

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.

ICYSRecruit

  • 2025.09.01

    ICYS Fixed Term
    ICYS Principal Investigator (PI)

    International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS)

    As an ICYS Principal Investigator (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 ...

  • 2025.09.01

    ICYS Fixed Term
    ICYS Reseach Fellow

    International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS)

    As an ICYS Research Fellow at NIMS, you will independently plan and conduct research based on your own ideas, making full use of NIMS’s state-of-the-art shared facilities. You are encouraged to ...

  • 2025.06.05

    ICYS Fixed Term Special Call for Applications
    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 Materials Battery Materials Magnetic Materi...