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Postdoctoral Position 2026

University of Tokyo · Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe · Japan

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About this position

  • The Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe
  • (Kavli IPMU), a World Premier International (WPI) Research Center at
  • the University of Tokyo, is now accepting applications for its
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship program.
  • Kavli IPMU was established in 2007 as an international and
  • interdisciplinary research institute, where astrophysicists,
  • mathematicians, theoretical physicists, and experimental physicists
  • work together to address fundamental and profound questions such as:
  • How did the universe begin? How has it evolved, and what is its fate?
  • What is it made of? What are the fundamental laws of nature that
  • govern it?
  • In recent years, through the Center for Data-Driven Discovery
  • established in 2023, Kavli IPMU has been actively promoting research
  • that leverages big data to explore the universe, alongside
  • cutting-edge developments in data science using artificial
  • intelligence and machine learning. At the same time, research in the
  • area of Science and Society is also being pursued.
  • Building on these interdisciplinary strengths, we are seeking
  • postdoctoral researchers who can lead original and impactful research
  • in any of these areas, and who are enthusiastic about engaging in
  • cross-disciplinary collaboration that transcends traditional academic
  • boundaries.

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds with a strong drive for

innovative research in, but not limited to, the following fields:

  • Astrophysics: Cosmic Microwave Background, Survey Astronomy,
  • Observational Cosmology, High Energy Astrophysics, Astroparticle
  • Physics, Theoretical and Observational Astronomy
  • Data-Driven Discovery: Simulations of Large-Scale Structures,
  • Big-Data Analysis of Survey Astronomy and Experimental Physics,
  • Machine Learning and AI Application

Experimental Physics: Neutrino Physics, Dark Matter Detection,

Accelerator Experiments, Detector Developments

Mathematics: Algebra, Geometry

Science and Society: Trust in Science, AI related research,

Science and Technology Studies

  • Theoretical Physics: Particle Physics Phenomenology, String
  • Theory, Quantum Field Theory, Quantum Information, Gravitation and
  • Cosmology

Details about our research programs can be found here:

👉 https://www.ipmu.jp/research-activities/research-program

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Fellowship Terms

  • The appointment is for a period of three years. Kavli IPMU offers
  • highly competitive salaries compared to other leading institutions in
  • Japan, enabling fellows to maintain a high standard of living in a
  • culturally rich and safe environment.
  • Fellows are provided with start-up funding, including travel support,
  • and are encouraged to travel internationally for collaborations,
  • institutional visits, or conferences—up to three months per year. In
  • addition, we offer comprehensive support for securing external funding,
  • essential for building a successful research career.
  • English is the official language of the institute, and over 70% of our
  • full-time researchers are non-Japanese speakers. We pride ourselves on
  • being a vibrant and inclusive international research community, and we
  • strongly encourage applications from women.

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Application Process

We encourage all applicants to submit their materials by November 15,

2026 (JST).

Applicants should prepare and upload the following documents via

AcademicJobsOnline (AJO):

  • ONE-page cover letter highlighting your achievements

and research interest

Curriculum vitae (including email address and citizenship)

Statement of research interests

List of publications

Three (or more) letters of recommendation (to be submitted online

directly by the referees on AJO)

  • 👉https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/UTokyo/KavliIPMU/PD2026/apply
  • (Note: You must sign up for an account with AcademicJobsOnline to
  • apply.)

For inquiries regarding the application process, please contact:

📧academicjob-inquiry@ipmu.jp

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Personal information received through this application process will

not be used for any other purposes.

  • Due to recent revisions of the Japanese government rules on protection
  • of personal information and on foreign trades, we are required to
  • include this link to this solicitation.

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