Project Research Fellow (General)

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has fellowship programs for young researchers for early career who contribute to project research or job as well as conduct their own research independently. The applicant selects a host researcher with a project research/job theme of the projects, centers or division of science except for Subaru, ALMA (including NAOJ Chile), and TMT funded by Frontier budget.

The successful candidates are

• expected to gain expertise in a project, center, or division of science for future career and more than 50% of their time to spend for their own research,
• given annual research funds of 500 kJPY, and
• qualified to apply for Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research.

NAOJ welcome young researchers with motivation to gain project expertise and to conduct their own research for the future academic career.

Job Announcement

Number of positions

3 positions per year

Research Area

Theoretical/observational astronomy, development astronomical instrument or related field.

Job Description

• The research fellows are expected to spend up to 50 % of their time to conduct jobs/researches requested by the project one belongs to.
• The research fellows are expected to spend the rest for their own research.
• An annual performance review will be conducted to see if the candidate performs well for both project job/research and own research.

Research List

Requirements

The applicant must have a PhD degree on astronomy or related fields.
The applicant is evaluated for a plan to match with the project job/research with competences to carry out the plan as well as scientific achievement in the selection process.

Location

NAOJ Campus dependent on host researcher. Mitaka in Tokyo, Mizusawa in Iwate, Nobeyama in Nagano, Okayama in Okayama, Kamioka in Gifu, and Santiago in Chile.

Duration

The term is for three years with no extension, including the probation period of six months. If the successful candidate had been a project research fellow at NAOJ or a Researcher (Part-time Contract Employee) before, the term may be adjusted so that the total length of employment does not exceed five years.

Selection Process

Application：Late August to Late September
Screening for short list：October
Interviews：Early November
Offer：End of November

Working Conditions

Positions

Employee on Annual Salary System

Title

Project Researcher

Host Project

The applicant chooses a project, center, or division of science except for Subaru, ALMA (including NAOJ Chile), and TMT

Benefit

• Annual salary of 4,200 kJPY、compensation for commuting expenses (up to 55 kJPY per month). No bonus or pension money is given.
• Annual research funds of 500 kJPY.
• The qualification to apply for Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research is given.

Work Form

The discretionary labor system for professional work (basically 8:30-17:15)

Holidays and Vacations

Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays, New Year Holidays (Dec 29 – Jan 3), Paid Days Off (annual leaves of 20 days, refreshment leave, leaves for funeral service, etc.)

Insurance

MEXT Mutual Aid Association (Health Insurance), Employees' Pension Insurance, Employment Insurance, Workers' Compensation Insurance.

Travel and relocation cost

The travel and relocation costs to NAOJ will be covered, subject to the travel regulations of NINS (details must be arranged with the administration office).

Relocation in foreign countries

If you would like to have a host researcher in Chile, Working Allowance of the Employee Remuneration Rules is provided.