Currently, a postdoc and a graduate student position are available. Please contact Akio for details beyond the following description.
Postdoc
A postdoc position is available under a grant "Physics of cosmogenesis investigated by atomic clocks" (JSPS Grant-in-Aid for Transformative Research Areas (A)).
In this project, we search for ultralight dark matter and drift of the fine structure constant. For this purpose, we make use of a conventional optical lattice clock using the 578 nm transition in ytterbium and a new optical clock operated with the 431 nm transition in ytterbium, where an electron in an inner f-orbital is excited. A successful applicant is expected to develop, operate, and analyze data obtained with an optical lattice clock and an optical tweezer clock using this 431 nm transition, working with Dr. Akio Kawasaki. Also, the candidate is encouraged to theoretically analyzing relevant topics.
A Ph.D. degree in experimental atomic physics or related field obtained within 7 years at the beginning of the appointment is required. However, applications from other fields are also welcomed if the candidate is eager to learn the experimental techniques in this field.
Following application materials should be submitted by e-mail to akio．kawasaki＠aist．go．jp.
1. Curriculum vitae including a list of publications
2. Declaration form
3. Statement of research interests and experience
4. Three letters of recommendation (these should be sent directly from the recommenders)
5. Certificate of the Ph.D. degree
For more details, please refer the official announcement from the institute in the following link.
https://unit.aist.go.jp/deihrd07/keiyaku_koubo/2026-ripm_0002.html#ttl
Graduate student
Graduate students can work at AIST through its RA system. The nominal supervisor is a professor at a university, and Akio serves as a co-supervisor.
For a Ph.D. student, Akio has a grant specifically for a stipend of 200,000 JPY/month through FOREST grant. Other students including master students can be financially supported as an AIST RA. Salary is regulated by the institution as 1700 JPY/hr for master students and 2100 JPY/hr for Ph.D. students.
Last update: March 14, 2026