Visiting Assistant Professor Openings at Tsukuba University for Autumn 2027 and Spring 2028

The University of Tsukuba invites applications for one Specially Appointed Assistant Professor position for the Autumn 2027 and Spring 2028 semesters. This opportunity is open to graduating doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars at Ohio State from any academic discipline. Selected finalists will be invited to interview with the Tsukuba administration and, if selected, matched to an academic department at Tsukuba that aligns with their expertise and research interests. 

About the institution 

Established in 1973, the University of Tsukuba was founded as a forward-looking institution with a mission to promote innovative research and education in science, technology, and the humanities. With more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, the university is known for its interdisciplinary approach and its vibrant international community. Today, Tsukuba is home to 16,650 students, supported by 2,350 faculty members and 1,300 staff. Its location near 30 of Japan’s leading research institutions offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and scholarly growth.

Position Details

Access the application online

Position Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary instructor of record for up to 5 undergraduate courses per semester.
  • Each course meets for 75 minutes per week; this teaching load is equivalent to two 4-credit-hour courses per semester at a U.S.-based R1 institution.
  • Humanities faculty typically teach more courses than STEM faculty due to the nature of lab-based instruction in STEM.
  • Courses are taught in English.
• Design and deliver lectures, develop and assess assignments and exams; hold office hours and meet with students individually or in small groups; participate in department meetings and collaborate with faculty as appropriate. 

Qualifications

• Required: Ph.D. or other relevant terminal degree completed before the anticipated start date (Spring 2027, April 1, 2027).
• Preferred: Demonstrated teaching experience, interest in international education, and a strong record of research and/or publication in the candidate’s field. 

Benefits & Support

• The individual selected by the University of Tsukuba as a visiting assistant professor will be matched to a senior faculty member for mentorship and to assist with acclimation to Japanese higher education.
• Full access to university scholarly resources including libraries, office space, lab facilities, and equipment to support both teaching and research activities.
• Support from the University of Tsukuba to identify housing options near campus.
• Ohio State will provide an orientation to Japanese Higher Education to the selected candidate. 

This is a unique opportunity for early-career scholars to gain international teaching experience, engage with leading researchers, and become part of a dynamic and global academic community in one of Japan’s most innovative and well-connected institutions. 

Application Instructions

Required Materials

• Current CV with publication record
• Names and contact information for three professional references
• Teaching experience statement
• Cover letter outlining your interest in this opportunity and how this supports your career goals 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit all required materials here: Tsukuba teaching application.

Note: Initial screening of applications will be conducted by The Ohio State University, which will identify 3–4 finalists who best meet the University of Tsukuba’s instructional needs. Finalists will then be interviewed by faculty and administrators at Tsukuba for final consideration and placement. Ultimately, only one finalist will be hired by the University of Tsukuba. All candidates, regardless of scholarly discipline, will receive equal consideration. 

Additional Information about Tsukuba

The University of Tsukuba is situated in Tsukuba Science City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, an area renowned for its concentration of more than 30 research institutions across various scientific disciplines. These institutions contribute significantly to scientific and technological advancements across the nation and foster a dynamic research environment in the Tsukuba region. Some notable research institutes in the region include: 

1. National Institute for Materials Science

• Sector: Materials Science
• Scholarly Focus: NIMS conducts comprehensive research in materials science, aiming to innovate and develop new materials with advanced properties.

2. High Energy Accelerator Research Organization

• Sector: High-Energy Physics
• Scholarly Focus: KEK operates Japan's largest particle physics laboratory, providing infrastructure for experiments in high-energy physics, material science, structural biology, and radiation science.

3. National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience

• Sector: Earth Science and Disaster Risk Reduction
• Scholarly Focus: NIED focuses on research related to earthquake and tsunami phenomena, aiming to enhance disaster resilience through scientific understanding.

4. National Agriculture and Food Research Organization

• Sector: Agriculture and Food Research
• Scholarly Focus: NARO conducts research to improve agricultural productivity and food quality, addressing challenges in food security and sustainable agriculture.

5. National Institute for Environmental Studies

• Sector: Environmental Studies
• Scholarly Focus: NIES undertakes interdisciplinary research on environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control.

6. Innovation Medical Research Institute, University of Tsukuba

• Sector: Medical Research
• Scholarly Focus: This institute engages in innovative research and development in healthcare, fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government to drive medical advancements.

7. Institute of Information Sciences and Electronics, University of Tsukuba

• Sector: Information and Computer Sciences
• Scholarly Focus: The institute focuses on research in areas such as computer architecture, information mathematics, data science, software engineering, and intelligent systems.

8. Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, University of Tsukuba

• Sector: Artificial Intelligence
• Scholarly Focus: C-AIR promotes interdisciplinary AI research, emphasizing human-supporting AI technologies for next-generation smart communities.