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Research and Development for Future/International Space Missions in Astrophysics

Details of research theme

To conduct research in astrophysics that benefits the development of future space mission concepts, including those pursued with international collaboration, and the development of unique space science instruments.
To conduct experimental or observational research for future JAXA space missions, or ongoing/potential collaboration for foreign-led missions in astrophysics.

Research topics considered for this opportunity are as follows.
For projects related to future missions:
(i) Study and development of future space interferometers using multiple satellites flying in formation,
(ii) Experimental/observational astrophysics through the understanding of plasma emission,
(iii) Research projects with foreign-led missions such as JWST or Euclid, and future infrared missions,
(iv) Research projects with ISAS-led and other space-borne missions to study high-energy astrophysics and future high-energy missions,
(v) Research projects with ISAS-led missions to develop precise measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background.

The division is currently promoting programs for future large-scale mission concepts. Development of common key technologies for future missions, such as low-noise detectors and cryogenic systems, is also being conducted.

Candidates are requested to make their contribution to these projects and related individual research in collaboration with ISAS staff. Through these research projects, we cultivate scientists who can produce concrete research results in astrophysics and develop future space science 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

At least, one of the following experiences is required.
(1) Instrumentation of space and/or ground-based observation facilities.
(2) Research in astrophysics using data from space science missions.
(3) Experience of developing data analysis and/or operation software for space missions.

Ratios（Project Contribution）

50%

Research environment after arriving at one’s post.

Successful candidates will conduct research under the supervision of a professor in this department.

Therefore, the applicants are required to contact the potential supervisor(s) prior to the application to discuss their research plan in detail.

The department has basic experimental facilities. For work on a particular project (Working Groups or Teams in ISAS), the facilities for those projects will be provided.

Research supervisor/Prospective mentor

Research Supervisor:

JAXA ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Professor Noriko YAMASAKI


Prospective mentor:

JAXA ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Associate Professor Kiwamu IZUMI,

JAXA ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Professor Hiroya YAMAGUCHI,

JAXA ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Professor Toru YAMADA,

JAXA ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Professor Noriko YAMASAKI,

JAXA ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Professor Yutaro SEKIMOTO,

 

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 Space Astronomy and Astrophysics

 

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 Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Kiwamu IZUMI: izumi.kiwamu＊jaxa.jp,

ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Hiroya YAMAGUCHI: yamaguchi.hiroya＊jaxa.jp,

ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Toru YAMADA: yamada.toru＊jaxa.jp,

ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Noriko YAMASAKI: yamasaki.noriko*jaxa.jp,

ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Yutaro SEKIMOTO: sekimoto.yutaro*jaxa.jp,

 

■For general inquiries

JAXA HR Office: jaxacareer*jaxa.jp

 

Please change * to @ above.