Tenure-Track Faculty Positions for Physician-Scientists

Tenure-Track Faculty Positions for Physician-Scientists at the SiRIUS Institute of Medical Research

The SiRIUS Institute of Medical Research at Tohoku University invites applications for five tenure-track faculty positions at the Assistant Professor or Lecturer (Senior Assistant Professor) level. The ideal candidate is highly motivated to conduct basic research in either medicine or dentistry based on the needs of clinical practice or research oriented towards practical application as a Principal Investigator (PI).

About SiRIUS

At SiRIUS, we believe that clinicians are uniquely positioned to identify pressing medical challenges and pioneer effective solutions. SiRIUS provides an environment where early-career physician-scientists can focus on their research, supporting the practical application of emerging, innovative ideas through collaboration with the various departments of Tohoku University Hospital. Under the guidance of outstanding mentor teams, SiRIUS aims to foster top-tier physician-scientists who will spearhead the future of medicine in Japan and create truly valuable innovations.

To help physician-scientists successfully identify clinical needs and translate research into practice, SiRIUS collaborates closely with specialized clinical departments, enabling these researchers to pursue their innovative ideas in an independent research environment. Our experienced mentor teams provide substantial support to early-career researchers, helping them elevate their research capabilities, transform their early-stage research into highly regarded achievements, and successfully acquire external funding for continued development.

In addition, these emerging investigators receive extensive backing from the Clinical Research, Innovation and Education Center (CRIETO) at Tohoku University Hospital, including assistance with intellectual property strategies, clinical trials, commercialization, and startups. They also have the opportunity to receive advice from the Tohoku University International Advisory Board, which includes prominent overseas researchers and business leaders. Ultimately, we strive to create a dynamic environment where promising physician-scientists from highly specialized clinical fields can gather to freely and dynamically exchange their knowledge, perspectives, and technologies. It is our great hope that SiRIUS will serve as a place where novel ideas are spontaneously generated, leading to the next generation of medical innovations.

List of current PIs and research fields at SiRIUS: https://www.sirius.tohoku.ac.jp/en/research/

About the Position

We are seeking highly motivated individuals to proactively lead, as Principal Investigators (PIs), fundamental research in medicine and dentistry that directly addresses clinical needs, or research aimed at practical application, with a strong drive to generate innovation. To achieve this, candidates must be capable of actively fostering collaborative research with the clinical departments of Tohoku University Hospital, as well as with researchers and research institutions both in Japan and internationally.

This position has been established based on Tohoku University’s Research System Strengthening Plan as part of the UREX-Tohoku Project: https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/japanese/newimg/newsimg/news20241224_ex_01_en.pdf

Research Funding

The following research funding will be offered:

• Basic research funding of 4,000,000 JPY per year

Funding for research space costs will be provided separately. Successful candidates will be expected to proactively secure additional external research funding as well.

Required Qualifications

• Ph.D. upon taking up the post
• Medical or dental license in Japan or another country

*Preference given to those with medical specialist licenses

Start Date

April 1, 2027 or thereafter based on discussion (must start by October 1, 2027 at the latest)

Term

Appointment term of 6 years (No reappointments)

This is a tenure-track position. Candidates that successfully pass the tenure review before the end of the appointment term will be hired as a tenured associate professor. Our institute has partnered with the university’s hospital and schools to offer faculty members alternative employment opportunities based on their preference. For more information, please see the links below:

• SiRIUS Tenure-Track System
• SiRIUS Career Path

For those taking parental leave, the appointment term may be extended within limits to account for the leave period, provided it is deemed necessary to maintain research work.

Compensation

Annual salary determined in accordance with Tohoku University regulations.

Submission Deadline

Mon. November 30, 2026, 5:00pm JST

Submission Materials

1. CV (use the provided format*)
2. List of research achievements (published papers, international conference proceedings, books and remarks, conference presentations (distinguish between within Japan/international, general/invited presentations), awards, patents, competitive research funds, joint research, and other noteworthy items)
3. Summary of research to date (less than 800 words)
4. Application form (use the provided format*, maximum 4 pages)
5. Description of 5 major research achievements (Please include any relevant numerical indicators that reflect the excellence of the chosen papers of achievements. Copies of the works are not required.)

Submission Instructions

*Please download and use the provided formats.

From the application form below, please upload documents (1) through (5) as separate PDF files. If you additionally have a letter of recommendation you wish to submit, please upload it alongside these materials. Each file must be no larger than 10 MB.

You will also be asked to submit the following information directly in the application form.

• Applicant basic information (name, contact information, current affiliation)
• Researcher ID
• Contact information for 1-3 references

Application form: https://www.jotform.com/261950348314053

Contact Information

Tohoku University Hospital Research Promotion Div., SiRIUS Support Office

Phone: +81 22-717-8785

Email: hosp-sirius_atmk_grp.tohoku.ac.jp　(replace “_atmk_” with @)

Initiatives to Promote DEI

• Tohoku University promotes activities to increase Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and encourages people of varied talents from all backgrounds to apply for positions at the university.
  • Tohoku University’s website about the DEI Declaration can be found here.
• Pursuant to Article 8 of the Act on Securing, Etc. of Equal Opportunity and Treatment between Men and Women in Employment, Tohoku University shall, as a measure for increasing the presence of women among the academic staff, prioritize the hiring of women deemed qualified for each job opening, based on impartial evaluation.
• Tohoku University has published ‘Tohoku University-Live as Who You Are-Guidelines for Gender and Sexual Diversity’ to provide explanations and details of how those at the university should respond with respect to diverse sexuality. The purpose of the guidelines is to create an environment in which all students, faculty, and staff respect diverse sexuality in their academic, research, and professional activities.
  • Please see the Tohoku University Center for Gender Equality Promotion Website.
• Tohoku University has the largest on-campus childcare system of all Japanese national universities. This network comprises three nurseries: Kawauchi Keyaki Nursery school (capacity: 22) and Aobayama Midori Nursery school (116), both open to all university employees, as well as Hoshinoko Nursery school (120), which is open to employees working at Tohoku University Hospital. In addition, Tohoku University Hospital runs a childcare room for mildly ill and convalescent children which is available to all university employees.
• See the following website for information on these and other programs that Tohoku University runs to assist work-life balance, to support researchers, and to advance gender equality, including measures to promote parental leave among male employees.
  • Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Tohoku University Website
  • Human Resources and Planning Department website (Japanese text only)
• Tohoku University has established a support system to assist the spouses and partners of qualified faculty members in finding employment opportunities for academic and non-academic jobs within the university. For more information, please contact the recruiting department.

Additional Information

• Information regarding this position will be posted on the institute’s website.
• Applicants that successfully pass the first screening will be contacted for an interview conducted either in-person or online by early January 2027.
• The SiRIUS Institute of Medical Research has partnered with the Clinical Research, Innovation and Education Center, Tohoku University Hospital (CRIETO) to promote the practical application of research outcomes. For more information, please visit the site below.

CRIETO: https://www.crieto.hosp.tohoku.ac.jp/english/