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Development of Observation Instruments for Investigating...

Details of research theme

【Title of Research Theme】

Development of Observation Instruments for Investigating the Internal Structure and Thermal Evolution of the Moon

 

【JAXA Project】
Building upon the integrated promotion of the “Three Lunar Sciences” initiatives advanced by JAXA — seismology, sample return, and lunar astronomy — this project aims to promote lunar interior exploration through the SPSS (South Pole Seismic Station) project planned for Artemis IV. In particular, the project focuses on elucidating the internal structure and thermal evolution of the Moon through lunar seismic observations, while developing observation instruments and systems for future long-term lunar surface observation networks. In addition, integrated analyses using existing mission datasets, including those from SELENE (KAGUYA) and Apollo, will be conducted to advance lunar and planetary sciences.

 

【Individual Research】
Research and development of lunar geophysical observation instruments will be conducted with the aim of elucidating the internal structure and thermal evolution of the Moon. In particular, efforts will focus on improving the sensitivity, durability, and low-power performance of lunar seismic instruments and related observation systems, while also investigating lunar surface operational technologies with future application to Artemis missions in mind. Furthermore, analysis studies using existing exploration mission datasets, including those from SELENE (KAGUYA), will be carried out to advance research on the lunar internal structure and thermal evolution.

 

【Human Resource Development】
This project aims to foster researchers and engineers capable of integrating scientific instrument development, data analysis, and scientific investigation within the fields of planetary exploration and space science. In particular, the goal is to cultivate young researchers and engineers who possess a systems-oriented perspective necessary for lunar and planetary exploration, and who can carry out the development, operation, and analysis of observation systems based on a solid understanding of scientific objectives. Emphasis is also placed on developing personnel who can actively contribute to international collaborations and large-scale space exploration projects.

 

 

<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

Applicants are expected to possess expertise in lunar and planetary science and to have the motivation to proactively promote both scientific instrument development and scientific research. In addition, emphasis will be placed on the ability to produce scientific achievements through the analysis of observational data.

 

Furthermore, applicants are expected to have cooperation and communication skills necessary to conduct research collaboratively with researchers and engineers from diverse fields within JAXA projects and international collaborative programs. In the long term, the successful candidate is expected to play a leading role in future lunar and planetary exploration programs and to contribute to the education and development of young researchers.

 

Ratios（Project Contribution）

50%

Research environment after arriving at one’s post.

Research on observation instrument development and exploration data analysis aimed at elucidating the internal structure and thermal evolution of the Moon is being conducted.

In collaboration with the “Three Lunar Sciences” initiatives — including lunar seismic observations, sample analysis, and low-frequency radio observations — research on lunar geophysical observations is being advanced through projects such as the SPSS program for Artemis IV.

The research environment enables the integrated execution of activities ranging from scientific instrument development to scientific data analysis.

Research supervisor/Prospective mentor

Research Supervisor:
JAXA ISAS Department of Solar System Sciences Professor Satoshi TANAKA

 

Prospective mentor:
JAXA ISAS Department of Solar System Sciences Assistant Professor Takefumi MITANI

JAXA ISAS Department of Solar System Sciences Specially Appointed 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 Satoshi TANAKA: tanaka＊planeta.sci.isas.jaxa.jp

 

■For general inquiries

JAXA HR Office: jaxacareer*jaxa.jp

 

Please change * to @ above.