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Bayi Glacier in Qilian Mountain, China (Credit: Xiaoming Wang, distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu)

Job advertisement Postdoctoral Researcher at Marine Seismology Research Group, Subduction Dynamics Research Center (SDR), Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics (IMG), JAMSTEC

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Postdoctoral Researcher at Marine Seismology Research Group, Subduction Dynamics Research Center (SDR), Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics (IMG), JAMSTEC

Position
Postdoctoral Researcher at Marine Seismology Research Group, Subduction Dynamics Research Center (SDR), Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics (IMG), JAMSTEC

Employer
Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) logo

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has the main objective to contribute to the advancement of academic research in addition to the improvement of marine science and technology by proceeding the fundamental research and development on marine, and the cooperative activities on the academic research related to the Ocean for the benefit of the peace and human welfare.

Homepage: https://www.jamstec.go.jp/e/


Location
Yokohama, Japan

Sector
Government

Type
Full time

Level
Entry level

Salary
Annual salary (paid in 1/12 equal monthly payments) JPY 4,400,000-5,600,000 *There is no raise. *Bonus and retirement allowance are included in the annual salary.

Preferred education
PhD

Application deadline
17 December 2025

Posted
21 November 2025

Job description

Job Description

We invite applications for postdoctoral researchers to participate in a “study on understanding the seismogenic zones and oceanic volcanoes through geophysical surveys and observations (FY2026-FY2032 PI: Gou Fujie)”.

[Research Description]
(Immediately upon employment)
In the Subduction Dynamics Research Center (SDR), we investigate seismogenic zones and oceanic volcanoes (i.e., submarine volcanoes and volcanic islands) through marine surveys and observations. To elucidate earthquake generation processes and contribute to the forecasting of large earthquakes and tsunamis, we carry out seismic exploration, seafloor earthquake observations, and geological investigations on the occurrence history of earthquakes and tsunamis. These investigations are conducted in and around major plate subduction seismogenic zones—such as the Nankai Trough, the Japan Trench, and the Kuril Trench—where the occurrence of major earthquakes and tsunamis is of significant concern.
In addition, we conduct geophysical surveys of the submarine volcanoes and volcanic islands that surround Japan to elucidate their internal structures.

We are seeking postdoctoral researchers who will primarily focus on either (1) or (2) below, and additionally engage in multiple research themes such as (3) and (4), in order to contribute to revealing the characteristics of plate subduction seismogenic zones and oceanic volcanic areas. Successful candidates are expected to work actively and collaboratively with researchers in the IMG, as well as with scientists and experts from domestic and international partner institutions.

Research Themes
(1) Research on the internal structure and physical properties of the Earth’s crust and subducting plates based on analyses of marine seismic survey data (multichannel seismic reflection surveys and refraction surveys using ocean-bottom seismometers).
(2) Development of techniques for subsurface imaging and integrated onshore—offshore exploration utilizing the data obtained from seismic surveys (active source) and earthquake observations (passive source).
(3) Research on subsurface structures and processes using marine geophysical observations, including bathymetry, electromagnetism, gravity, and magnetics.
(4) Studies aimed at understanding the characteristics of seismogenic zones and oceanic volcanoes, making use of results from the above research themes.

(The scope of possible changes)
The duties designated by JAMSTEC

[Relevant Research Fields]
Solid Earth Geophysics, Exploration Geophysics, Seismology, Geology, Volcanology, Information Science, Petrology, Materials Science on Earth, etc.

Work Place

Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC)
Yokohama Institute for Earth Sciences (YES),
3173-25 Showa-machi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama,
Kanagawa, 236-0001, JAPAN

For further information, please visit:
https://www.jamstec.go.jp/recruit/e/details/sdr20251217/


How to apply

To apply, please visit:

https://www.jamstec.go.jp/recruit/e/details/sdr20251217/

Closing Date

December 17, 2025 at 23:59 in Japan time
*Depending on the situation of applications, the closing date may be extended.