Research Specialists, Water-related Disaster Research Group(2)

Public Works Research Institute (PWRI)

Ibaraki, Japan 🇯🇵

Job description

  • Background of the recruitment and description of the projectOur team currently includes one senior research scientist who is responsible for the development of hydrological models, the development of optimal dam operation methodologies, and the integrated application of these approaches. In Japan, studies on dam operation optimization have highlighted the need for a quantitative understanding of changes in snowfall, snow accumulation, and snowmelt processes resulting from climate change. Accelerating this research and establishing a foundation for reflecting its outcomes in dam operations both domestically and internationally is an urgent issue.

    In addition, requests for the application of systems developed by ICHARM from countries around the world have been increasing (e.g., Iran, under a trust fund to UNESCO financed by a supplementary budget of the Government of Japan, currently under consideration; and India, supported by the World Bank, with future developments under review). However, at present, all of these tasks are being handled by the single senior research scientist mentioned above, resulting in an excessive workload.

    Therefore, it is necessary to employ a specialized research scientist who will share responsibilities, particularly in addressing the urgent task of dam operation optimization. The duties will include the development of snow and ice hydrological process models that contribute to optimal dam operation, site-specific application simulations, integration of these models into optimal dam operation frameworks, and their application overseas. The specific qualifications required of this specialized research scientist are as follows:

    The ability to conduct integrated evaluations and develop models of snow and ice hydrological processes that contribute to dam operation optimization in Japan, as well as to carry out site-specific application simulations and incorporate these models into optimal dam operation schemes.

    The ability to apply the resulting research outcomes to overseas pro

    https://www.pwri.go.jp/jpn/employ/saiyou/index.html#07
  • Work content and job description(1) A doctoral degree in hydrology, river engineering, or water resources science and engineering.
    (2) Work experience or Research achievement in the field of hydrology, river engineering, or water
    resources science and engineering. Experience in research on snow hydrologic modeling, remote
    sensing, data assimilation, optimal dam operation etc. is an advantage.
    (3) Publishing minimum of two research papers on hydrology, river engineering, or water resources
    science and engineering (preferably peer-reviewed papers)
    (4) Proficiency in English and Japanese (speaking, reading, and writing) necessary for
    communication.
    (5) Experience in providing research supervision in English to students.
  • Assigned departmentExisting departmentsWater-related Disaster Research Group

Job type

  • Researcher/Postdoc level

Research field

  • Social Infrastructure – Hydroengineering
  • Natural Science – Atmospheric and hydrospheric sciences

Wages

  • Annual Salary : 7 million yen ~ 8 million yenThe salary will be provided within the following range, depending on work experience and other considerations (as of February 2024).
    JPY 19,330 to 21,120 per day
    (When permanent staff salaries are revised, the salaries of research specialists may also be subject to revision accordingly.)

Working hours

  • Working hours :08:30-17:15Break time :12:00-13:00Holidays : Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and New Year holidays (29 December to 3 January)

Application requirements

Qualifications

  • Education and Degree RequirementsPh.D. / Doctor
  • Work experienceAttached documents

Employment Type

  • Contract employee

Contract period

  • Nontenured – Non-tenure trackStarting as soon as possible after 1st April 2026 until 31st March 2028
    (The contract is subject to renewal every fiscal year, and may be extended beyond the initial
    employment period, depending on the progress of research/education projects.)

    Probationary period presentone month after employment

Work location

  • 305-8516 Ibaraki 1-6 Minamihara, Tsukuba,

Compensation

  • Various systemsOthers : Attached documents
  • InsuranceOthers : Attached documents

Application Considerations

Number of hired

Application period

  • 2026/01/09~2026/02/06 Deadline for receipt

Application method

  • Application documents (specified forms)
  • Attached documentsApplication Form : MailingOther Mailing Documents
    Attached documents
  • Return of application documentsWe will dispose of all application documents responsibly.
  • Application document submission method (physically mailed documents)305-8516 Ibaraki 1-6 Minamihara, Tsukuba,
    Mr. Yoshito KIKUMORI International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM), Public Works Research Institute

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URL of this job posting

Selection / Notification of result

  • SelectionApplicants who pass the initial document screening will be invited for an interview. The most qualified applicant will be selected for the position based on their expertise, work experience, previous work achievements, enthusiasm for research, English language skills, and other factors.
  • Notification of resultWe will notify you by email or phone.

Contact details

Public Works Research Institute

International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM)

Mr. Yoshito KIKUMORI

0298696778

kikumori-y143co(at)pwri.go.jp

* Please change (at) to @ and send it.


POSITION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

DEGREE REQUIRED

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development