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Characterization of Solar System small bodies using thermal infrared imaging...

Details of research theme

【Title of Research Theme】
Characterization of Solar System small bodies using thermal infrared imaging and multiband spectroscopy and it application to Planetary Defense

 

【Individual Research】
Since thermal properties and thermal infrared spectral characteristics of Solar System primitive materials (such as meteorites) have not been sufficiently studied compared to visible to near-infrared wavelengths, lab research will be conducted, and the results will be applied to ongoing and future thermal infrared observations of small celestial bodies.

 

【JAXA Project】
The applicant is expected to investigate the relationship between the thermophysical properties of meteorites and rocks as well as their composition using near-infrared and thermal infrared observations in the laboratory with FTIR and the Engineering Model of the thermal infrared imager TIRI. The results will be applied to in-flight calibration and observations of TIRI onboard Hera and RAMSES to obtain new insights in planetary science and planetary defense.

 

【Human Resources Development Unique to ISAS 】
The applicant is expected to possess a high level of knowledge regarding the evolution of Solar System materials and celestial bodies, based on the characteristics of meteorites and rocks, as well as to contribute to the development and calibration of flight instruments for ongoing and future missions.

  

<Scope of change in work> None

(If there is a change beyond the work related to the above work content, the contract will be revised)

Required abilities, qualities, and experience

Doctoral Degree or equivalent

Ratios(Project Contribution)

50%

Research environment after arriving at one’s post.

Research can be performed using the engineering model of the Thermal Infrared Imager TIRI, as well as a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR) and a Thermal Diffusivity Analyzer at the research department where the supervisor belongs. Research will be supported by the TIRI team members.

Research supervisor/Prospective mentor

JAXA ISAS Department of Solar System Sciences Associate Processor Tatsuaki OKADA/Department of Solar System Sciences Assistant Professor Naoya SAKATANI

Location

JAXA Sagamihara Campus 

 

<Scope of change> If the organization conducts telework regularly, the location; if the location of work changes due to organizational reorganization, the location determined by the organization

Department

JAXA ISAS Department of Solar System Sciences

 

Employment,benefits

*Before applying, please be sure to read the [JAXA Aerospace Project Research Associate  (Institute of Space and Astronautical Science) Recruitment Page].

 

3years

・Contract of employment will be concluded each fiscal year.
・Applicants will not be hired as a permanent employee after the term of service.
・Employment period may be extended up to 3 years for the longest, in consideration of research evaluation every fiscal year.

・Annual Income
 Approximately JPY 5,900,000

 * May change due to the recommendation by the Natl. Personnel Authority.
・Benefits
 Commuting, Housing, Achievement, Year-end allowances.
・Research funding
 Researcher may receive research funding specific to such individual.(However, this depends on the budget.)

Closing Date

August 26(Wed), 2026 17:00(JST)
* Closing Date is mandatory.
* Please note that you are not able to pre-apply during 1a.m.~5a.m.(JST) on the third Thursday of each month due to regular system maintenance. Thank you for avoiding the certain time.

Selection Schedule

The result of the first selection will be announced by the Middle-Late September, 2026.(Scheduled to be held around September 24th)

Online Interview: Middle-October, 2026.(Scheduled to be held around October 16th)

* On the day of the event, you will be required to give a 10-minute presentation on your research plan and future career vision. Those who have passed the document screening will need to send the above presentation materials (PDF) by the interview date.

* Schedule is subject to change.

Attached document

 Please check the JAXA Aerospace Project Research Associate Recruitment page "Required Documents" of ISAS carefully before applying.

  

"FORM 2 Letter of Recommendation" (in PDF)

 

Letter of Recommendation must be attached by the applicant or sent by the recommender by email ( " isas-hrtask*ml.jaxa.jp ". Please change * to @)

If you do not send a Letter of Recommendation, your application will be invalid.

Contact information

Please enter "JAXA Aerospace Project Research Associate Recruitment" in the subject line and send.

Please refrain from making inquiries other than those related to recruitment.

 

■For specific inquiries about the research theme;

  ISAS Department of Solar System Sciences Tatsuaki OKADA:  okada.tatsuaki*jaxa.jp

 

■For general inquiries

JAXA HR Office: jaxacareer*jaxa.jp

 

Please change * to @ above.