Required abilities， qualities， and experience

(1) The applicant is expected to have a research background in solar system science, especially solar wind, planetary plasma physics, and planetary science.
(2) It is preferable to have experience in data analysis obtained by an instrument onboard a spacecraft.
(3) Is able to actively engage in discussions with other researchers in the international science community.

Ratios（Project Contribution）

50%

Research environment after arriving at one’s post.

Go Murakami, JAXA BepiColombo Project Scientist, will be the main supervisor. Other researchers participating in BepiColombo and/or other planetary missions at ISAS can also support according to the research theme.
The appointee will be provided the opportunity to be actively involved in an on-going planetary science mission and access the latest science results of Mio and MPO.
The appointee will be able to discuss and connect with researchers in the BepiColombo science community by participating in symposiums and workshops.

Research supervisor/Prospective mentor

Research supervisor:

JAXA ISAS Department of Space Flight Systems　Professor  Hiroyuki Ogawa

Prospective mentor:

JAXA ISAS Department of Solar System Sciences  Assistant Professor  Go Murakami

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 5,300,000

　* 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 27(Wed), 2025 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, 2025.

Online Interview: Middle-October, 2025(Scheduled for October 15th)

* 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 Space Flight Systems  Hiroyuki Ogawa: ogawa.hiroyuki*jaxa.jp

■For general inquiries

JAXA HR Office: jaxacareer*jaxa.jp

Please change * to @ above.