Postdoctoral Researcher in Nanobioscience-related fields

The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as a world-leading research center under the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The institute is engaged in the development of state-of-the-art bio-scanning probe microscopy (bio-SPM) technologies, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), as well as in nano-life science research utilizing these advanced techniques.
To achieve these objectives, the institute promotes interdisciplinary research that integrates four key fields: nanometrology focused on bio-SPM, life sciences, supramolecular chemistry, and computational science. Within this framework, researchers in supramolecular chemistry are engaged in the development of molecular sensors, the creation of nanoprobe sensors by incorporating these sensors into the tips of AFM and SICM probes, and the development of surface modification techniques for substrates used in AFM and SICM measurements. Meanwhile, researchers in computational science utilize advanced data science techniques—including simulations, machine learning, and statistical analysis—to verify the principles of SPM measurement methods, analyze SPM measurement data, and conduct mathematical modeling and simulations to understand biological phenomena, comparing them with experimental results obtained by SPM.

Work content and job description
[Field of Recruitment]
・Nano‑metrology field: Engaged in the development of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) technologies such as AFM and SICM, and in nanoscience research utilizing these techniques.
・Nano‑life science field: Aiming to understand the functions of biomolecules and cells, as well as the origins of diseases, at the nanoscale.
[Main Duties]

• Research activities

Development of an integrated AFM–SICM system to enable localized structural observation inside cells, as well as sampling of the observed structures.

• Dissemination of research results to society and outreach activities

Description
[Qualifications]
Applicants must satisfy all of the following qualifications.
1) Demonstrated high research capabilities and the ability to conduct research in English
2) Possess adequate communication skills, knowledge of research presentations, and the ability to write research papers
3) Ability to conduct research as a member of the research group
4) A doctoral degree (including equivalent degrees such as a PhD from overseas universities) must have been awarded or is expected to be awarded by the time of appointment
5）Experience in international collaborative research is desirable
6）Prior experience in the development of SPM technologies such as AFM and SICM, or in experimental research using SPM, is desirable.
7）Research experience related to biomolecules or cells is desirable, but not required.

Supplementary explanation of compensation
Terms and Conditions [Details of salary, Working Hours, Holidays, Period of Employment and Insurance, etc.]
[Job Title]
Postdoctoral Researcher (Full-time, fixed-term employee)
[Period of Employment]
From April 1, 2027 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to March 31, 2028
*Possibility of renewal after the end of the employment period.
*The total employment period is a maximum of three years.
*The start date of employment is negotiable.
[Working Hours]
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM (45-minute break), 38 hours and 45 minutes per week
Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and New Year's holidays (December 29 – January 3)
[Salary]
*Approximately 4.2 to 4.5 million yen per year
*Salary will be determined in accordance with the National University Corporation Kanazawa University Part-time Employee Employment Regulations and the Part-time Employee Salary Regulations and will vary depending on the individual's experience and abilities.
*Leave and various allowances will be provided in accordance with the relevant regulations.
*Social insurance: Health insurance and employee pension
*Employment insurance: Covered
For working conditions other than those listed above, please refer to the National University Corporation Kanazawa University Part-time Employee Employment Regulations (see the URL below).
URL: https://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/university/administration/regulation/rules

Description
One individual will be recruited, either as a postdoctoral researcher under this call or as a specially appointed assistant professor under a separate recruitment.

Job content supplemental explanation
[Position Description]
The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI) at Kanazawa University was established in 2017 as a world-leading research center under the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The institute is engaged in the development of state-of-the-art bio-scanning probe microscopy (bio-SPM) technologies, such as atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), as well as in nano-life science research utilizing these advanced techniques.
To achieve these objectives, the institute promotes interdisciplinary research that integrates four key fields: nanometrology centered on bio-SPM, life sciences, supramolecular chemistry, and computational science. Within this framework, researchers in supramolecular chemistry are engaged in the development of molecular sensors, the creation of nanoprobe sensors by incorporating these sensors into the tips of AFM and SICM probes, and the development of surface modification techniques for substrates used in AFM and SICM measurements. Meanwhile, researchers in computational science utilize advanced data science techniques—including simulations, machine learning, and statistical analysis—to verify the principles of SPM measurement methods, analyze SPM measurement data, and conduct mathematical modeling and simulations to understand biological phenomena in comparison with experimental results obtained by SPM.
Since its establishment in 2017, the institute has, over a period of ten years, focused on the development of nanoendoscopic SPM technology capable of directly observing, analyzing, and manipulating intracellular nanodynamics in living cells, as well as on research into fundamental cellular functions and cancer-specific abnormalities using advanced SPM techniques. Over the subsequent five years from 2027 onward, the institute aims to further advance these research efforts while also developing local sampling SPM technologies. These technologies involve extracting portions of cells or tissues using nanopipettes and analyzing them with a variety of single-molecule and single-cell analytical techniques, including SPM. In addition, the institute seeks to expand the application of SPM technologies to a wide range of diseases beyond cancer.
We are seeking postdoctoral researchers who will play central roles in promoting research activities in Nanometrology field.

Application documents (specified forms)
No.8_miyata Nano Life Science Institute Recruitment Postdoctoral Researcher.pdf

Attached documents
Application Form :
Online Submission
,
Mailing

Application document submission method (physically mailed documents)
920-1192
Ishikawa
Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa
Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University (WPI-NanoLSI)

Selection
[Application, Selection, Notification of Result, Contact Details]
[Application Documents]
1) Curriculum vitae including a recent photograph, present address, phone number, email address, academic background, research experience, professional experience, and other relevant information, as well as ORCID iD and ResearcherID
2) List of research activities (classified into dissertations, peer-reviewed papers, conference presentations, reviews/commentaries, books, patents, etc., including co-author names, publishing institutions, volume (issue), first and last pages, publication year, and DOI)
3) PDF copies of up to five major publications
4) List of external research funding (including Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (KAKENHI), commissioned research, joint research, donations, etc., and their amounts)
5) Summary of past research and teaching activities (approximately one A4 page)
6) Statement of the applicant's research interests, achievements, and future plans (approximately one A4 page)
7) Names, affiliations, and contact details of two referees
*All documents must be prepared in English. However, if it is not appropriate to provide certain items (such as a curriculum vitae or information on external funding) in English, those items may be written in Japanese.
・Please submit the application documents by email.
Email: nanolsi-jobs@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
・If the file size exceeds 5 MB, please use a file transfer service. Please include "Application Documents for Postdoctoral Researcher (Recruitment No.8)" in the subject line.
[Selection Process and Notification of Results]
Document screening and interview
*Travel expenses for the interview will not be covered.
[Contact Information]
For details regarding job duties, please contact the following address:
Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University
Associate Professor Kazuki Miyata
Tel: +81-76-234-4868
Email: k-miyata@staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp
For inquiries regarding employment regulations or administrative procedures, please contact the following address:
Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University
Tel: +81-76-234-4550
Email: nanolsi-jobs@adm.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

Notification of result
[Selection Process and Notification of Results]
Document screening and interview
*Travel expenses for the interview will not be covered.