Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University seek applicants for “Mission Research Fellows” from the public

The Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University is seeking applicants for the mission research fellows, as described below.

As a Joint Use/Research Center in the field of Humanosphere sciences, this Institute defines, from a global viewpoint, the regions and spheres vital to human existence— involving the human habitat, the forest-sphere, the atmosphere and space— as the Humanosphere, and strives to explore and develop innovative interdisciplinary fields that provide “scientific diagnoses and technological solutions” regarding this Humanosphere.

Mission research fellows are young researchers who belong to the Institute’s Center for Exploratory Research on Humanosphere and work on exploratory/fusion research projects relating to the four missions with the aim of establishing Humanosphere sciences.

Outlined below are the four missions set for expanding new interdisciplinary fields of the Humanosphere through amalgamation of the four spheres —the human habitat, the forest-sphere, the atmosphere and space— are:

Mission 1: Assessment and remediation of the Humanosphere
This mission seeks to deepen understanding of the current conditions and fluctuations of the Humanosphere by developing research involving observation of the atmosphere and observation techniques, the formation and genetics of woody plants, the effective use of forest resources etc., and to establish the foundations for a system that enables sustainable accumulation/use of woody resources, while maintaining a sound environment.

Mission 2: Development of Science and Technology through Biomass and Solar Power Satellite Research toward a Solar Energy Society
This mission aims to create sustainable societies relying more on renewable energies, such as solar and biomass energies, with reduced consumption of fossil resources, through advanced research on solar power station/satellite (SPS) and the conversion of wood biomass to fuels/chemicals.

Mission 3: Study of the Space Environment and its Use
This mission aims to build research foundations for Humanosphere expansion into space in the 21st century, through advanced research on space plasmas, exploration of the space environment surrounding the Earth, development of exploration technologies, quantitative evaluation of the natural space environment/spacecraft environment, space engineering and astronautics, and studies on development/use of wood materials in space environment.

Mission 4: Development of Technology and Materials for Cyclical Use of Bio-based Resources
The aim of this mission is to build a cycling system for wood resources, to realize sustainable, recycling-oriented societies. Through deeper/advanced research on wood resources, which are highly renewable and productive bio-based resources, this mission focuses on the development of fundamental technologies with lower environmental impact on every phase of the biomaterial life cycle involving production, processing, use, disposal and reuse.

For details, see the RISH website http://www.rish.kyoto-u.ac.jp/English/.

Application Guideline for Mission Research Fellows, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University

• Positions available: Mission research fellows: 1 person (employment will start on September 1, 2014)
• Application period: July 1, 2014 to July 31, 2014
• Eligible applicants: Those who have acquired or are definitely scheduled to acquire a doctorate by September 1, 2014, and who have no full-time job.
• Term of office: September 1, 2014 to March 31, 2015 (Although the term basically ends on March 31, 2015, it can be extended if a post is secured after assessment of the research results.)
• Application documents:
  (a) Resume: applicant’s name, birthday, age, academic history, job history, e-mail address etc.
  (b) Specialized field, related mission. Give one project title you are proposing.
  (c) List of research achievements (original papers, books, patents, other) and a maximum 3 reprints or copies of major papers
  (d) Outline of past research activities (in approx. 800 words)
  (e) What you want to achieve in research (in approx. 400 words)
  (f) Research plan (write specifically in approx. 1600 words)
  (g) Names and contacts of references (2 persons) regarding the applicant’s research and personality
• Submit application documents to:
  Administration Office, Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, Kyoto University Gokasho, Uji City, Kyoto 611-0011
  (Write “Application documents for mission research fellow enclosed” in red on the front of the envelope. If using postal mail, send by simple registered mail.)
• Contact: Kazufumi Yazaki (yazaki@rish.kyoto-u.ac.jp)
• Employment conditions:
  (a) Status: Hourly staff (Research Staff)
  (b) Payment: 2,300 yen per hour
  (c) Work schedule: 6 hours per day (30 hours per week), 5 days per week (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, and Foundation Day)
  (d) Social insurance: Health insurance, employee’s pension insurance, employment insurance, workmen’s accident compensation insurance
• Other:
  The application documents you submitted will be used for recruitment and selection purposes only.
  These documents will not be disclosed, transferred or lent to any third parties without due reasons.
  Please note that the application documents will not be returned to you.