Senior Researcher/ Researcher【Contracted Employee】, Pluriverse Project, Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN)
（Application Deadline: Friday, 3 April 2026 by 10:00 a.m. Japan Time )

(At the time of appointment)

The "Pluriversal Land Use: Exploring Institutions, Values and Worldviews (the Pluriverse Project)" (Project Leader: Associate Professor Norie Tamura) is part of the "Combining Knowledge for a Fundamental Innovation of Land Use Program." This project re-evaluates local practices of coexisting with nature, which have been marginalized by the anthropocentric paradigm. Our goal is to realize a "Pluriverse"—a world where diverse values coexist within land use for agriculture and forestry.

 The successful candidate is expected to work as a core member of the project, focusing on the following three pillars:

(1)   Independent Research and Publication
Design and conduct research themes that align with the overall project goals. We require the candidate to perform fieldwork and data analysis independently and to complete the process through publication in international or domestic journals.
(2)   Project Management and Coordination
Share administrative duties, such as coordinating with co-investigators and external organizations, organizing meetings, and managing progress. We seek a candidate who can view "research" and "management" as integrated parts of the project.
(3)   Support for Social Implementation and Outreach
Support participatory workshops, dialogues with stakeholders in rural areas (farming and mountain villages), and public relations activities. We value a sincere attitude in communicating with non-experts.

We welcome candidates who possess experience or knowledge in any of the following areas (it is not required to meet all criteria):

・Fieldwork Experience in Agriculture and Forestry: Experience in interviews or surveys with farmers/foresters, or research on Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) such as beekeeping, wild plant foraging, and fuelwood use.
・Knowledge of Participatory Resource Management: Experience in researching or analyzing bottom-up resource management involving various actors, such as Satoyama restoration or community-based landscape conservation
・Quantitative Social Research and Data Analysis: Practical ability to manage the entire quantitative research process, from survey design and implementation to statistical analysis using software.
・Expertise in Environmental Humanities: Ability to deeply analyze research topics from the perspective of multispecies ethnography or the relationship with "more-than-human" entities.
・Interest in Sustainability Transitions: Theoretical background in social-technical system changes and the transition to a sustainable future, with a motivation to link research results to policy recommendations or social implementation.

(Scope for changes to duties)
None.

We are looking for motivated and adaptive candidates who are interested to learn new research skills in a friendly and collaborative environment:

1.     A doctoral degree or equivalent research ability, and the capacity to conduct independent research. A PhD is required for appointment at Senior Researcher level.
2.     Proven ability in academic communication—including scholarly writing, conference presentations, and collaboration—in Japanese or English.
3.     Strong motivation to engage in collaborative research across disciplines and in practice-oriented work with diverse actors in society and local communities.
4.     A demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with project members to ensure smooth project management and effective dissemination of outputs.

From 1 June 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) until 31 March 2027.

(The contract may be renewed after the term expires. However, the maximum term is until 31 March 2031.)

Please prepare the following in Japanese or English and submit them as email attachments.

1.    Curriculum Vitae (with photograph) using the NIHU format. If you have not yet been awarded a PhD, be sure to state the expected conferral date.

2.    List of research outputs (doctoral thesis, peer-reviewed articles, books/monographs, awards). If your researchmap page already contains these four categories, you may provide the URL in lieu of a separate list.

3.    Offprints (or photocopies/PDFs) of up to three key publications or books/chapters.

4.    Statement of research experience and achievements (approx. 2,000 characters in Japanese or approx. 1000 words in English), written so it is clear you meet the eligibility criteria.

5.    Statement of your aspirations for the post and duties (approx. 1,000 characters in Japanese or approx. 600 words in English).

6.    Contact details for two referees who can comment on your application (name, affiliation/position, telephone number, and email address).

[Notes]
All documents must be A4 size and horizontally written (left-to-right). Prepare each as a separate file and include your name on each file. Then place all documents in a single ZIP folder and submit it by email.

The submitted materials will be used solely for recruitment screening and will not be disclosed, transferred, or lent to any third party without due cause.

CV format:
PDF　EXCEL

*Residents of the European Economic Area (EEA) are required to submit the "Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR" with your signature.
 PDF

Submission email：pluriverse[at]chikyu.ac.jp (please replace [at] with @)

※    Please set the email subject line to “Application for Pluriverse Researcher”.
※    If you do not receive an acknowledgement within three working days, please contact the above address again by email.

【General enquiries about the call】
EBERL Atsuko
E-mail：pluriverse[at]chikyu.ac.jp (please replace [at] with @)