Marine Plastics Research Group (M-Plastics), Marine Biodiversity and Environmental Assessment Research Center (BioEnv), Research Institute for Global Change (RIGC) Recruitment of Researcher (II) AKS20-005

Our group is studying the extent of marine plastic pollution from the sea surface to the deep-sea in the North Pacific, and assessing its impact on marine ecosystems using multiple approaches, including ship-board observations, laboratory experiments, and the development of innovative sampling and measurement methods/systems. Given that marine plastic pollution is currently an urgent environmental topic facing the global community, scientists are urged to provide credible evidence on the composition, distribution, and density of marine plastics by analyzing numerous samples collected by intensive ocean monitoring, efficiently and quantitatively. In close collaboration with other group members, the successful applicant will be responsible for conducting research on microplastics distribution and dynamics, and produce high-quality scientific outcomes. She/he will also be involved in various outreach activities, such as public lectures, which is the duty of any scientists working on socio-economic issues such as marine plastic pollution.

Required skills:
(1) Published at least a couple of first-author papers in international peer-reviewed journals;
(2) Basic knowledge of marine plastics and observation and analytical methods for it;
(3) Experience with laboratory work in any environmental research;
(4) Experience with analysis and visualization of marine data; and
(5) Available and willing to participate in onboard research lasting up to several weeks.

Desirable skills:
(1) Advanced knowledge of microplastic observation and measurement methods (e.g., using FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy);
(2) Advanced knowledge of the analysis and visualization of large marine data;
(3) Experience in working in an international environment or international research collaboration; and
(4) Clear vision of science and society, science, and policy relationship (e.g., relevance to SDGs)

Relevant expertise areas: Analytical chemistry, Oceanography (physical, chemical, and biological), marine environment, biogeography, and information science

Website: http://www.jamstec.go.jp/ocean-plastic/e/

[Position]
Researcher(II):
Researcher(II) is expected independently to conduct research and technology development and to share results through scientific publications and achieve technology innovation.

*There may be a change in affiliation in the case of reorganization of the Agency.
*At the time of appointment, the above job type will be determined in accordance with JAMSTEC bylaws.

(2) Type of contract:
Tenure-track fixed-term employee

(3) Working Hours
Discretionary labor system

(4) Contract Period
Period of employment is from October 1, 2020 to March 31, 2025.

*Start date is negotiable. However, it might be changed due to the influence of COVID-19 expansion.
*One contract period is a maximum of five fiscal years. The contract period will not be renewed.
*In accordance with JAMSTEC bylaws, on reaching the age of 65 during an employed fiscal year, the contract period will expire at the end of the same fiscal year. This bylaw may change.
*After undergoing an evaluation during the period of employment, the contract may be modified to one without termination (termination of employment would be at the end of the fiscal year in which the employee reaches the age of 60, or the age of 65 if the employee is rehired after his/her retirement). For details on this system, please contact Human Resources Section.

*Salary will be competitive in accordance with JAMSTEC bylaw, based on the academic qualifications and demonstrated research skills of the applicant.
*Bonus and retirement allowance are included in the annual salary.

a) CV. Valid email and home address must be provided.
*Please include contact information for two references. These persons should be someone other than the person mentioned in g) below and should not be employees or Visiting Scientists of JAMSTEC.
b) Summary of your research (1 page)
c) Research plan at JAMSTEC (1 page)
d) Publication (achievement) list including thesis titles
*Please list publications in refereed (peer-reviewed) journals separately from unrefereed publications.
*Include DOI codes if available.
e) List of competitive research funds awarded to the applicant
*If you have not been awarded any, include “none” in the list.
f) Two (or fewer) representative publications in PDF formats.
g) Two letters of recommendation from two senior research scientists (1 letter from each). The person providing the recommendation should email to JAMSTEC directly with a signed letter as an attached file in PDF format . Please include “BioEnv AKS20-005 and the applicant’s name” in the subject line. A letter of recommendation written by a JAMSTEC employee or a JAMSTEC visiting scientist will not be accepted.

(2) Submission:
The required documents must be sent by E-mail and should reach JAMSTEC on or before the closing date.
*All files must be converted to PDF format. E-mail attachments can be up to 25 MB. Please include “BioEnv AKS20-005” in the subject line.

(3) Interview and appointment
Applicants will be selected based on submitted application material, followed by an interview.
*Web-based online interviews by Zoom are expected basically due to the influence of COVID-19 expansion.