Recruitment of Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University (Laboratory of Photobiology)
2026 September 28 JOBS
We invite applications for the position of Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University as follows.
[Recruitment background]
Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University invites applications for a assistant professor position in the Laboratory of Photobiology. The laboratory's research aims to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying protein function, with a particular focus on photoreceptor proteins, especially microbial rhodopsins. Using time-resolved spectroscopic and electrochemical measurements of structural intermediates, we investigate how sequential reactions within proteins give rise to their functions. We also aim to create novel functions based on the knowledge gained from these studies, understand biological phenomena involving photoreceptor proteins, and explore applications in environmental and medical fields. To advance research and education in these areas, we seek candidates with knowledge and experience in experimental biophysical approaches to proteins who are highly motivated to study the molecular mechanisms and functional engineering of photoreceptor proteins. We also welcome candidates who are eager to advance their research by developing new measurement methods and experimental systems, or by incorporating computational approaches, without being limited to existing methods.
[Division]
[Immediately after hiring] Faculty of Advanced Life Science
[Scope of Change] Location as determined by the University
[Research Area]
Biophysics, Protein Science, Spectroscopy, Photobiology
[Duties and Responsibilities]
[Immediately after hiring]
Graduate courses for Transdisciplinary Life Science Course in Division of Life Science or Division of Soft Matter including subjects related to biology and biophysics conducted in English. For undergraduate course, specialized course for department of Biological Sciences (Macromolecular Functions) in School of Science. Additionally, there are common subjects offered for the School of Science, as well as general education courses for undergraduate students. After assuming his (her) new position, he (she) will work with Associate Professor Takashi Kikukawa in photobiology.
[Scope of Change]
Duties as determined by the University
[Subjects in charge and facility management]
Graduate courses for Transdisciplinary Life Science Course in Division of Life Science or Division of Soft Matter including subjects conducted in English. For undergraduate course, specialized course for department of Biological Sciences (Macromolecular Functions) in School of Science. Additionally, there are common subjects offered for the School of Science, as well as general education courses for undergraduate students.
[Number of positions]
One Assistant Professor (full-time, fixed-term appointment for five years, renewable once for an additional five-year term. The successful candidate may be appointed to a position without a fixed term subject to a performance review.)
[Work location]
Kita-10 Nishi-8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
[Desired Start Date]
As soon as possible after April 1, 2027
[Qualifications]
(1) The candidate must hold a doctoral degree, or an equivalent degree such as a PhD from overseas universities, which has been conferred or will be conferred prior to their arrival at the post.
(2) Have excellent research ability and achievements in biophysics, protein science, or related research fields.
[Salary] The salary will be determined in accordance with the university's regulations.
[Probation period] The probation period is three months.
[Working Form] Discretionary labor system for professional work.
*The working hours for a day is deemed as 7 hours and 45 minutes.
[Holidays] Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays provided for in the National Holidays Act, days from December 29th until January 3rd of the following year, other days determined by the University
[Insurance] Social insurance status (Mutual Association of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology), Workers' accident compensation insurance and employment insurance (applicable)
[Name of Recruiting Institution] Hokkaido University
[Status of passive smoking prevention measures] No smoking on campus, except for specific outdoor smoking areas
[Application Deadline] The deadline for submitting applications is November 10, 2026 (JST).
[Documents to be submitted]
(1) Curriculum vitae including a photograph and records of awards. *Provide detailed information on any experience working for Hokkaido University after April 1, 2013, including positions such as part-time lecturer, teaching assistant (TA), teaching fellow (TF), research assistant (RA), and any other relevant part-time work, if applicable.
(2) List of research achievements
a) Refereed original articles (Please mark the corresponding author with an asterisk "*"). The list should include the number of citations and the impact factor of the journal. If the paper is in the top 10%, please indicate it clearly.
b) Commentaries and reviews
c) Books
d) Patents (Specify pending/granted and domestic/ international)
e) Invited lecture at conferences
f) Grants awarded (Provide a description of representative grants or shared grants)
g) Societal contributions
(3) Summary of major research achievements to date (A4 paper; 2 pages or less)
(4) Research proposal and educational policy for the future (A4 paper; 2 pages or less)
(5) List of the names and contact information (affiliation, address, and e-mail address) of two individuals who can evaluate your work.
(6) Reprints or copies of 3 significant papers
[How to apply]
- Applications can be submitted through the designated Google Form.
- Please log in to your Google account to fill out the form. If you do not have an account, please create one.
- When submitting, please combine (1) through (5) of the documents to be submitted as a single PDF file and set a password. No password is required for (6).
- In the form, candidates will be asked to provide their Publons ID (Researcher ID) or ORCID ID. It is recommended that candidates update their information beforehand.
Google Form: https://forms.gle/H4CTAo4Le53rB7Ac7
※Application documents will be used only for the purpose of selection. The University will dispose of all application materials at its own risk after selection.
[Selection process]
If an applicant passes the document screening, an interview will be conducted. Please be noted that the travel fees are not covered for interview attendees.
[Contact person for scientific subject]
Associate Professor. KIKUKAWA Takashi
Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University
E-mail: kikukawa(AT)sci.hokudai.ac.jp
*Change (AT) into @ when sending an e-mail.
[Inquiries regarding the application procedure]
Prof. AIZAWA Tomoyasu
Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University
E-mail: adv_apply(AT)sci.hokudai.ac.jp
*Change (AT) into @ when sending an e-mail.
NOTE:
・At Hokkaido University, we actively promote both education and research while fostering diverse human resources and gender-equality. Therefore, we explicitly invite female researchers qualified in this research field to apply.
・As a measure to promote gender equality in accordance with Article 8 of the Act on Securing, Etc. of Equal Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women in Employment (Equal Employment Opportunity Law), priority will be given to female researchers if the evaluations are equal in the selection process.
・Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Hokkaido University is working to promote a research environment in which diverse human resources can play an active role, focusing on human resource development for female researchers and support for balancing research activities and family life. For more information, please visit the Promotion Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion website at the following URL. https://www.dei.hokudai.ac.jp
