Job Announcement for a Professor Position (Department of Space Flight Systems) at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Academic research on space flight systems including space transportation system
ISAS/JAXA is actively promoting research on space transportation systems aiming to secure more flexible access to space as part of advanced space science research. To build a reusable system that can efficiently and frequently make repeated transportation between the earth and space, it is necessary not only to improve operational efficiency but also to drastically enhance the system's flight performance. It is recognized that achieving these objectives requires an innovative space transportation system that is clearly differentiated from existing reusable systems. For example, an air-beathing engine whose propulsion performance is significantly higher than that of rocket engines, and space transportation using an air-breather which combines improved flight performance achieved by lifting-body flight with improved operability through compact vehicle design, are expected. The realization of a such space transportation system that “takes advantage of the atmosphere” requires not only the acquisition of new engine technologies, but also systems design technology that integrates various perspectives, such as aerodynamic design, structural design and flight trajectory design, so that the engine’s performance can be maximized. Similarly, in transportation systems that include landing on and ascent from celestial bodies, the acquisition of innovative propulsion system technologies, or a dramatic improvement in the performance of existing technologies, is a key factor, while systems design that incorporates these technologies into the overall system is likewise indispensable.
For details, please refer to the application guidelines posted on the JAXA Employment Opportunities website.

Work content and job description

The duties and responsibilities of the Professor position in this recruitment are as follows:
•Promotion of research and development of space transportation systems, considering the characteristics of new propulsion systems, by approaching the effort from both propulsion engineering and systems engineering perspectives.
•To strongly lead a broad range of research fields concerning space transportation systems that connect the ground to deep space.
•Contribution to the education of graduate students.
In view of these duties, the Professor to be recruited in this recruitment must meet at least the following requirements.
•Have research or practical experience, such as flight experiment, in the field of space transportation systems or propulsion systems, and have achievements that are highly evaluated both in Japan and worldwide.
•Have the ability and willingness to promote research and to provide leadership on space transportation systems applicable to future space science projects.
•Have the ability and willingness to actively engage in the activities required for space science project execution, not limited to his/her specialized field.
•Demonstrated ability to educate and supervise graduate students.
Scope of job defined by the agency.

Supplementary explanation of compensation
・Leave
Paid annual leave; special leave (including maternity, bereavement, marriage, and work-life balance-related leave); child nursing leave; family care leave; parental leave; and other leave as provided under the Agency’s regulations.
・Housing
Depending on operational needs, individual circumstances, and availability, organization-provided housing (single or family) may be offered. Alternatively, a housing allowance may be provided in accordance with the Agency’s regulations. Continuous occupancy of the same housing is limited to a maximum of seven years.
・ Social insurance
Enrollment in social insurance programs, including health insurance and pension insurance, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Attached documents

Other online application forms
(1) Curriculum vitae
(2)Research history and summary
(3)List of published papers with DOIs
(4)List of awarded research funds through competition. Specify the type of funding, amount, and a role (e.g., principal investigator/co-investigator).
(5)Future research plan, including contributions to JAXA projects and commitment to educational activities
(6)Declaration of past criminal convictions, administrative penalties, disciplinary measures, and other relevant actions, including sexual harassment, assault and violence: No specific format is required. This information may also be included in section (1) CV. Indicate whether applicable; if so, provide details.
(7)Names, affiliations and contact details (phone numbers and email addresses) of two individuals who can provide references for the applicant.
(8)Copies of major research papers (up to 5) published in peer-reviewed or refereed academic journals

Selection

Screening will be conducted by the Advisory Council for Research and Management of ISAS, JAXA. The council will conduct a document screening, and interview those who have passed the document screening. This process is subject to change.