[Number of recruits]
One Specially Appointed Researchers (Postdoctoral Research Fellow)
Interdisciplinary ICT Research Center for Cyber and Real Spaces
Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University

 [Research field and Human resources required]
We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work with psychologists, engineers, linguists, and HCI designers to understand and practice “Copresence (Togetherness) across time and space” at Tohoku University, Japan. This is a project funded by JSPS to investigate how the feelings of “Copresence (togetherness)” are transformed in modern society where the reality is re-defined by ICT technology. Our ultimate goal is to (1) understand how copresence is presented in the virtual and real spaces, and (2) how to use non-verbal cues (e.g. haptic, motions, etc.) to enhance copresence in future communication designs. This research infrastructure is expected to contribute to alleviating loneliness, enhancing social welfare, and expanding human communication capabilities to a new dimension, thus having a profound impact on society as a whole.
The candidate will work in an international team with collaborators from diverse backgrounds. Specific responsibilities include: planning and designing experiments, programming, developing experimental devices, conducting experiments, data analysis, writing academic papers and reporting results at conferences, and supervising students on related research topics.

[Qualifications]
A Ph.D. is required before the start of employment.

We especially encourage candidates with one or more of the following training/work experiences:
-Past research in experimental psychology, haptics, VR/XR, human–computer interaction (HCI), or human well-being.
-Preferred: experience in perception research, psychophysical experiments, sensory information processing, or user studies. -Skills in programming (e.g., Python, Unity, C, Matlab) and statistical analysis.
-Ability to work proactively and independently in driving research projects.
-Experience in writing academic papers and disseminating research in English.

[Commencement date]
September 1st, 2026, or the earliest possible date thereafter.

[Employment Condition]
The whole duration of the project is 5 years, and the initial employment is for 1 year with possible renewal. The Annual Salary will be determined following the relevant regulations of the university, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience (4 million yen ~ 6 million yen).

[Documents to be submitted]
Please send following documents in PDF format as an e-mail attachment.

1. Curriculum vitae: including a photo, contact information (address, phone number, and e-mail).
2. Research experiences and a summary of previous studies. (no more than 400 words. Cite mentioned studies with the number listed in 3.)
3. List of research achievements (1. Academic papers, 2. International conference papers, 3. Domestic and international invited lectures, 4. Commentary articles, 5. Books, 6. Patents, 7. Awards, 8. Activities in academic societies and communities, 9. External funding (categorized into Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research and others, as PI or co-I)
4. Plans for future research (no more than 400 words)
5. 3 references (name, affiliation, title, contact address, telephone number, and e-mail address) for recommendation letter to be solicited at a later stage of the search process.

[Application deadline]
We will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications will not be considered after “September 1, 2026.

[Submission] 
Please submit all above-mentioned documents (PDF format) in a ZIP file to: riec-somu@grp.tohoku.ac.jp

[Contact information]
General Affairs Section, Research Institute of Electrical Communication, Tohoku University
2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba, Sendai, 980-8577 Japan
Phone: 022-217-5420, e-mail: riec-somu@grp.tohoku.ac.jp

[Employment Package]
In accordance with Tohoku University regulations

[Others]

• The submitted documents will only be used for screening and will not be disclosed to third parties unrelated to the screening process.
  
  
• 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 is here:
  http://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/about/
  
  
• 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 Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Tohoku University website:
  https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/consulting/for_minority/
  
  
• 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 on Seiryo Campus. 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 childcare leave among male employees.
  
  Tohoku University Center for Gender Equality Promotion website:
  https://dei.tohoku.ac.jp/en/vision/consulting/for_family
  
  Human Resources and Planning Department website:
  https://c.bureau.tohoku.ac.jp/jinji-top/external/a-4-kosodate/