Tokyo Metropolitan University is launching a new project called "Chi no Miyako Project" to strongly promote research at the university by hiring talented young researchers regardless of their field and providing them with a research environment in which they can work freely as independent researchers. In conjunction with this, the university has published the recruitment guidelines.
According to Tokyo Metropolitan University, this project was launched in the hope that motivated and ambitious young researchers would forge ahead with the research they want to pursue, in an era when there are complaints about the decline in Japan's research capabilities. The project employs outstanding young researchers on a five-year term (without renewal), regardless of field, and provides them with a research environment in which they can freely work as independent researchers.
There are no restrictions on applications, and the program is open to all young researchers, including those in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, as long as they hold a doctoral degree at the time of employment (or are expected to obtain one at the time of application).
In the first round of selection, the "Knowledge City Project" Selection Committee, chaired by the University President, will review the documents and determine the successful candidates. In the second round of selection, the selection committee will include faculty members from within the University and external experts with expertise in the fields of those who have passed the first round of selection, and will select the candidates based on a comprehensive assessment of their research achievements to date, future research developments, and the qualities of the next generation of top researchers through interviews.
The term of office is five years (non-renewable), and holidays, vacation, salary, allowances, and the discretionary work system for professional work are the same as other full-time faculty members, but the big difference is that the work content is, in principle, research only. However, if the individual wishes, they can take charge of about one class or seminar, taking into consideration their future career path and coordinating with the department.
After taking up their post, they will be affiliated with one of the faculties, graduate schools, or centers at Tokyo Metropolitan University, but there will be no restrictions on the research content and they will be able to conduct the research they want to do. In addition to a basic personal research allowance of about 50 yen per year, a separate research allowance will be provided. In addition, they will be encouraged to conduct research activities at a university or research institute overseas for one year out of the five years, and support will be provided for travel and living expenses.
President Takaya Ohashi commented, "I hope that the researchers of this project will produce results that will lead to the creation of wisdom and a brighter future for humanity."
＜Recruitment details for the "Chi no Miyako Project"＞ *For details, please check the recruitment guidelines posted on the university website
Position: Assistant Professor
Number of applicants: Some people
Date of employment: May 2025, 5 or as soon as possible
Affiliation and place of work: Tokyo Metropolitan University
Specialization: All fields including humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences
Field of work: In principle, research only (research content is free, in principle there is no burden of educational duties, etc.)
Eligibility: Applicants must hold a doctoral degree or be expected to obtain one at the time of application.
Application documents: Resume, list of research achievements, PDF file of one representative research achievement, list of external funding achievements, past research and future research plans
Submission deadline: Must arrive by Monday, February 2025, 2
