Call for Applications: Program-Specific Researcher (Naka Research Group, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University)

Position	Program-Specific Researcher (Specially Contracted Limited-Term Staff)
Number	A few positions available
Work location	Naka Research Group, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University Pharmaceutical Sciences Main Building, 4F 46-29 Yoshida-Shimoadachi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan Home, etc., if telecommuting is permitted or ordered by Kyoto University.
Job description	Under the Principal Investigator, the successful candidate(s) will be engaged in research and operational work related to the following projects: Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (A) “Deuterium Science 2.0” (PI: Hiroshi Naka; through March 2031), and/or AMED Platform Project for Supporting Drug Discovery and Life Science Research (Project Leader: Hiroshi Naka; through March 2028) This includes research on the fundamental science of deuterated compounds and related project operation/management tasks.
Job requirements	The successful candidate has (or expects to have) a Ph.D. degree, or equivalent professional achievements/capabilities. 【Desired capabilities】 The successful candidate has excellent achievements and capabilities in organic chemistry, analytical chemistry, applied informatics, or a related field. The successful candidate has a strong motivation to lead academia and/or industry in the future through research activities. Research experience outside Japan is desirable.
Contract period	Start day (negotiable; as early as possible after the hiring decision) ～ March 31, 2027, with a possibility of renewal until up to the end of the project. When the contract term has expired, the employment contract terminates. Renewal of the contract at the expiration of the limited-term employment contract is decided comprehensively, taking into consideration the workload, work performance, attitude, capabilities, progress of the work engaged in at the end of the contract term, and acceptance status of external funds for the employment.
Probationary period	6 months
Working conditions	Program-Specific Researcher Salaries, etc. determined based on the Kyoto University standards and according to capabilities and backgrounds. Discretionary work system for specialist staff (38 h and 45 min/week, 7 h and 45 min/day). 08:30–17:15 (break 12:00–13:00) / 5 days a week, when the Discretionary work system for specialist staff is not applied. You may be ordered to work overtime as needed. You may be ordered to travel and stay at collaborative research institutions as necessary. Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, year-end and new-year break, the anniversary of foundation holiday. Social insurance: health insurance, employees’ pension insurance, industrial accident compensation insurance, and employment insurance.
Salary	Reference monthly amount: JPY 300,000 – 400,000 (to be determined based on Kyoto University standards and according to capabilities and backgrounds).
Allowances	None
Documents to be submitted	Please submit the following documents by e-mail: 1. Curriculum vitae (free format; include photo, phone number, email address, and employment history) 2. List of research achievements 3. Three major papers 4. Summary of past research and statement of aspirations 5. Names and contact information of two referees who can evaluate the applicant.
Deadline for application	By December 31, 2026. We will close the recruitment when the position is filled.
Selection method	An interview will follow the screening of application documents. Those who have passed the screening will be informed of the date and time of the interview via e-mail. Interviewees will bear their transportation and accommodation expenses for the interview. Applicants outside Japan will be interviewed online.
Contact	Please send the application documents to the following e-mail address: Hiroshi Naka Department of Pharmaceutical Molecular Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University E-mail: h_nakapharm.kyoto-u.ac.jp (Please change “” to “@”, if applicable.) Please write “Application for Program-Specific Researcher” in the subject line of the e-mail.
Notification of results	Results will be informed via e-mail as soon as the decision is made.
Others	Submitted documents shall be used only for the selection, and will be disposed of after the screening. They will never be disclosed, transferred, or lent to a third party without due reasons. Please note that we cannot answer inquiries regarding the screening process or the reasons for selection results. Kyoto University is working to prevent passive smoking by prohibiting indoor smoking on all campuses and also outside smoking except in designated areas. Kyoto University is promoting gender equality. Female researchers are encouraged to apply. If candidates are evaluated as equal, female candidates will be given priority.