Junior Researcher (Postdoctoral Researcher) — Development Economics, Environmental Economics, Data Science, and Related Fields

This position is part of the Takahashi Sustainable Society Design Project, selected for support under Waseda University’s Next-Generation Core Researcher Development Program.
The project promotes empirical research toward sustainable economic and social development, with a focus on development economics and environmental economics. Our research primarily examines developing countries and addresses topics such as economic development, firm and market behavior, social networks, and environmental and natural resource management. We also pursue interdisciplinary research combining field experiments and analysis of large-scale microdata with satellite imagery, geospatial information, and digital technologies.
To expand this research agenda, we seek researchers with knowledge and analytical skills in economics, computer and information science, geographic information science, and related fields.

Work content and job description
The successful candidate will collaborate with the principal investigator, Ryo Takahashi, on projects in development economics, environmental economics, and related areas. Depending on the candidate’s expertise, research experience, and project progress, primary responsibilities are expected to include:
1. Collecting, preparing, and analyzing microdata, geospatial data, satellite imagery, text data, and related datasets.
2. Conducting research using GIS and remote sensing, spatial analysis, network analysis, machine learning, and AI.
3. Supporting the design and implementation of field surveys and field experiments, including data analysis.
4. Synthesizing research findings, writing academic papers, and presenting research results.
5. Participating in other related projects led by the principal investigator.
Applicants are not expected to have expertise in all of the above areas. Responsibilities will be tailored primarily to the successful candidate’s expertise. Applications from researchers whose main specialization is not development economics or environmental economics are also welcome.
We also welcome proposals for new research topics based on the candidate’s own interests. The successful candidate is expected to contribute actively to new research outcomes and submissions to international academic journals through collaboration with the principal investigator.

Common to all Job Types
Annual Salary :

5 million yen
~

Common to all Job Types
Nontenured

-

Non-tenure track

Considerations for conducting interviews (e.g., those who live far away, such as overseas)
Applications from candidates living overseas or in distant locations are welcome. Interviews will generally be conducted online.
Japanese proficiency is not required for this position. Research duties and communication within the research team can be conducted entirely in English. Applicants who do not speak Japanese are welcome to apply.

Job content supplemental explanation
We invite applications for one Junior Researcher (postdoctoral researcher) to work on research projects in development economics, environmental economics, and related fields.
We welcome researchers with expertise in economics as well as specialized knowledge or analytical skills in geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, network analysis, natural language processing, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and related areas.
In addition to participating in existing research projects, the successful candidate will be involved in proposing and conducting new collaborative research with members of the research team, drawing on their own expertise and research interests.

Attached documents
Application Form :
Online Submission
Curriculum vitae (any format), including a list of research publications and other research outputs.

Selection
An initial document review will be followed by interviews for shortlisted applicants. Interviews will generally be conducted online, although in-person interviews may be arranged when necessary. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted individually regarding the interview schedule and format. Travel expenses for in-person interviews will be provided in accordance with University regulations.

Notification of result
Selection results will be communicated to each applicant by email after the selection process. Final decisions are generally expected to be announced by the end of January 2027.