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Tokyo College is an institute established in February 2019 at the University of Tokyo. Tokyo College promotes a brand-new system for collaboration between members of the University with people from across the globe, to discuss and create a shared vision of an ideal future and to take action together to pursue its realization. Under the central research theme “The Earth and Human Society in 2050” we invite leading scholars, promising young researchers and influential intellectuals from overseas, to make full use of the University’s international academic network, and create a platform for collaboration that involves scholars, staff and students from across the University, aiming to generate new knowledge that will help shape our future. Knowledge created by these collaborations will be delivered to the public through the Tokyo College Lectures. Tokyo College is recruiting one Associate Professor who can lead cross-disciplinary international collaborative research as well as being involved in the management of Tokyo College. 

Associate Professor 

The appointment starts as soon as possible after October 1, 2022 (time of appointment to be negotiated). The term of office is five years and the post may be transferred to tenure position after a review based on the performance during the term of office. 

Initial six months, with the same compensation and benefits. 

Under the central research theme "The Earth and Human Society in 2050", Tokyo College conducts cross-disciplinary research activities that transcend the division of academic fields in order to contribute to the realization of a sustainable and inclusive human society. The research field of the associate professor to be recruited this time must be related to "B. Tackling the Planetary Boundaries through Interdisciplinary Approaches", one of the five interdisciplinary themes of Tokyo College which is listed below. 

A. Digital Revolution and Future of Humanity 

B. Tackling the Planetary Boundaries through Interdisciplinary Approaches 

C. Japan Viewed from Inside and Outside 

D. Humanities in 2050 – World Philosophy, World History, and World Literature 

E. Life and its Value for Future Society 

 "B. Tackling the Planetary Boundaries through Interdisciplinary Approaches" refers to research on various measures to overcome the limits of the Earth's environment and human sustainability from all perspectives, including the environment, economy, and society, based on the recognition that the Earth's environment and human sustainability are being pushed to the limits due to excessive economic development. It is essential that the research be interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral. On the other hand, the number of fields in which such an approach can be taken is extremely limited, so we are inviting applicants who have experience in cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary research while specializing in existing fields that are related to this theme in some way. 

Associate Professors are expected to do the followings:

(1) Create venues both within and outside the University of Tokyo so that researchers from various fields may discuss and collaborate, and through such activities organize international collaborative research that transcends existing academic disciplines, in order to promote one of the missions of Tokyo College, "to develop cross-disciplinary collaborative research and create new academic knowledge needed by the modern world". The role of the coordinator is to play a central role in promoting the research. In particular, the Associate Professor to be recruited this time will be in charge of joint research related to the "Tackling the Planetary Boundaries through Interdisciplinary Approaches", one of the priority research themes of Tokyo College (see above).

(2) In addition to the joint research described in (1) above, conduct original individual research related to "Tackling the Planetary Boundaries through Interdisciplinary Approaches".

(3) To plan and implement symposia, lectures, etc. to share with researchers, students, and the general public a variety of cutting-edge, cross-disciplinary knowledge, including the results from research work described in (1) and (2) above. 

(4) Responsible for teaching courses related to "Tackling the Planetary Boundaries through Interdisciplinary Approaches" and other education-related tasks. 

(5) Administrative operations necessary to carry out the missions of Tokyo College or to properly maintain Tokyo College as an organization within the University of Tokyo. 

・Ph.D. or equivalent in a related field 

・Outstanding ability and achievement in the field of "B. Tackling the Planetary Boundaries through Interdisciplinary Approaches" described in "4. Field of Expertise" above. 

・Good communication skills in English (Japanese language ability is not a requirement for application.) 

In principle, the normal working hours for full-time employees of the University of Tokyo are 7 hours and 45 minutes per day, five days per week. The working hours may be made more flexible by adopting the discretionary labor system (exemption system) for this position at the discretion of the employee. 

Saturdays and Sundays, Japanese statutory public holidays, year-end and New Year holidays (December 29 through January 3), annual paid days off, sick leave (paid), special holidays (paid). 

・Determined based on career and other factors in accordance with the University’s regulations (Reference: annual salary of associate professors: approximately JPY 6.8-11 million) 

・Commuter allowance: maximum JPY 55,000 per month, other allowances available, and opportunity for annual salary increase based on performance. 

・Social Insurance: Eligible for MEXT* Mutual Aid Association membership, employees’ pension, unemployment insurance, and workers’ accident compensation insurance. (*MEXT: Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) 

・Relocation support for researchers from overseas: Tokyo College will provide support, including obtaining a working visa and finding accommodation. 

Hongo Campus (7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8654 Japan) 

5pm on December 27, 2021 (Japan Standard Time) 

Submit your application materials (PDF files) by email. Please be sure to confirm that you receive a confirmation email from the Tokyo College Secretariat. 

・The University of Tokyo Standard Resume Format (Please download from https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/about/jobs.html and provide your institutional email address) 

・Publication list (Please specify refereed or non-refereed for articles) 

・Three main publications 

・Summary of your past research achievements (approximately within 3000 characters in Japanese or 1500 words in English) 

・Summary of your future goals at Tokyo College (approximately within 3000 characters in Japanese or 1500 words in English) 

・Names and email addresses of two people who can recommend you for the position 

Tokyo College Secretariat 

Email: assoc.prof.recruit@tc.u-tokyo.ac.jp 

14. Selection Process 

All applications will be screened, and only those applicants deemed qualified will be scheduled for an interview (The interview will be conducted in person or online.). 

・Submitted documents will not be returned. 

・Personal information shall be handled carefully according to the Privacy Policy of the University of Tokyo and will be used only for the job selection process. 

・Travel costs incurred during the selection process will not be paid. 

・A maximum of JPY 1,000,000 per annum will be provided as research funds which can be used to cover research related expenses including purchase of books or reference material, travel expenses, etc. 

・The University of Tokyo is committed to gender equality. 

Reference: Tokyo College website 

https://www.tc.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/