Associate Professor in River Disaster Prevention Systems at Kyoto University – Japan

Summary

Kyoto University’s Disaster Prevention Research Institute seeks a tenured Associate Professor in the Research Section of River Disaster Prevention Systems. The role involves conducting flood and sediment‑transport research on river infrastructure using numerical simulations, statistical or machine‑learning methods, and laboratory experiments at the Ujigawa Open Laboratory. The professor will also manage the laboratory, teach graduate students in the Department of Civil and Earth Resources Engineering, and work full‑time under a discretionary labor system. The position requires a PhD, proficiency in Japanese, and offers a salary of ¥6,000,000 with standard university benefits. Applications close on 7 December 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI)
Position Type	Associate Professor
Discipline	Civil and Earth Resources Engineering
Research Area	River Disaster Prevention Systems
Degree Required	PhD or equivalent degree
Salary	¥6,000,000
Funding	Salary
Contract Duration	Tenured (permanent)
Language	Japanese
Deadline	2026-12-07

About the Project

The project focuses on engineering challenges posed by floods and sediment transport under climate change, targeting river embankments, spur dikes, dams, and related infrastructure. It combines fluid‑dynamics simulations, statistical or machine‑learning analyses, and experimental work in the Ujigawa Open Laboratory to develop mitigation strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research on flood and sediment‑transport hazards and river infrastructure
• Use fluid‑dynamics‑based numerical simulations, mathematical, statistical, or machine‑learning methods
• Conduct experiments using the facilities at the Ujigawa Open Laboratory
• Participate actively in the management and operation of the laboratory
• Teach students in the Department of Civil and Earth Resources Engineering at the Graduate School of Engineering

Required Skills

• Proficiency in fluid‑dynamics numerical simulations
• Ability to apply mathematical, statistical, or machine‑learning methods
• Experience with experimental approaches in a laboratory setting
• Ability and willingness to use Japanese in daily work

Who Should Apply

Candidates holding a PhD or equivalent degree, with expertise in flood, sediment‑transport, or river infrastructure research, and who can work in Japanese.

Benefits

• Social insurance, employee pension insurance, unemployment insurance, workers’ accident insurance
• Regular days off: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, year‑end and New Year holidays, university anniversary
• Designated outdoor smoking areas; smoking prohibited inside buildings

About the Employer

Kyoto University’s Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI) conducts research on disaster mitigation, focusing on river flood and sediment challenges. The institute offers a tenured associate professorship with access to the Ujigawa Open Laboratory and integrates teaching within the Graduate School of Engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 7 December 2026 at 23:59 UTC.

Is the position tenured?

Yes, it is a tenured associate professorship with a six‑month probationary period.

What language proficiency is required?

Applicants must be able and willing to use Japanese in daily work.