Work location : Kanto district - Ibaraki
Date of publication : 2025/06/16
D125061200
Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences
Research field : Others - Others - International research coordination
Researcher/Postdoc level : Regular employee - Tenured - Non-tenure track - Probationary period present
Job description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
In recent years, in the field of international research in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, it has become increasingly important to disseminate knowledge and technologies that contribute to solving local issues as a result of advances in science and technology and changes in policy environments. In emerging countries of Asia and Africa in particular, there is the need not only to be knowledgeable of international trends and policy issues, but also to strengthen collaboration with relevant organizations and stakeholders towards promoting the local adaptation of agricultural technologies and the application of research outcomes. In this way, the research coordinator plays a crucial role in terms of collecting and analyzing information strategically across programs and fields as well as contributing much to the administrative and public relations activities of JIRCAS.
The research coordinator will research and analyze domestic-international trends in science and technology and policy discussions as well as organize information that contributes to solving global issues in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries as basis for exchanging opinions with relevant organizations, formulating research strategies, preparing public relations materials and reports, and disseminating information at international conferences. Besides, the coordinator will work to advance the utilization of research outcomes and the strengthening of international networks in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, international organizations, and local administrative or research institutions. In carrying out these tasks, the coordinator must be dedicated enough to ensure expertise and continuity in establishing a long-term strategic information and partnership system at JIRCAS.
Work content and job description
Strategic Information and International Collaboration Enhancement to Support International Research in Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries
The candidate must possess not only the knowledge-cum-practical-experience for the job, but also an international mindset, strong coordination skills, and a proactive attitude to collaborating with domestic and international stakeholders. Additionally, given a non-fixed term of employment, the candidate is expected to contribute to the development of international research in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries and to the amelioration of social issues by means and in the form of accumulated know-how and built long-term partnerships with JIRCAS.
Examples of Research Topics/Projects To Be Carried Out :
○ Research and Analysis of Science-Technology Trends in International Agriculture:
By way of literature reviews and attendance at international conferences, information on the latest trends in agricultural-forestry-fisheries technologies, research and development, and global policy issues particularly in Asia and Africa is gathered and processed.
○ Support for Building Networks to Strengthen International Collaboration:
To strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, international organizations, and local administrative or research institutions, coordination activities such as information exchange meetings and workshops will be undertaken to promote collaborative research.
Keywords:
Specialized Fields: International collaboration, analysis of science and technology trends, research strategy formulation, international agriculture, forestry and fisheries policy
International Fields: English communication skills, experience in collaborative research with foreign researchers, experience in research activities abroad, experience presenting at international conferences and workshops, ability to coordinate and collaborate in multicultural environments
Assigned department
Existing departments
Information and Public Relations Office
Job type
Research field
International research coordination
Wages
Annual Salary : 5 million yen ~ 9 million yen
Monthly (base) salary is determined in accordance with the “Employee Salary Regulation of Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, National Research and Development Agency,” taking into consideration experience and other factors.
Bonuses are paid twice a year (June, December) at 2.3 months' salary per payment (currently), with the first bonus after employment being less than 2.3 months' salary.
Various allowances (dependent, commuting, housing, special adjustment, regional, etc.) are paid in accordance with the regulations.
The monthly salary and other terms may change due to corresponding revisions to the regulations.
Working hours
Working hours :08:30-17:15
Break time :12:00-13:00
Holidays :
・Two-day weekend system (Saturday, Sunday)
・Holidays: National, Year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 3)
・Annual leave: 5 days granted upon employment (October 1, 2022)
・Other kinds of leave: Sick, special (summer (3 days), caregiving (5 days), marriage, childbirth, bereavement, etc.)
Overtime and other explanations :
・Regular working hours (08:30 - 17:15)
・Flexible working hours and discretionary working hours are available (after completion of the probationary period) (procedures required)
Application requirements
Qualifications
Education and Degree Requirements
Ph.D. / Doctor
Must already possess a doctoral degree (or is expecting to obtain one before the planned hiring date – a necessary condition of employment).
Description
1. Individuals with the knowledge and skill set required for the position of research staff
2. Individuals with Japanese language proficiency sufficient for daily work
3. Must demonstrate the following qualities of a ‘global researcher’:
・ High level of communication skills in English (native or bilingual)
・ Experience in collaborative research with foreign researchers
・ Experience in research activities abroad
・ Experience presenting at international conferences and workshops
・ Ability to work cooperatively in multicultural environments
※It is desirable or preferable that applicants are able to meet all five qualities of a ‘global researcher’ listed under item 3 above. Nevertheless, should you lack any of those, but have similar, equivalent, or compensatory experiences, achievements, or skills in related areas (e.g. experience in managing international joint research projects, collaborating with overseas research institutes, publishing papers or negotiating in English, etc.), apply just the same while giving particulars about them in your application documents.
※This center promotes gender equality in keeping with the Basic Law for a Gender-Equal Society and encourages applications from female researchers. We also welcome applications from foreign researchers (provided that they have obtained the necessary residence status to work at this organization in Japan by the date of employment).
Employment Type
Regular employee
Contract period
Tenured - Non-tenure track
※ Employment as of April 1, 2026, is also possible. Please talk to us if you have any concerns regarding the employment date.
Probationary period present
Trial Period 6 months
Work location
Compensation
Insurance
Employees' Health Insurance : Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mutual Aid Association
Employees' Pension Insurance : Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Mutual Aid Association
Worker's accident insurance : Available
Employment insurance : Available
Measures for preventing passive smoking at the workplace
Smoking is prohibited on the premises except for designated smoking rooms.
Application Considerations
Number of hired
1 person(s)
Hiring date : 2025/10/01
Starting date : 2025/10/01
Job content supplemental explanation
We will also accept applications for employment starting on April 1, 2026. Please talk to us if you have any concerns regarding the starting date.
Application period
2025/06/17~2025/07/14 Deadline for receipt
Application method
Application documents (specified forms)
Attached documents
Other online application forms
1. PDF file of the recommendation letter (A4 size, 1 page. Free style. Include the recommender's name, affiliation, position, phone number, and email address).
※Must include the recommender's handwritten signature.
※JIRCAS staff members cannot serve as recommenders.
※Submit the PDF file of the recommendation letter with a file name: Application Number-Applicant's Name-2.pdf, e.g., 1-Kokusai Tarou-2.pdf.
2. PDF files of the applicant's main peer-reviewed papers (5 at most)
※If available online, the URLs may be listed on the achievement sheet instead.
Return of application documents
We will dispose of all application documents responsibly.
URL of this job posting
Selection / Notification of result
Selection
1. Document screening: Early July 2025
2. Interview: Early August 2025
※Venue: Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (1-1 Oowashi, Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture)
Notification of result
All applicants will be notified by email.
Application documents will not be returned regardless of the outcome.
Contact details
Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences
Research Planning and Management Office
Oka
0298386330
KenkyuKobo-ml@jircas.go.jp
Notes
1. All expenses incurred in the course of job application are to be borne by the applicant.
2. Application documents will not be returned regardless of the outcome of the selection process.
3. All administrative correspondence will be done by email.
4. To get an idea of what it is like to work at JIRCAS, please see the messages posted by staff on:
https://www.jircas.go.jp/ja/gender/messages