ICYS PI Call for Applications from Young Researchers
The ICYS Principal Investigator (ICYS PI) position at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) is a tenure-track research position designed to foster the independence and long-term career development of outstanding young scientists.
Unlike a postdoctoral fellowship, the ICYS PI position provides a clear career pathway toward permanent research leadership roles such as Team Leader or Group Leader at NIMS. ICYS PIs are expected to establish internationally visible, original research programs and demonstrate the capability to grow into leaders in their fields.
Description of the position
| Work description |
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 shared facilities and dedicated research assistants. You will develop internationally recognized, original research areas across a wide spectrum of materials science—including quantum, battery, magnetic, structural, organic, bio-related, and other advanced materials, as well as data science. |
|---|---|
| Salary and benefits |
|
| Term |
5 years *If the applicant is already in NIMS as a non-permanent researcher (Postdoc), the maximum contract term depends on work experience at NIMS. |
| Possible Starting date |
April 1, 2026 - September 1, 2026. |
| Work place |
National Institute for Materials Science, Sengen-Site/ NamikiｰSite/ Sakura-site (Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan) |
Eligibility
Applicants must fulfill all of the following conditions.
- 1. Pursue research independently based on your own research plan.
- 2. Have a Ph.D. obtained within 10 years or expect to be awarded a Ph.D. by the date of appointment.
* In case it is not possible to submit a certificate of expected Ph.D. by the application deadline, submit a letter signed by the supervisor stating the expected date when the Ph.D. will be awarded.
How to Apply
Send the following documents by email to ICYS Recruitment Desk <icys-recruitnims.go.jp>, with a subject line of [ICYS PI Call for Applications].
Do not use HTML mail.
* You cannot apply for both ICYS PI and ICYS Research Fellow .
* If you are not selected for the ICYS PI position, you may be considered for the ICYS RF position if you wish.
Please download ICYS designated forms (1, 2, and 5) below.
- 1. CV [MS-Word]
- 2. Application form [MS-Word]
- 3. Ph.D. Certificate (If you are expected to obtain a Ph.D., required to submit a certificate of expected Ph.D.)
-
4.
PDF files of three significant publications
*PDFs of significant publications are limited to three(3) accepted.
- 5. List of DOI of journal publications [MS-Excel] (instruction for preparing the List of DOI)
Selection Process
Number of Positions: A few
Selection will begin after the application materials are received at the ICYS office. The selection process consists of an initial screening of documents, followed by an interview for those who have passed the screening. The applicant will be promptly notified of the final result according to the schedule below.
2025-2026
| 1st round | |
|---|---|
| Application period for ICYS Research Fellows | September 1 - October 29, 2025 |
| Notification of Document Screening Results | Late December |
| Interview | Late December– Late January |
| Notification of Final Results | Mid-February |
| Appointment | Earliest start date: April 1, 2026; latest start date: September 1, 2026. |
Inquiry for Recruitment
ICYS Recruitment Desk, National Institute for Materials Science
1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0047 JAPANEmail: icys-recruitnims.go.jp