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Pioneering Science with Space Astrometry

Details of research theme

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, in which the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science participates internationally, is NASA’s next-generation telescope scheduled for launch in 2026. Through wide-field infrared photometric surveys, it aims to investigate dark energy, exoplanets, and galaxy evolution. In addition, the infrared astrometry mission JASMINE, promoted by ISAS, seeks to conduct galactic archaeology through astrometric observations of the Galactic Center region and to search for exoplanets within habitable zones.

 

In this proposal, we will generate scientific results, such as studies of galaxy evolution and the discovery of brown dwarfs, by performing astrometry using high-precision, space-based photometric data from Roman. Although Roman is not primarily designed as an astrometric telescope, its highly stable space environment is expected to enable more precise astrometry than ground-based observations. Therefore, the development of analysis codes for space astrometry represents a major initial challenge. By carrying out astrometric analyses using actual space-based photometric images, we aim not only to produce scientific results but also to validate the challenges and methodologies of astrometric analysis for JASMINE, which similarly relies on infrared imaging astrometry.

 

In contemporary space astronomy, one of the major advantages of space-based observations lies in achieving higher observational precision, as exemplified by space astrometry and precision photometry. Such observations have been relatively limited in past Japanese space astronomy programs. Taking advantage of this opportunity, we aim to cultivate experts in precision space astronomy and thereby contribute to the creation of 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

It is desirable that applicants have experience in one or more of the following:

1. Experience in image data analysis
2. Experience in producing scientific results using high-precision astronomical data

 

Ratios（Project Contribution）

50%

Research environment after arriving at one’s post.

The Roman team and the JASMINE team within the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science will provide technical support.

As part of the analysis environment, two computational servers equipped with NVIDIA A100 GPUs (with GPU memory capacities of 40 GB and 80 GB, respectively) are available, in addition to workstations equipped with A6000 and V100 GPUs, as well as GPU-enabled laptops.

Research supervisor/Prospective mentor

Research Supervisor:

JAXA ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Associate Professor Hajime KAWAHARA,


Prospective mentor:

JAXA ISAS Department of Space Astronomy and Astrophysics Associate Professor Hajime KAWAHARA,

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

 

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  Hajime KAWAHARA:  kawahara＊ir.isas.jaxa.jp,

 

 

■For general inquiries

JAXA HR Office: jaxacareer*jaxa.jp

 

Please change * to @ above.