Global Young Scholars into the Future (GYSF) Program
Center for Southeast Asian Studies
Kyoto University, Japan

Call For Applications
Assistant Professor (non-tenure track)

[Outline]
The Center for Southeast Asian Studies (CSEAS) at Kyoto University seeks to appoint an earlycareer scholar (no more than 5 years beyond PhD conferral) at the rank of Assistant Professor, to commence on 1 April 2026. CSEAS conducts interdisciplinary research on the environment, culture, society, politics and economy of Southeast Asia and beyond. This research is channeled towards addressing crucial global issues, including environmental degradation and natural resource management, economic growth and distribution, democratization, health and ageing, urbanization and demographics, infectious diseases and natural disasters, with an emphasis on joint research and discussion among domestic and international researchers.

The appointment will be made under the Global Young Scholars into the Future (GYSF) program, which is an initiative jointly administered by the three institutions that constitute the Department of Area Studies (ASAFAS, Institute for the Future of Human Society, and CSEAS). In order to develop young scholars into world-class university faculty members, GYSF requires that they engage in overseas research at a world-class overseas university for at least one year during their term of service and that they promote international collaborative research and participate in educational activities at the host university. If the application for overseas research is judged to meet certain criteria, the three departments will jointly provide support for travel and other expenses.

[Job Description]
In seeking to propagate the Centerʼs emphasis on collaborative research among domestic and international researchers, Assistant Professors are expected to pursue the following academic activities:

1. Developing and disseminating a dynamic interdisciplinary research program in area studies arising primarily from the candidateʼs own research agenda. This would include publishing in reputable international outlets, and participating in international and local conferences and symposia. Research funding for fieldwork research and conference attendance will be provided subject to executive approval.
2. Engaging in substantive collaboration with the Centerʼs faculty and staff. This includes facilitating and supporting the Centerʼs flagship programs, workshops, seminars, grant applications and other academic activities.
3. Working on secondment in a top-level research institution such as an overseas university for about one year during the period of employment and have no difficulty in conducting international joint research.
4. Assistant professors may be able to do part-time undergraduate teaching or graduate student mentorship subject to faculty approval and availability.

[Qualifications]

1. Applicants must have an officially conferred PhD. in a field related to the research of CSEAS by March 31, 2026.
2. Applicants must have been conferred a Ph.D. no earlier than 31 March 2021.
3. Experience in sustained field research in a specific region and a demonstrated capacity to conduct joint research with faculty members from various fields is preferred.
4. The applicant must be able to demonstrate a capacity to work at a top-level research institution (such as an overseas university) for about one year during the period ofemployment.

*Kyoto University is actively promoting gender equality and welcomes applications from female candidates.

[Number of positions available]
1

[Period of employment]
After an initial probationary period of 6 months, the term of employment is five years from 1 April 2026. There is a possibility of a two-year extension subject to a formal performance review at the end of the fourth year.

[Work Schedule]
Discretionary Labor System for Professional Work (equivalent to 38 hours and 45 minutes per week, equivalent to 7 hours and 45 minutes per day)
・If the discretionary work system for specialized work is not applied, the employee works from 8:30AM to 5:15PM with one hour break (12:00-13:00).
・Overtime may be required when necessary.
Days off: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, year-end and New Year holidays, and the Kyoto University’s founding anniversary.

[Work Location]
Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Kyoto University
（Location: 46, Shimoadachi-cho, Yoshida Sakyo-ku, Kyoto）
(Range of alteration)
If the university permits or requests teleworking, the place of work includes the home, etc.

[Salary]
To be determined in accordance with Kyoto University regulations.

[Social Insurance]
MEXT* mutual aid association membership, employee pension, Employment Insurance and Labor Insurance
*MEXT: Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology

[Application Procedure]
Applicants should submit the following application documents 1) to 5) as PDF files by email.
For 6), please ask your recommender to upload it.

1. A cover letter
2. Research Statement
   A written statement of the candidates research to date as well as her/his longer-term research agenda (approximately 1500 words in English or 3000 characters in Japanese). This document may also include the candidates nominated research institution for the one-year secondment and the reasons for his/her choice.
3. Full Curriculum vitae which includes the following:
   Biographical details including gender, nationality, date of birth, current occupation, educational background (high school graduation and beyond), academic degrees, qualifications, work experience, current institutional affiliation etc.
4. A list of research publications:
   The list must clearly indicate the lead author’s name, year of publication, title, book title, journal name, volume, issue, page, and whether or not it has been internationally refereed.
   Kindly indicate by circling the two research publications that best exemplify the candidate’s research achievements and/or scholarly capacity. The list also includes ongoing research projects, fellowships, competitive research funding acquired, language skills, presentations at international conferences and seminars, field research experience, and awards received.
5. Softcopies (PDF or MS Word format) of two major publications.
   These documents should include a summary/abstract of each major work (250 words each in English or 500 characters each in Japanese)
6. Two letters of recommendation sent directly to the Selection Committee by the application due date (in English or Japanese)
   Please request that your recommender upload the file to the URL (https://u.kyoto-u.jp/h5uq0)
   by 11:59 p.m. Japan time on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
   Additional materials may be requested during the selection process.
   Submit to:
   Application materials should be sent via email attachment to 430koubo[@]mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp with “CSEAS GYSF assistant professor application (Name)” as the subject of your email.
   Deadline: 11:59 p.m. Japan time on Tuesday, September 30, 2025

[Selection Procedure]
Selection will be based on the submitted documents. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the selection committee conducted face to face or online. Applicants are responsible for any expenses related to the interview (including transportation and accommodation costs).

[Inquiry]
For inquiries, please contact 430koubo[@]mail2.adm.kyoto-u.ac.jp

[Other]

• The documents you submit will only be used to screen applicants for recruitment. They will not be
  shared, transferred, or lent to other people. Please note that we cannot return application
  documents.
• Kyoto University supports gender equality. We encourage female researchers to apply.
• Kyoto University does not allow smoking indoors on any of its campuses. You also can’t smokeoutdoors, except in areas that are marked as smoking areas. These rules are in place to protectpeople from secondhand smoke.