Job Announcement for an Assistant Professor Position (Department of Space Flight Systems) (materials science) at the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

25 May 2023
Job Information

Organisation/Company

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Department

Department of Space Flight Systems, Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS)

Research Field

Engineering
Architecture
Technology » Construction technology
Technology » Materials technology
Technology
Physics » Applied physics
Physics » Quantum mechanics
Computer science

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)
Established Researcher (R3)

Country

Japan

Application Deadline

15 Sep 2023 - 14:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Permanent

Job Status

Full-time

Hours Per Week

See description

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

[Job]
Academic research on space flight systems including advanced materials for next-generation spacecraft

[Job Details and Responsibilities]
ISAS/JAXA is promoting a wide variety of space science activities including space astronomy using satellites in orbit around the Earth and exploration of asteroids and planets in the solar system. To conduct such kinds of challenging space missions for long-term efficiently, materials which possess high performance in terms of high heat-resistant, light-weight and so on and materials which lead the reduction of electric power consumption are desired. For instance, in addition to thermal control systems with retractable extension radiators or heat switches, mechanical control systems for extension nozzles/paddles and reusable shock-absorbing legs, are expected to decrease moving parts and energy consumption by utilizing the structural phase transformation of material, and to lead to reduce failure risk of spacecraft. Research and development of cutting-edge materials will be one of the key factors to realize the spacecraft of high energy efficiency, and such R&Ds are extremely important to enhance the mission performance.
Based on this recognition, ISAS has been promoting the research on advanced materials for autonomous thermal control systems, extension nozzle for propulsion systems, and on reliability assurance of the materials at space environment. In these activities, microstructural control is important to generate the functionalities such as autonomous drive and heat resistance and to increase reliability of the components for the missions.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
• To promote research on materials with high functionalities such as autonomous drive and/or heat resistance, and on components with the materials for future space science missions
• To actively contribute to ongoing exploration missions and space science missions as an expert of materials

Furthermore, we are looking for a highly motivated candidate who can carry out his/her academic research in a project-oriented style, in collaboration with university researchers under the inter-university framework. Active participation to various JAXA projects and R&Ds to demonstrate his/her academic expertise is also expected. Human resource development for future space development and utilization is anticipated as natural outcome of the above-mentioned activities. We also hope for human resource who can promote joint research in collaboration with related companies as needed.

To fulfill these duties, the successful candidate of the Assistant Professor needs to satisfy, at minimum, the following conditions.

• Have research or practical experience in materials with functionalities such as autonomous drive and heat resistance, and have achievements that are highly evaluated worldwide.
• Have the ability and willingness to promote research and to provide leadership on materials science and engineering to future space science missions.
• Have the ability and willingness to actively engage in the activities required for space science project execution, not limited to his/her specialized field.
• Be capable of teaching and directing graduate students.

[Work Location]
JAXA Sagamihara Campus (3-1-1 Yoshinodai, Chuo-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, JAPAN)

[Number of positions]
One

[Starting date]
April 1st, 2024, or the earliest possible date thereafter

[Term of Probationary]
First 6 months from the date of hire

[Research Funding]
Research funding is determined according to the budget situation of each year.
*FY2021: Professor; \800,000,
Associate professor; \800,000,
Assistant professor; \400,000

Requirements
Additional Information
Benefits

[Working Conditions]
(1) Salary
Salary will be determined under the provision of JAXA wage rules and regulations, considering qualifications and experience.
(2) Working Hours
In principle, The Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work shall be applied.
Working hours are basically from 9:30-17:45. The break time shall be 45minutes if the working hours per day exceed 6 hours, and 1 hour if the working hours exceed 8 hours. Regardless of the above, those who apply The Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work shall have a deemed working time of 7 hours and 30minutes per day.
Overtime work may be required depending on the work situation.
(3) Holidays
Saturdays and Sundays, National Holidays, New Year Holidays (December 29th - January 3rd), others when JAXA deems it necessary, etc.
(4) Vacations and Leave
Annual vacation, WLB (Work Life Balance) annual leave, celebration or condolence leave, maternity leave, child-care leave, care leave, nursing leave, etc.
(5) Retirement Age
Retirement age is 63.
(6) Lodgings
Lodgings suitable for a family or a single occupant may be provided under the provision of JAXA in consideration of the nature of the work. (Lodging term is limited to 7 years.) Alternatively, an allowance for lodging shall be paid.
(7) Social insurance
Social insurances (health insurance, pension plan, etc.) will be provided in full.

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

Country

Japan

City

Kanagawa

Where to apply

Website

https://jrecin.jst.go.jp/seek/SeekJorDetail?fn=0&ln=1&id=D123050587&ln_jor=1

Contact

City

Kanagawa

STATUS: EXPIRED