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
Applications are being accepted now!
For details, please see the “Positions Currently Available” at the bottom of this page.
Deadline for applications: May 14, 2025
The file below allows applicants to check the number of letters of recommendation received by the NIMS Secretariat.
Research field and position
Researcher [Fields not particularly specified]: several positions available
In particular, research on (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 will be given priority.
- R25-01 Materials Science
- R25-02 Materials Science (for women)
Researcher [Field specified]: one position for each field (*except for R25-03)
- R25-03 Battery Materials and Characterization (*several positions available)
- R25-04 Magnetic refrigeration system
- R25-05 Designing and exploration of electronic materials
- R25-06 Electrochemical Analysis of Hydrogen Embrittlement Behavior
- R25-07 Advanced High-Pressure Synthesis
- R25-08 Optical nanostructure
- R25-09 Development of advanced computational materials science methods and their application to next-generation devices and advanced materials
- R25-10 Development of Advanced Electron Microscopy with Informatics and Their Application to Materials
- R25-11 Self-driving laboratory for materials science
Application documents (for reference only)
The following files are for reference only. When the application period begins, please download the application documents for each field from the relevant page.
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
- Regular Recruitment Schedule
March (September) - Recruitment begins
May (October) - Recruitment deadline
June (November) - Application screening
July (December) - First-round interview / Final interview
August (January) - Employment offer
* Please check the application guidelines for details, as the schedule may change depending on the year.
Recruitment Data
Please refer to the file below for information on salaries, hiring achievements, and the number of applicants by field.
Positions Currently Available
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2025.04.22
【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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2025.04.22
【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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2025.04.22
【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...
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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-01]
Materials Science, Several positions are 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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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-02]
Materials Science (for women), A few positions are 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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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-03]
Battery Materials and Characterization, A few positions are availableResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) ,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, designing functio...
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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-04]
Magnetic refrigeration system, 1 position is availableResearch Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) ,Magnetic Refrigeration System Group
Conducting research from the fundamental study of magnetic refrigeration systems to the development of devices aimed at social implementation. Developing liquefiers and refrigerators using magnetic re...
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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-05]
Designing and exploration of electronic materials, 1 position is availableResearch Center for Electronic and Optical Materials ,Electro-ceramics Group
Promoting the exploration of electronic materials with high functionality, such as optoelectronics, piezoelectricity and high dielectric properties, to further advance energy conservation and the effe...
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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-06]
Electrochemical Analysis of Hydrogen Embrittlement Behavior, 1 position is availableResearch Center for Structural Materials ,Corrosion and Protection Group
The qualified candidate will conduct multifaceted evaluation and analysis of the corrosion properties and hydrogen embrittlement of structural materials in environments, such as hydrogen production an...
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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-07]
Advanced High-Pressure Synthesis, 1 position is availableResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics ,High-Pressure Structural Controls Group
We are looking for researchers who can promote materials science research based on ultra-high pressure synthesis technology. We welcome researchers who can lead the development of ultra-high pressure ...
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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-08]
Optical nanostructure, 1 position is availableResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics ,Optical Nanostructure Team
We create novel optical properties by fabricating nano- or micro-structures smaller than the wavelength and conduct basic and applied research on, not limited to, radiative heat transfer and radiation...
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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-09]
Development of advanced computational materials science methods and their application to next-generation devices and advanced materials, 1 position is availableResearch Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics ,Quantum Materials Simulation Group
The applicant will engage in theoretical research based on quantum mechanical, predictive methods which will contribute to the development of advanced materials or next generation semiconductor device...
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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-10]
Development of Advanced Electron Microscopy with Informatics and Their Application to Materials, 1 position is availableCenter for Basic Research on Materials ,In-situ Electron Microscopy Technique Group
We are seeking individuals to drive the development of advanced electron microscopy techniques and their integration with data science, aiming for applications in materials science. In response to the...
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2025.03.01
Researcher [R25-11]
Self-driving laboratory for materials science, 1 position is availableCenter for Basic Research on Materials ,Data-driven Algorithm Team
We will conduct fundamental research and development on self-driving laboratories to enhance materials innovation. Leveraging expertise in materials science, we will design novel automated experimenta...
