Specially Appointed Assistant Professor or Specially Appointed Researcher (Fixed-term Faculty)

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Medical Innovation Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
Ohtsuki Group, Department of Drug Discovery Medicine
Address: 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Medical Innovation Center
(If teleworking is permitted or mandated by the university, the workplace may be your home or another approved location.)

Our research team aims to elucidate the impact of neuroinflammatory stress on dementia and psychiatric disorders and to develop methods for recovery. Specifically, we focus on the role of immune cells using mammalian models and human brain samples, integrating molecular and organismal levels to create therapeutic strategies. Our research includes studying mechanisms of neuroplasticity induced by microglia in various brain regions and cell types, as well as investigating abnormal behaviors, neuronal morphology, synaptic transmission, neurophysiology (including synaptic plasticity, excitability, whole-brain functional connectivity), using advanced techniques such as electrophysiology, brain functional analysis, highly multiplexed antibody staining, and omics analysis (Yamamoto et al., 2019 Cell Rep; Ohtsuki, 2020 J Neurosci; Yamawaki et al., 2022 Curr Res Neurobiol; Kawatake-Kuno et al., 2024 Neuron; Hikosaka et al., under revision). Going forward, we plan to continue incorporating new technologies and creative ideas to discover mechanisms and treatments for dementia and psychiatric disorders from innovative perspectives.

We are recruiting individuals with experience in neuroscience, molecular and cellular biology, behavioral psychology, electrophysiology, anatomy, omics (genomic and proteomic analysis), and physiological analysis of cells and behavior using artificial intelligence. We invite applicants to join us in advancing research on dementia and psychiatric disorders and in shaping a hopeful future.

The job duties differ slightly between the Program-specific Assistant Professor and Researcher roles.

[Specially Appointed Researcher]:
The position involves conducting neuroscience and neuroimmunology research related to dementia and psychiatric disorders, using mouse models and human samples. Areas of focus include:

Molecular and cellular biology (e.g., viral vector design, gene introduction, antisense oligo delivery and testing)
Behavioral psychology (e.g., mouse behavior tests and data analysis)
Electrophysiology (e.g., patch-clamp, extracellular recording, in vivo two-photon imaging, fMRI analysis)
Tissue anatomy (e.g., antibody staining, cell morphology observation, electron microscopy, data analysis)
Omics (e.g., genomic and proteomic spatial analysis)
Physiological analysis using AI (e.g., Matlab/Python, analysis using Ohtsuki Lab’s programming, coding skills, and mathematical/statistical analysis).

[Specially Appointed Assistant Professor]:
In addition to the above research tasks, this role will also involve assisting with practicals and lectures in the Department of Drug Discovery Medicine. The decision on the specific role will be based on the applicant's research background, abilities, and accomplishments.

From December 1, 2024, or as soon as possible thereafter (negotiable), until March 31, 2025.

The contract may be renewed annually, up to the end of the project (March 31, 2028), depending on factors such as workload, performance, attitude, ability, and project progress.
The exact start date will be determined during the interview process.

A six-month probationary period applies, in accordance with university employment regulations.

Discretionary labor system for professional work (equivalent to 38 hours and 45 minutes per week, or 7 hours and 45 minutes per day).
If the discretionary system is not applied, regular hours are 8:30 am to 5:15 pm, Monday through Friday (1-hour break from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm).
Overtime work may be required.
Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, and the university's founding day (June 18).

Based on Kyoto University’s salary regulations, determined according to experience and ability (annual salary system).

No transportation, bonus, or retirement allowances are provided.

You will be enrolled in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Mutual Aid Association, employee pension insurance, employment insurance, and workers' compensation insurance.

Please send the following application documents as PDF attachments via email to Program-specific Professor Gen Ohtsuki (ohtsuki.gen.7w*kyoto-u.ac.jp (replace * with @)). The email subject should be "Application for Specially Appointed Assistant Professor (or Specially Appointed Researcher) – [Applicant’s Name]".

The application will close once suitable candidates are selected.

Screening of documents followed by interviews, which may include a seminar presentation.
Details of interviews will be communicated separately.
Travel and accommodation expenses for the interview are the responsibility of the applicant.
Inquiries prior to submitting your application are welcome.

Program-specific Professor Gen Ohtsuki,
Department of Drug Discovery Medicine, Medical Innovation Center, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University
53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507
Phone: 075-366-7477
Email: ohtsuki.gen.7w*kyoto-u.ac.jp (replace * with @)

/ Minimal non-research duties allow for a focus on research.
/ Opportunities for conference presentations and international collaborations are available.
/ The small, flexible team encourages learning various techniques and knowledge.
/ We provide as much support as possible for career development.

Selection results and reasons for acceptance or rejection will not be disclosed.
Application materials will be used solely for the purpose of this selection process and will not be disclosed, transferred, or lent to third parties without legitimate reasons.
Application materials will not be returned.
Kyoto University promotes gender equality and actively encourages female researchers to apply. Periods of research interruption due to childbirth, childcare, or caregiving will be taken into account during the selection process.
Kyoto University enforces a strict no-smoking policy on all campuses, except in designated outdoor areas, to prevent passive smoking.