Application Information for Research Opportunities at ICYS
ICYS (International Center for Young Scientists) offers a development program that provides an ideal, internationally diverse environment and comprehensive support, enabling young researchers to pursue independent research based on their own ideas.
Application Types & Application Periods
| ICYS Principal Investigator (ICYS PI) | Twice a year (around Aug–Sep, Feb–Mar) |
| ICYS Research Fellow (ICYS RF) | |
| Open Recruitment | Twice a year (around Aug–Sep, Feb–Mar) |
| Special Recruitment for Young Researchers Residing in the USA | Applications accepted at any time |
For details on dates and application guidelines, please refer to each program’s dedicated application information page.
Application Information
■ ICYS PI
The ICYS PI position is intended for early-career research leaders who will independently lead their own research unit and pioneer an original, internationally recognized research field in materials science.
ICYS PIs enjoy full access to state-of-the-art research facilities at NIMS. For this position, originality, strong leadership, and the ability to share research achievements globally are essential.
Potential career paths after serving as an ICYS PI include leadership positions within NIMS, as well as opportunities at universities, research institutes, or companies in Japan and abroad.
Please note that career paths cannot be guaranteed.
Important notes for applicants:
- You cannot apply for both the ICYS PI and ICYS Research Fellow positions at the same time.
- If you are not selected for ICYS PI, you may request to have your application considered for ICYS RF.
■ ICYS Research Fellow
▷ Open Recruitment
The ICYS RF position is intended for young researchers who will conduct independent and self-directed research in diverse areas of materials science, with full access to NIMS’s cutting-edge research facilities and the international research environment at ICYS.
For this position, strong research capabilities, initiative, and the ability to communicate research achievements globally are essential.
Potential career paths after serving as an ICYS RF include tenured research positions at NIMS, as well as opportunities at universities and research institutes in Japan and abroad.
* Please note that future career paths are not guaranteed.
Important notes for applicants:
- You cannot apply for both the ICYS PI and ICYS Research Fellow positions at the same time.
- For eligibility requirements and employment conditions, please refer to the Application Guidelines.
▷ Special Recruitment for Young Researchers Residing in the USA
This program offers opportunities for young researchers who are currently engaged in, or were planning to engage in, materials research at a university or research institute in the United States but are unable to continue or start their research there.
Selected applicants can independently and proactively conduct research as an ICYS RF at NIMS.
Important notes for applicants:
- The eligibility requirements are the same as those for the Open Recruitment (ICYS Research Fellow).
- You cannot apply for ICYS PI and this program at the same time.
- You may apply for this program in addition to the Open Recruitment and JSPS Recruitment.
- Applications are accepted throughout the year. Please check the application information page for details.
■ Others
For information about each NIMS research center, please refer to the NIMS Research Centers Introduction page.
Now Accepting Applications
Inquiry for Recruitment
ICYS Recruitment Desk, National Institute for Materials Science
1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0047 JAPANEmail: icys-recruitnims.go.jp