Permanent Research Positions
This page provides recruitment information for NIMS permanent research positions. NIMS is the only research institute in Japan specializing in research into materials science, and we have a research environment that allows you to concentrate on your research through our well-equipped, state-of-the-art facilities and various support systems.
Regular Recruitment
March FY2026 Recruitment Research field and position
Researcher [Fields not particularly specified]: several positions available
For reference, the research areas that NIMS would like to strengthen in the future are as follows:
(1) hydrogen-related materials, (2) battery materials, (3) quantum materials, (4) semiconducting materials, (5) artificial intelligence materials, (6) metal and inorganic materials, (7) organic materials, (8) biomaterials, (9) data-driven materials development, and (10) advanced materials analysis technology
- R26-01 Materials Science
- R26-02 Materials Science (for women)
Researcher [Field specified]: one position for each field (*except for R26-03)
- R26-03 Battery Materials and Characterization (*several positions available)
- R26-04 Advanced Superconducting Wire
- R26-05 Designing and Exploration of Electro-ceramics Materials
- R26-06 Development of Advanced Ceramics and Composites
- R26-07 Development of Magnetic Materials with high functionality by Data-Driven method
- R26-08 Welding and Joining
- R26-09 Microstructure Analysis of Metallic Alloys
- R26-10 Functional Inorganic Nanomaterials
- R26-11 Optical Nanomaterials
- R26-12 Measurement Informatics on Synchrotron
The following files are for reference only. When the application period begins, please download the application documents for each field from the relevant page.
Special Open Call
Research positions [Special Open Call]
We are recruiting outstanding researchers with internationally recognized research achievements as group leaders. The successful candidate will receive preferential treatment to support the launch of their research, including generous start-up funding, group member assignment, research space allocation. We expect them to lead NIMS research at the world's top level.
Targeted Recruitment
"AI for Materials" Recruiting Researchers and Engineers
We are seeking researchers and engineers to develop unique AI-driven methodologies for materials research by integrating NIMS's extensive materials science data with state-of-the-art AI technology. Our goal is to create innovative materials using the AI approaches.
For more information, visit the job posting page via the link below.
Applicants may choose to apply for either the "Researcher" or "Engineer" position.
Hiring of Permanent Research Staff
Hiring Method
- We hire talented individuals with extensive knowledge and high research capability in materials science.
- We welcome female researchers, foreign researchers, and researchers with experience in private companies.
- You must have a Ph.D. degree (or be expected to obtain a Ph.D. by the start date of employment) and be able to communicate about your research in English.
Employment Conditions and Compensation
- Generally, there is no fixed term (retirement age as of FY2025-2026: 62 years*).
* 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.) - Annual salary system (basic salary + performance salary) determined according to performance and experience. Annual income varies according to the evaluation.
- The discretionary labor system for professional work will be applied. It is deemed appropriate for candidates to work 8 hours and 15 minutes per day. Teleworking program available.
- Medical benefits and pension plans are provided if the candidate joins the National Public Service Personnel Mutual Aid Association. Workers' accident compensation and unemployment insurance schemes are also available.
* Exemption from repayment of Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) Scholarships: For details, please see the JASSO website.
Recruitment and Selection Policy
- Recruitment is primarily public. We publish vacancies not only on our website but also in various academic journals worldwide, seeking talent globally.
- The selection process involves a comprehensive and fair evaluation through document review and interviews.
- If, as a result of the selection process, it is deemed necessary to make a decision based on further achievements, the candidate will be employed for a term of up to five years, and after a certain period of time, they will be eligible to undergo a review for transition to a permanent employment system.
Recruitment Schedule
- First round recruitment
March to May: Application period, June: Application screening, July: First-round/Final interview, August: Employment offer - Second round recruitment
September to October: Application period, November: Application screening, December: First-round/ Final interview, January: Employment offer - Special Open Call
Applications accepted year-round, reviewed as they are received.
* The schedule is approximate.
Recruitment Data
Please refer to the webpage below for information on salaries, hiring achievements, and the number of applicants by field. (in Japanese)
Positions Currently Available
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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-12]
Measurement Informatics on Synchrotron, 1 position availableCenter for Basic Research on Materials, Synchrotron Radiation Imaging Group
We develop research and measurement/analysis platforms to accelerate materials science by integrating physics-based simulations with data-driven analysis of cutting-edge synchrotron radiation facility...
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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-11]
Optical Nanomaterials, 1 position availableResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, 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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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-10]
Functional Inorganic Nanomaterials, 1 position availableResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA), Layered Nanochemistry Group
Developing novel functionalities in inorganic nanomaterials and exploring their practical applications.* Research Environment Support up to 10 million yen depending on the research plan at the time of...
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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-09]
Microstructure Analysis of Metallic Alloys, 1 position availableResearch Center for Structural Materials, Microstructure Analysis Group
The research will primarily focus on advanced microstructural characterization of metallic materials, using state-of-the-art analytical instruments such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and 3...
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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-08]
Welding and Joining, 1 position availableResearch Center for Structural Materials, Welding and Joining Technology Group
Research on establishment of the fundamental theories regarding welding and joining mechanism from the aspect of metallography for fusion welding (arc and laser welding) and solid-state welding (frict...
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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-07]
Development of Magnetic Materials with high functionality by Data-Driven method, 1 position availableResearch Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials, Magnetic Recording Materials Group
The successful candidate will engage in research on materials development and novel magnetic recording principles for next-generation magnetic storage.Building on conventional materials research metho...
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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-06]
Development of Advanced Ceramics and Composites, 1 position availableResearch Center for Electronic and Optical Materials, Polycrystalline Optical Material Group
This project aims to develop ceramic technologies that contribute to energy and resource conservation. By integrating multiple research fields, the project seeks to create innovative ceramics technolo...
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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-05]
Designing and Exploration of Electro-ceramics Materials, 1 position availableResearch Center for Electronic and Optical Materials, Electro-ceramics Group
Promoting the exploration of highly functional electronic inorganic materials, such as those with charge transport, optoelectronic, piezoelectric and dielectric properties, to further advance energy c...
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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-04]
Advanced Superconducting Wire, 1 position availableResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN), Advanced Superconducting Wire Group
Promoting the research and development of both high-temperature (HTS) and low-temperature (LTS) superconducting wires aimed at social implementation. Particularly, in order to achieve practical use o...
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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-03]
Battery Materials and Characterization, Several positions availableResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials, Battery and Cell Materials Field
The qualified candidate will conduct research on the development of materials or characterization techniques for rechargeable batteries. The research centers on the following themes, constructing AI-g...
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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-02]
Materials Science (for women), Several positions availableNIMS determines affiliation based on each individual’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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2026.03.06
Researcher [R26-01]
Materials Science, Several positions availableNIMS determines affiliation based on each individual’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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2026.02.26
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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2025.05.30
【Special Open Call】G25-01 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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2025.05.30
【Special Open Call】G25-02 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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2025.05.30
【Special Open Call】S25-01 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 the r...
