Associate Professor, Astronomy and/or related fields

Submission Information
Publish Date: 
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Archive Date: 
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
Job Summary
Job Category: 
Faculty Positions (tenure and tenure-track)
Institution Classification/Type: 
Foreign
Institution/Company: 
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Department Name: 
Division of Science
Street Line 1: 
2-21-1, Osawa
City: 
Mitaka
State/Province: 
Tokyo
Zip/Postal: 
181-8588
Country: 
Japan
Announcement
Job Announcement Text: 

National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) invites applications for a few associate professor positions in the division of science.

1. Job Title: Associate Professor, a few positions

2. Division and Location: Division of Science, NAOJ, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-8588, Japan

3. Area of Expertise: Astronomy and/or related fields

4. Job Description:

The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ) has been playing a leading role in the forefront of astronomical research worldwide, as has been demonstrated in the construction and operation of large-scale astronomical facilities such as Subaru telescope, ALMA, and ATERUI II (supercomputer for astrophysical simulations). As of April 2019, NAOJ will establish a new division called “Division of Science” aiming to develop new fields of growth in natural sciences for further advancement of astronomy by leveraging strategies such as: 1) strengthening synergies between theory and observations; 2) pushing forward with multi-wavelength astronomy; and 3) bringing new ideas and key innovation to our astronomy and exploring new frontier e.g. multi-messenger astronomy).

As one of the senior scientists at the Division of Science, the successful candidate is expected to explore the new possibilities in astronomy and to take the initiative in promoting scientific activities that make impact on relevant research fields as well. The responsibilities of this position require continuously demonstrating leadership and outstanding performance in research activities, and also fostering collaborations among NAOJ scientists to stimulate productivity of science by making the best use of NAOJ’s strengths.

5. Terms of Appointment:

The candidate should be able to start as soon as reasonably possible after the job offer has been accepted. The term of the contract will continue up to the end of the Japanese academic year in which the professor reaches NAOJ's mandatory retirement age of 65.

6. Minimum Educational Requirement: Ph.D. or equivalent

7. Required Application Materials: (*To be prepared in English. Any other language will not be accepted)

(1) A cover letter,

(2) A curriculum vitae,

(3) Publications list (Separate refereed and non-refereed papers with number of citations by ADS),

(4) A summary of your past research activities including international collaborations,

(5) Your commitment and plan to fulfill the duties (including your research plan as needed)

(6)Your address (e-mail and phone) for prompt contact and the email address of your current supervisor or line manager.

(7) Five or more reference letters. Note that your current supervisor or line manager cannot be your reference.

Please ask the individuals to send the letter as an e-mail attachment to the submission address shown in 9.(1). Applicants are responsible for ensuring that the letters arrive before the application deadline. (all reference letters should be written by faculty/staff with tenured positions, and the maximum number of reference letters from one country should be two)

8. Application Deadline: 2019-6-28, 17:00 (Japan Standard Time)

9. Submission:

(1) Send your application documents by e-mail to;

E-mail: apply-assocprof20190628_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)

Subject of e-mail: “Application for Associate Professor of NAOJ Division of Science”.

10. Notes for application:

• Convert each application documents (from 7.(1) through 7.(6) above) to separate PDF files and attach them to your e-mail for application.

• Make PDF files with appropriate resolution so that they won’t be too large (file size: up to 10 MB)

• Upon receipt of your application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail. If you do not receive any response from NAOJ within 3 working days, please contact;

E-mail: apply-assocprof20190628_AT_nao.ac.jp (replace _AT_ with @)

• Candidates selected in the final short list may be interviewed by the selection committee either via internet or face-to-face. The expense for the interview will not be covered by NAOJ.

11. Remarks:

• The NAOJ Advisory Committee for Research and Management will make the final decision for the appointment.

• Policy for Equal Employment Opportunity: Abiding by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act for Men and Women, NAOJ is committed to the realization of a society with gender equality. If two candidates are deemed equal in their performance evaluation, NAOJ will take positive action to employ women. For details, see http://open-info.nao.ac.jp/danjokyodo/

Application Deadline: 
Friday, June 28, 2019
Selection Deadline: 
Friday, November 15, 2019
Current Status of Position: 
Accepting Applicants
Apply to Job
Attention To: 
Masao Saito
Title: 
Director of Research coordination
Country: 
Japan
Inquiries About Job
Attention To: 
Masao Saito
Subject: 
Question on Associate Professor of NAOJ Division of Science