Assistant Professor in Photobiology (Microbial Rhodopsin Research)
Join Hokkaido University’s Photobiology Lab to unravel molecular mechanisms of microbial rhodopsins and pioneer novel applications in medicine and environmental science.
Best for:Best for established researchers with expertise in protein biophysics, spectroscopy, and a passion for translating photobiological discoveries into practical applications.
Overview
Hokkaido University’s Faculty of Advanced Life Science is seeking an Assistant Professor to lead research in photobiology, focusing on microbial rhodopsins—light-sensitive proteins that play a critical role in energy conversion and signal transduction. The successful candidate will investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying protein function using time-resolved spectroscopy and electrochemistry, while also exploring innovative applications in environmental and medical fields. The role involves teaching at both graduate and undergraduate levels, including English-language courses, and contributing to administrative duties within the university. This position offers a dynamic environment to advance research in structural biology and functional protein engineering, with opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
What you'll do
- Conduct cutting-edge research on microbial rhodopsins, focusing on molecular mechanisms of light-driven energy conversion and signal transduction using time-resolved spectroscopy and electrochemistry.
- Develop and implement novel experimental techniques, including computational and bioengineering approaches, to advance protein function studies.
- Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in life sciences, including English-language lectures, at Hokkaido University’s Faculty of Advanced Life Science and Department of Biology.
- Supervise and mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in photobiology and related fields.
- Participate in university-wide administrative duties, including committee work and curriculum development.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to explore applications of photobiological discoveries in medicine, environmental science, and biotechnology.
- Publish research findings in high-impact journals and present results at national and international conferences.
- Contribute to the advancement of photobiology research through grant writing and external funding acquisition.
Requirements
Degree required: Doctoral degree (PhD) in Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field, or completion of the degree by the time of appointment.
Language: Japanese proficiency is not explicitly required, but English proficiency is essential for teaching and research collaboration.
Instruction: Japanese and English
Publications: Demonstrable research record with publications in peer-reviewed journals, particularly in photobiology or related fields.
- Proven expertise in protein biophysics, spectroscopy, or electrochemistry with a focus on light-sensitive proteins.
- Experience in time-resolved spectroscopic techniques (e.g., femtosecond spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy).
- Strong background in molecular biology, protein purification, and structural analysis methods.
- Ability to design and execute independent research projects with measurable outcomes.
- Familiarity with computational tools for protein modeling and simulation.
- Experience in teaching at the university level, including course development and student mentorship.
- No specific nationality restrictions, but applicants must meet Japanese visa requirements for employment.
- No age restrictions, but prior research experience and academic achievements are critical.
- No prior employment restrictions, but experience in academic or research institutions is preferred.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-10
Applicants must submit a single password-protected PDF containing their curriculum vitae, research achievements list, a summary of past research (2 pages max), a statement of future research and educational goals (2 pages max), and the names and contact details of two referees. Additionally, three key research papers must be submitted as separate PDFs without password protection. Applications must be submitted via the provided Google Form, which requires a Google account. Publons ID or ORCID ID must be provided during submission.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research achievements list (including peer-reviewed publications, reviews, books, patents, invited talks, external funding, and other contributions)
- Summary of past research (2 pages max)
- Statement of future research and educational goals (2 pages max)
- Names and contact details of two referees
- PDFs of three key research papers
Contact
Satozaki Tomoyasu· Personnel Committee Chair
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