Position Description

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

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 60% of our full-time scientific staff are non-Japanese speakers. We pride ourselves on being a vibrant and inclusive international research community, and we strongly encourage applications from women and researchers from overseas.

Application Process

We encourage all applicants to submit their materials by December 1, 2025 (JST).

Applicants should prepare and upload the following documents via AcademicJobsOnline (AJO):

• Curriculum vitae (including email address and citizenship)

• Statement of research interests

• List of publications

• Three (or more) letters of recommendation (to be submitted directly by the referees)

👉 https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30552/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