International studies on agriculture, forestry and fisheries, Fixed-term Researcher in Nurturing Young Researcher Category

JIRCAS has been playing a core role as a center of Japan’s R&D for technological improvement of agriculture, forestry and fisheries in the tropical and sub-tropical regions, and in developing countries since its establishment as the Tropical Agriculture Research Center (TARC) in 1970.
In the 6th Medium to Long-term Plan (FY2026-2032), JIRCAS intensively and effectively carries out R&D to solve global food and environmental problems, as well as strengthen its function as an information center, such as collecting and disseminating information related to its R&D activities. In recent years, the environment surrounding agriculture, forestry and fisheries in developing regions has been changing very rapidly. Therefore, it is necessary to pursue innovations based on flexible and novel ideas, such as food system transformation and cross-disciplinary R&D that do not necessarily fit within conventional frameworks.
In the past, JIRCAS has recruited staff to carry out specific research topics in specific areas. However, in order to encourage researchers with novel ideas, we invite applications in the Nurturing Young Researcher Category (Employment: 5 years, multiple positions) without limiting the field of specialization or research topics of the applicants.
Candidates who wish to apply for this position must submit a proposal on how they can contribute to the vision and research of JIRCAS in order to achieve the goals of the 6th Medium to Long-term Plan (Please visit our website for details on research projects). The proposal should be consistent with the applicant’s academic and research experience. Although the proposal should primarily contribute to the 6th Medium to Long-term Plan (Please visit our website for details on research projects). , we also accept proposals that include innovative R&D and methodologies that go beyond the current goals.

Work content and job description
■ Examples of Research Topics
Specific research topics will be determined based on the applicant's research proposal and expertise in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in tropical, subtropical, and developing regions, in accordance with the mission of JIRCAS.
■ Keywords

• Developing regions, global issues, interdisciplinary research, innovation
• Ability to communicate in English and to collaborate with researchers from diverse cultural backgrounds to advance international collaborative research

Work experience

• Possesses the knowledge and skills required for the position as a research staff member
• Possess international awareness and language proficiency (English) to promote international collaborative research
• Research experience overseas is desirable

Official qualification in specific field, etc.

• Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N2 or higher, or equivalent Japanese language proficiency

Description

• This center promotes gender equality in keeping with the Basic Law for a Gender-Equal Society and encourages applications from female researchers.
• We welcome applications from foreign researchers, provided that they have obtained the necessary residence status to work at this organization in Japan by the date of employment.

Insurance
Employees' Health Insurance :
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mutual Aid Association

Measures for preventing passive smoking at the workplace
Smoking is prohibited on the premises except for designated smoking rooms.

Attached documents
Application Form :
Online Submission
JIRCAS Researcher Entry Sheets

• Please fill out the prescribed form (EXCEL, Application Form Sheet).
• Be sure to include your email address (for administrative communications).
• Submit the Application Form Sheet and Publications Sheet in the same file (file name: Application Number-Applicant's Name-1.xls, e.g., 1-Kokusai Tarou-1.xls) without converting it to PDF.

Selection
1. Document screening: November 2026
2. Interview: January 2027
※Venue: Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (1-1 Oowashi, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture)

Notification of result
All applicants will be notified by email.
Application documents will not be returned regardless of the outcome.