Position Open: Assistant Professor or Specially Appointed Lecturer, Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence, and Neuroscience (CHAIN), Hokkaido University

Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence, and Neuroscience (CHAIN), Hokkaido University, in Hokkaido, Japan invites applications for a 3.5 year research and teaching position with an anticipated start date of September 1st, 2020. The successful applicant will be appointed as a faculty member at the rank of Specially Appointed Assistant Professor or Lecturer in CHAIN. Women and members of other underrepresented groups are particularly encouraged to apply.

CHAIN is a research and education center for interdisciplinary studies in the humanities, social sciences, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. It aims to open up new directions of research into the nature of human existence by fostering interaction and collaboration between humanities and the social sciences, including philosophy, ethics, psychology (cognitive and social), law, and economics, and the natural sciences, such as neuroscience, AI, and cognitive science. In particular, it focuses on connecting philosophical ideas with methods and insights of mathematical and empirical sciences. A new interdisciplinary graduate program of CHAIN starts in July 2020. 

Qualifications

The ideal applicant will have an independent research project that will strengthen and complement existing interdisciplinary research in CHAIN. They are expected to demonstrate the following qualities and characteristics:

1. A PhD by the time of the appointment in one (or more) of the following area(s): philosophy, ethics, psychology, cognitive science, neuroscience, AI, information science, or robotics. 

2. Outstanding publication records and/or demonstrable potential to publish in highly esteemed publication outlets.

3. Strong motivation to fulfill research, teaching, and administrative duties as a faculty member in CHAIN.

4. Enthusiasm and competence for delivering postgraduate and undergraduate courses on topics pertinent to CHAIN’s research and education goals.

5. A demonstrated ability and strong interest to develop and engage in interdisciplinary research projects in collaboration with existing members of the institution. 

Application materials

Submit the following materials, compiled in a single ZIP file, via email at jobs [at]chain.hokudai.ac.jp to complete your application:

1. Curriculum Vitae*

2. Summary of past research accomplishments (1-2 pages)

3. Three most important publications relevant to this position. 

4. Brief statement of research and teaching interests (1-2 pages)

5. Two references (Names and contact details)

Use common fonts such as Times New Roman in black and size 12 points. 

Submit each publication in a separate PDF file. Compile all the rest (1, 2, 4, and 5) in a single PDF file. This makes four PDF files in total, which must then be compiled in a single ZIP file.

Submission is due Monday, 8 June, 2020 (JST). The subject line of the email must read “Application (Lecturer/Assistant Professor).” You will receive a confirmation email shortly after making a submission. Please contact us immediately if you did not receive one within 3 business days. Personal information obtained through these materials will only be used within this selection process.

*Applicants who have been employed by Hokkaido University after April 1, 2014 (in any position, including Part-time Lecturer, Teaching Assistant, Teaching Fellow, Research Assistant and Short-term Support Assistant, etc.) should provide full details of their employment history in the CV.

Appointment terms

This is a full-time research and teaching position with an anticipated start date of September 1st, 2020. The salary will be paid under the annual-salary scheme and the discretionary labor system. The annual salary is determined in accordance with the internal regulations of Hokkaido University. Upon employment, one will be enrolled in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Mutual Aid Association, Employees Pension, Workers’ Accident Compensation Insurance and Employment Insurance. A one month probationary period applies. Questions about the position should be addressed to the chair of the search committee, Shigeru Taguchi (inquiry[at]chain.hokudai.ac.jp).

Further information

Website: www.chain.hokudai.ac.jp/?lang=en

Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence, and Neuroscience (CHAIN)    

Hokkaido University

Kita 12 Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo

Hokkaido 060-0812 Japan  

Application submission:  jobs [at] chain.hokudai.ac.jp

Inquiries: : inquiry [at] chain.hokudai.ac.jp