Call for Researchers: Regional Environmental Co-Creation Unit

The Regional Environmental Co-Creation Unit of the Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation (F-REI) is seeking fixed-term researchers to engage in the development and advancement of high-precision environmental dynamics and predictive models for radioactive substances across integrated forest, river, and lake systems, as well as research on the transfer characteristics of radioactive cesium to forest resources and the development of methods for their safe and effective utilization.
The successful candidates will be expected to actively promote collaborative research and academic exchange with research institutions in Japan and abroad, and to enthusiastically participate in international collaborative research projects, including those with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).

Work content and job description
The successful candidate will engage in one of the following research and development activities:
(1) Research on the development and advancement of high-precision environmental dynamics and future prediction models of radionuclides integrating forests, rivers, and lakes for , with the aim of supporting environmental recovery in areas affected by nuclear disasters and enhancing preparedness for future emergencies. The research will also include accelerating model computation using AI, machine learning, and related approaches, as well as data assimilation, uncertainty assessment, and visualization of research findings.
(2) Research contributing to the restoration of forest environments in the mountainous and hilly areas of the Abukuma Highlands, including elucidation of the transfer characteristics of radiocesium to trees and forest resources, advancement of methods for concentration prediction and zoning, and development of approaches for the safe utilization of forest resources and forest management based on these findings.
For either of the above research areas, applicants should be highly motivated to engage actively in collaborative research and research exchanges with research institutions in Japan and abroad. After appointment, successful candidates may have opportunities to participate in international collaborative research and research exchanges with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in the United States and other institutions.

Work experience
(1) A master’s degree or higher.
(2) Research experience in one or more of the fields of expertise listed above is desirable.
(3) Proficiency in either Japanese or English sufficient to perform the assigned duties.

Selection
Candidates who pass the document screening will be invited for an interview.

• Document screening: Conducted on a rolling basis from mid-November 2026
• Interviews: Conducted on a rolling basis from late November 2026
• Only applicants selected for an interview will be notified of the results of the document screening.
• Applicants may be asked to give a presentation during the interview process.
• Multiple interviews may be conducted.
• Interviews may be conducted online; however, the final interview will be conducted in person.
• Applicants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses associated with interviews. However, travel and accommodation expenses for the final interview will be covered by F-REI.

Notification of result
Applicants will be notified of the selection results by email.