Tohoku University
Professor or Associate Professor at the Center for Northeast Asian Studies
Tohoku University, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview
The Center for Northeast Asian Studies, established in 1996 as an independent research institute inside Tohoku University, aims to create interdisciplinary knowledge that contributes to solving cross-border environmental issues under cooperative globalization. In response to the changing global socio‑political landscape, the Center established a new Department of Geopolitical Studies, founded upon the principles of interdisciplinarity, inter‑ and trans‑regionality, and creative collaboration. Bringing together scholars from around the world, the Center is dedicated to integration of research within and outside of Japan, of scholarship on and of the expertise of Northeast Asian studies as a driving force for the development of Geopolitical Studies and as a roadmap for its future.
As part of this new initiative, the Center seeks to appoint a distinguished scholar in the Division of Interethnic Relations and Conflict Studies, Department of Geopolitical Studies. The ideal candidate will have a strong record of research on conflict and confrontation, as well as on the institutions that shape them, with particular attention to Russia, East Asia, and Japan. A demonstrated commitment to international collaboration is essential. The position also emphasizes the ability to lead the planning and organization of international conferences and seminars that connect scholars at Tohoku University, across Japan, and worldwide. We are especially interested in candidates who can situate their work within broader debates on geopolitical change and its social consequences, including the experiences of minority groups, and who can demonstrate excellence in building and coordinating international research networks.
Field of Recruitment Division of Interethnic Relations and Conflict Studies, Department of Geopolitical Studies
Number and Rank of Positions One Professor or Associate Professor
Area of Specialization Humanities and Social Sciences related to Interethnic Relations and Conflict Studies
Duties
Individual and collaborative research related to the area of specialization
Coordination of international collaborative research with domestic and overseas scholars, and dissemination of research outcomes to society
General education: Teaching courses at the undergraduate level in accordance with the candidate’s expertise
Graduate education: Teaching courses at the graduate level (concurrent appointment)
Administrative duties related to the above
Qualifications
Ph.D. in the Humanities, Social Sciences or a closely related field by the time the appointment begins
Advanced proficiency in Japanese and English sufficient for research, teaching, and administrative duties
Proficiency in an additional language relevant to Northeast Asian Studies (e.g., Russian, Chinese)
Open to applicants of any nationality
Established track record in interethnic relations and conflict studies in Northeast Asia
Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary and cross‑faculty collaborative research, and ability to coordinate international collaborative research and disseminate research outcomes to society
Strong commitment to research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities
Evidence of potential for significant contributions to the Center, University, and the wider field of Northeast Asian Studies
Salary To be determined in accordance with university regulations on Employee Salary and will be based on length of experience and performance. Estimated salary range: 8,000,000–10,000,000 JPY per year (before tax and deductions). Professor: approx. 9,500,000 JPY per year (Ph.D., 25 years experience). Associate Professor: approx. 8,200,000 JPY per year (Ph.D., 15 years experience). Commuting allowance may also be provided.
Employment type Full‑time
Term Permanent appointment
Working hours Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work. Basic hours: 8:30–17:15, Monday–Friday; individuals may manage their own hours.
Days off Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and New Years holiday (Dec. 29–Jan. 3)
Social insurance Enrollment in the MEXT Mutual Aid Association (health insurance and Employees Pension Scheme), employment insurance, industrial accident compensation insurance
Expected Start Date As early as possible on or after July 1, 2026
Application Deadline December 31, 2025, 17:00 JST. Late submissions not accepted.
Application Procedure Applicants must first complete the pre‑application form (https://jotform.com/252398275507466). After submission, a personalized application form will be issued. Please enter the required information (A) directly into the application form and upload all submission documents (B) as separate A4‑sized PDF files.
(A) Basic Information (to be entered in the application form)
Full name
Email address
Current affiliation and position
Year of birth (optional)
Gender (optional)
Current address (country and city)
Nationality (optional)Research languages and proficiency level
Area of specialization
Current research topics
Names, affiliations, positions, contact addresses, and email addresses of four referees (two from referees based in Japan, two from referees based outside Japan)
(B) Submission Documents (to be uploaded in the application form)
Cover Letter: Motivation and summary of research achievements (maximum 3 pages)
Curriculum Vitae (with photo) using designated Excel format
List of Research Achievements using designated Word format
Academic journal articles / book chapters
Books
Other writings
Invited lectures / conference presentations
Awards
Grants
List of courses taught
Fieldwork experience
Planning/participation in domestic (Japan) and international collaborative research
Interaction with researchers and institutions in Japan and abroad
Other categories (indicate peer‑review status where applicable)
Research and Education Statement: Plans and aspirations after joining the Center (maximum 2 pages)
Statement on Domestic (Japan)/International Collaborative Research Coordination: Written in Japanese, approximately 1,000 characters
Abstracts of five main publications/books: Written in Japanese, approximately 400 characters each
Two reprints of academic paper/chapter/book
Submission Notes:
Upload items (1) and (7) as separate PDF files.
Each reprint in item (7) must be submitted as one PDF per paper.
File names must include the applicant’s Romanized name and the document number (e.g., CV: Tohokuhanako_01.pdf, First reprint: Tohokuhanako_07a.pdf, Second reprint: Tohokuhanako_07b.pdf)
Contact Please contact the Center for Northeast Asian Studies Administrative Office for any questions or additional clarification: kyouinkoubo.cneas_3@grp.tohoku.ac.jp
Selection Schedule After the application deadline, submitted materials will be reviewed. Applicants will be notified of the results within approximately two months. Candidates advancing to the second stage must arrange for their referees to submit letters of recommendation within two weeks of notification. Interviews will be conducted thereafter.
Remarks
Candidates advancing to the second stage must have four recommendation letters (two from referees based in Japan, two from referees based outside Japan) submitted directly by the referees within two weeks of notification. Applicants should inform their referees in advance. Additional documents may be requested.
Interviews will be conducted in Japanese, English, and other relevant languages. Partial travel expenses for interviews may be provided.
Tohoku University has established a support system to assist the spouses of qualified faculty members in finding employment opportunities for academic and non‑academic jobs within the university. For more information, please contact the recruiting department.
Tohoku University promotes activities to increase Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and encourages people of varied talents from all backgrounds to apply for positions at the university.
Tohoku University’s website about the DEI Declaration can be found here: https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/about/
Pursuant to Article 8 of the Act on Securing, Etc. of Equal Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women in Employment, Tohoku University shall, as a measure for increasing the presence of women among the academic staff, prioritize the hiring of women deemed qualified for each job opening, based on impartial evaluation.
Tohoku University has published Tohoku University‑Live as Who You Are‑Guidelines for Gender and Sexual Diversity to explain and detail how those at the university should respond with respect to diverse sexuality. Please see the Tohoku University Center for Gender Equality Promotion website: https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/consulting/for_minority/
Tohoku University has the largest on‑campus childcare system of all Japanese national universities. This network comprises three nurseries: Kawauchi Keyaki Nursery school (capacity: 22) and Aobayama Midori Nursery school (capacity: 116), both open to all university employees, as well as Hoshinoko Nursery school (capacity: 120), which is open to employees working at Tohoku University Hospital. In addition, Tohoku University Hospital runs a childcare room for mildly ill and convalescent children which is available to all university employees. See the following website for information on these and other programs that Tohoku University runs to assist work‑life balance, to support researchers, and to advance gender equality, to promote childcare leave among male employees: https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/consulting/for_family/. Human Resources and Planning Department website (Japanese text only): https://c.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/jinji-top/external/a-4-kosodate/
#J-18808-Ljbffr
As part of this new initiative, the Center seeks to appoint a distinguished scholar in the Division of Interethnic Relations and Conflict Studies, Department of Geopolitical Studies. The ideal candidate will have a strong record of research on conflict and confrontation, as well as on the institutions that shape them, with particular attention to Russia, East Asia, and Japan. A demonstrated commitment to international collaboration is essential. The position also emphasizes the ability to lead the planning and organization of international conferences and seminars that connect scholars at Tohoku University, across Japan, and worldwide. We are especially interested in candidates who can situate their work within broader debates on geopolitical change and its social consequences, including the experiences of minority groups, and who can demonstrate excellence in building and coordinating international research networks.
Field of Recruitment Division of Interethnic Relations and Conflict Studies, Department of Geopolitical Studies
Number and Rank of Positions One Professor or Associate Professor
Area of Specialization Humanities and Social Sciences related to Interethnic Relations and Conflict Studies
Duties
Individual and collaborative research related to the area of specialization
Coordination of international collaborative research with domestic and overseas scholars, and dissemination of research outcomes to society
General education: Teaching courses at the undergraduate level in accordance with the candidate’s expertise
Graduate education: Teaching courses at the graduate level (concurrent appointment)
Administrative duties related to the above
Qualifications
Ph.D. in the Humanities, Social Sciences or a closely related field by the time the appointment begins
Advanced proficiency in Japanese and English sufficient for research, teaching, and administrative duties
Proficiency in an additional language relevant to Northeast Asian Studies (e.g., Russian, Chinese)
Open to applicants of any nationality
Established track record in interethnic relations and conflict studies in Northeast Asia
Willingness to engage in interdisciplinary and cross‑faculty collaborative research, and ability to coordinate international collaborative research and disseminate research outcomes to society
Strong commitment to research, teaching, and administrative responsibilities
Evidence of potential for significant contributions to the Center, University, and the wider field of Northeast Asian Studies
Salary To be determined in accordance with university regulations on Employee Salary and will be based on length of experience and performance. Estimated salary range: 8,000,000–10,000,000 JPY per year (before tax and deductions). Professor: approx. 9,500,000 JPY per year (Ph.D., 25 years experience). Associate Professor: approx. 8,200,000 JPY per year (Ph.D., 15 years experience). Commuting allowance may also be provided.
Employment type Full‑time
Term Permanent appointment
Working hours Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work. Basic hours: 8:30–17:15, Monday–Friday; individuals may manage their own hours.
Days off Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and New Years holiday (Dec. 29–Jan. 3)
Social insurance Enrollment in the MEXT Mutual Aid Association (health insurance and Employees Pension Scheme), employment insurance, industrial accident compensation insurance
Expected Start Date As early as possible on or after July 1, 2026
Application Deadline December 31, 2025, 17:00 JST. Late submissions not accepted.
Application Procedure Applicants must first complete the pre‑application form (https://jotform.com/252398275507466). After submission, a personalized application form will be issued. Please enter the required information (A) directly into the application form and upload all submission documents (B) as separate A4‑sized PDF files.
(A) Basic Information (to be entered in the application form)
Full name
Email address
Current affiliation and position
Year of birth (optional)
Gender (optional)
Current address (country and city)
Nationality (optional)Research languages and proficiency level
Area of specialization
Current research topics
Names, affiliations, positions, contact addresses, and email addresses of four referees (two from referees based in Japan, two from referees based outside Japan)
(B) Submission Documents (to be uploaded in the application form)
Cover Letter: Motivation and summary of research achievements (maximum 3 pages)
Curriculum Vitae (with photo) using designated Excel format
List of Research Achievements using designated Word format
Academic journal articles / book chapters
Books
Other writings
Invited lectures / conference presentations
Awards
Grants
List of courses taught
Fieldwork experience
Planning/participation in domestic (Japan) and international collaborative research
Interaction with researchers and institutions in Japan and abroad
Other categories (indicate peer‑review status where applicable)
Research and Education Statement: Plans and aspirations after joining the Center (maximum 2 pages)
Statement on Domestic (Japan)/International Collaborative Research Coordination: Written in Japanese, approximately 1,000 characters
Abstracts of five main publications/books: Written in Japanese, approximately 400 characters each
Two reprints of academic paper/chapter/book
Submission Notes:
Upload items (1) and (7) as separate PDF files.
Each reprint in item (7) must be submitted as one PDF per paper.
File names must include the applicant’s Romanized name and the document number (e.g., CV: Tohokuhanako_01.pdf, First reprint: Tohokuhanako_07a.pdf, Second reprint: Tohokuhanako_07b.pdf)
Contact Please contact the Center for Northeast Asian Studies Administrative Office for any questions or additional clarification: kyouinkoubo.cneas_3@grp.tohoku.ac.jp
Selection Schedule After the application deadline, submitted materials will be reviewed. Applicants will be notified of the results within approximately two months. Candidates advancing to the second stage must arrange for their referees to submit letters of recommendation within two weeks of notification. Interviews will be conducted thereafter.
Remarks
Candidates advancing to the second stage must have four recommendation letters (two from referees based in Japan, two from referees based outside Japan) submitted directly by the referees within two weeks of notification. Applicants should inform their referees in advance. Additional documents may be requested.
Interviews will be conducted in Japanese, English, and other relevant languages. Partial travel expenses for interviews may be provided.
Tohoku University has established a support system to assist the spouses of qualified faculty members in finding employment opportunities for academic and non‑academic jobs within the university. For more information, please contact the recruiting department.
Tohoku University promotes activities to increase Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and encourages people of varied talents from all backgrounds to apply for positions at the university.
Tohoku University’s website about the DEI Declaration can be found here: https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/about/
Pursuant to Article 8 of the Act on Securing, Etc. of Equal Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women in Employment, Tohoku University shall, as a measure for increasing the presence of women among the academic staff, prioritize the hiring of women deemed qualified for each job opening, based on impartial evaluation.
Tohoku University has published Tohoku University‑Live as Who You Are‑Guidelines for Gender and Sexual Diversity to explain and detail how those at the university should respond with respect to diverse sexuality. Please see the Tohoku University Center for Gender Equality Promotion website: https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/consulting/for_minority/
Tohoku University has the largest on‑campus childcare system of all Japanese national universities. This network comprises three nurseries: Kawauchi Keyaki Nursery school (capacity: 22) and Aobayama Midori Nursery school (capacity: 116), both open to all university employees, as well as Hoshinoko Nursery school (capacity: 120), which is open to employees working at Tohoku University Hospital. In addition, Tohoku University Hospital runs a childcare room for mildly ill and convalescent children which is available to all university employees. See the following website for information on these and other programs that Tohoku University runs to assist work‑life balance, to support researchers, and to advance gender equality, to promote childcare leave among male employees: https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/consulting/for_family/. Human Resources and Planning Department website (Japanese text only): https://c.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/jinji-top/external/a-4-kosodate/
#J-18808-Ljbffr