The Graduate School of Education at Tohoku University is recruiting for the following position.

Position

Job Description

The Graduate School of Education is seeking an ambitious researcher to join an academic environment focused on improving education that deepens and widens students' critical thinking. 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. Teaching is not a component of this position.

Successful candidates will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

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

For further details, including how to apply, please see here.

Qualifications

Essential:

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) 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
• Ability to communicate research effectively in English

Desirable:

• Experience with comparative and international education methodologies
• Experience in proposal writing and project management

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents via email by the deadline. Submissions should be in English.

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. List of Research Achievements
3. Summary of Research Achievements (maximum 1 page)
4. Statement of Aspirations (maximum 1 page)
5. Contact Information for References (2 people)

Submission Email: greg.misiaszek.e3tohoku.ac.jp
Subject Line: "Application for Project Assistant Professor - [Your Name]"

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

About the Graduate School

Established in 1949, the Graduate School of Education is dedicated to pursuing a nuanced understanding of the many facets of education, and how these concepts can ultimately help us create a better society. The way humans obtain knowledge can be studied as a discipline in of itself, to create a fuller picture of humanity's history of learning, and how it will continue to evolve in the future. Politics, poverty, technological advancements like artificial intelligence and shifting demands are just some of the many factors that shape education strategies. To match this rapid pace, the Graduate School of Education has created new graduate programs and divisions (such as their information science division) to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to education research.