Description
The Graduate School of Education, Faculty of Education at Tohoku University invites applications for a Specially Appointed Assistant Professor (Research). This position is part of a high-impact global initiative for the University for International Research Excellence at Tohoku University (UREX-Tohoku Project). The selected applicant will work under International Distinguished Professor Greg William Misiaszek (Tohoku University) and Associate Professor Jing Liu (Tohoku University).
We are seeking an ambitious researcher to join an academic environment focused on improving education that deepens and widens students' critical thinking grounded in social and environmental justice globally, and planetary sustainability. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in transformative research that is grounded in critical theories and education, environmental/sustainability pedagogies, and comparative education methodologies.
Activites
1 Research & Analysis:
Conduct literature reviews and engage with research on ecopedagogy, (post)critical theories, and comparative/international education.
Design and conduct qualitative and theoretical-based ecopedagogical research.
Analyze data, interpret findings, and generate original theoretical and applied insights.
2 Dissemination & Application:
Write manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences and stakeholder meetings.
Draft research proposals for external funding in collaboration with senior colleagues.
Develop online publications and other materials to disseminate ecopedagogical teaching, methodologies, and theoretical (re)invention
Develop policy recommendations and training materials for in/non-formal education levels
3 Project Management:
Manage research projects and liaise with internal and external collaborators
Co-Manage an international network of ecopedagogue researchers and practitioners
Ensure high standards of research rooted in ethics, justice, peace, and sustainability
Note: This is a research-focused position with no teaching duties.
Helpful Websites:
Tohoku University website: https://www.tohoku.ac.jp/en/news/careers/recruitment_specially_appointed_assistant_professor_research_edu.html
JREC-IN Portal: https://jrecin.jst.go.jp/seek/SeekJorDetail?id=D126021509
Greg William Misiaszek website: www.ecopedagogy.com
Requirements
Degree Requirements
PhD in Education, or a closely related field (obtained by the start date)
Qualifications Essential
PhD in Education, or a closely related field (obtained by the start date).
Track record of peer-reviewed publications as lead author in education focused on criticality and environmental/sustainable pedagogies.
Strong proficiency in qualitative methods
Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and international teams.
English: Ability to communicate research effectively.
Desirable
Experience with comparative and international education methodologies
Experience in proposal writing and project management
Time Length
- Nontenured - Non-tenure track
- Annual contract, renewable based on performance and budget, up to a maximum of March 31, 2028.
- Probationary period present: 6 months (the probationary period counts toward years of service)
Hiring Date: 2026/10/01
Submission Due Date: 2026/06/30
Salary: 4 million yen ~ 7 million yen (Salary determined under the Annual Salary System in accordance with Tohoku University regulations.)
Application Items
Please submit the following documents via email by the deadline. Submissions should be in English.
Curriculum Vitae
List of Research Achievements
Summary of Research Achievements (Max. 1 page)
Statement of Aspirations (Max. 1 page)
Contact Information for References (2 people)
Submission Email: greg.misiaszek.e3@tohoku.ac.jp
Subject Line: "Application for Project Assistant Professor - [Your Name]"
Note: Travel expenses for interviews will not be reimbursed. Applications will be kept confidential and documents will not be returned. (We will dispose of all application documents responsibly.)
