JAMSTEC Postdoctoral Fellowship in Japan 2026

About the Fellowship

The JAMSTEC Young Research Fellow (JYRF) / Postdoctoral Fellowship programme offers a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers to lead innovative projects in marine-Earth sciences. Hosted by the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), fellows will access cutting-edge research vessels, the Earth Simulator, and world-class facilities. The fellowship supports independent research aligned with JAMSTEC’s global mission to advance scientific knowledge of the Earth system. Fellows will collaborate with top-tier scientists while benefiting from structured mentorship. With strong support for international engagement and interdisciplinary innovation, this fellowship serves as a launchpad for impactful scientific careers that contribute to Japan’s and the world’s environmental and technological research priorities.

Fellowship / Details

Position Title: JAMSTEC Young Research Fellow (JYRF) / Postdoctoral Fellowship
Host Institution: Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)
Administering Body / Funding Agency: JAMSTEC
Location: Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan
Research Field(s): Natural sciences, engineering, marine-Earth sciences
Fellowship Type: Postdoctoral Fellowship, Full-time
Level: Early-career
Fellowship Duration: 3 years (renewable annually)
Expected Start Date: April 2026 (no later than October 2026)
Working Hours: Discretionary labour system (full-time equivalent)
Funding/Compensation: Annual salary between JPY 6,600,000 – 7,200,000 (inclusive of bonuses and allowances)
Required Degree/Diploma: PhD in natural sciences or engineering

Supported Research Fields / Areas

Marine-Earth science and technology
Oceanography
Climate science
Geosciences
Environmental modelling
Engineering disciplines related to Earth systems

Eligibility & Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

PhD in a relevant field (by 30 September 2026)
Strong research track record or potential
Non-JAMSTEC employees as referees/recommenders
Able to conduct independent research

Preferred Qualifications:

Peer-reviewed publications
International research experience
Strong presentation and communication skills
Interdisciplinary research interest

Not Eligible:

Applicants who earned their PhD before 1 August 2020
Applicants without a PhD by 30 September 2026
Recommenders affiliated with JAMSTEC

Fellowship/Job Benefits

Monthly salary: Approx. JPY 550,000 – 600,000
Research budget: JPY 1,000,000 annually (total JPY 3,000,000)
Mentorship support from assigned mentor and sub-mentor
Social insurance and labour insurance covered
Relocation allowance provided
Commuting expense allowance
Paid leave and holidays
Access to JAMSTEC research infrastructure
No smoking policy on premises, ensuring healthy work environment

Key Responsibilities

Conduct independent research under JAMSTEC’s broad research scope
Define and manage own research project
Participate in seminars and collaborative activities
Present results to international audiences
Contribute to the research community at JAMSTEC

Application Process

How to Apply:

Apply online via the JAMSTEC recruitment portal _ Apply Online Here

Required Documents:

Designated application form (CV)
Summary of previous research (1 page)
Detailed research proposal (up to 6 pages)
Publication and funding list
Two representative publications or statement of “none”
One recommendation letter (submitted directly via this link)

Important Notes:

All documents must be in English, except the recommendation letter (English or Japanese)
All documents in PDF format only
Recommendation letter must be uploaded by the referee