Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), The University of Tokyo
Recruitment Information for Project Researcher on Urban Green Spaces(Fixed-Term)
1.

Title and Hiring Number:

Project Researcher (One)

2. Term of Employment:[1 September 2023] to [31 March 2024] with a subsequent renewal up to 31
March 2025 subject to satisfactory performance

3. Renewal of Contract:

The employment contract may be renewed on an academic year basis(from1 April to 31 March of the following year) depending on the evaluation ofwork performance. If renewed, the number of renewals shall be one annual,and the maximum period of contract shall be until 31 March 2025.

4.

6 months from the date of employment

Probation Period:

5. Place of work:

Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), The University of Tokyo
Hongo Campus, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

6. Experience:

Recent PhD graduate or equivalent research experience

7.

Work Duties:

The successful applicant will conduct research on urban green spaces withparticularly focus on geospatial analysis and household surveys with beneficiaries
and surrounding residents of green spaces, in collaboration with project partners.
Particular research tasks of the successful applicant will be to:•
Identify and measure the intangible benefits of green spaces with particularfocus on aesthetical values and recreation;•Identify how these intangible benefits affect different constituents of humanwellbeing;•
Identify how these intangible benefits are provided and mediated by different
components of biodiversity;•Design methods to compare findings across study sites, and other publishedresults.
•Case studies will include (but are not limited to) green spaces in Tokyo
Metropolitan Area•
Translate the research outcomes in recommendations for meeting theSustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Main duties and responsibilities•Conduct empirical research at the interface of biodiversity, ecosystemservices, and human wellbeing with a specific focus on urban green spaces;•
Design quantitative and qualitative methodologies to collect, analyze, andinterpret relevant environmental and socioeconomic data (e.g. through surveys,geospatial analysis);•
Lead (or contribute to) field campaigns in the study green spaces;•Analyse primary and secondary data using appropriate computer software,statistical analysis, databases, etc;
•Conduct geospatial analysis using different remote sensing products;

••••
•

Prepare manuscripts for submission to leading peer-reviewed journals;
Supervise, where necessary, research students and field assistants;
Fulfill, where necessary, administrative duties, such as design fieldwork
budgets, coordinate with other team members, and manage research funds;
Liaise with project partners to ensure the smooth operation ofcollaborative research components;
Represent IFI at international and national events, increasing the profile of theInstitute and the project in the field of biodiversity and ecosystem services;

While the above list summarises the post-holder’s main duties, it is not comprehensive.
The post-holder may be required to undertake other duties of similar level andresponsibility within the project and IFI.
8. Working Hours:

Discretionary work system for professional work applies.
Working hours will be deemed 7 hours and 45 minutes per day

9. Days off:

Saturdays, Sundays, Holidays and the year-end and New Year holidays(December 29 to January 3)

10. Leave:

Annual Paid Leave, Special Leave, etc.

11. Wages:

Annual Salary System applies.
Monthly Paid Salary: JPY 320,000 – 350,000 depending on qualifications,capacity and experience
Commuting Allowance: Depends on home address (up to JPY 55,000)

12. Insurance:

The successful applicant will be automatically enrolled in the insurance from
the Mutual Aid Association of MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports,Science and Technology) and Employment Insurance.

13. Selection criteria:

Essential• PhD (or equivalent research experience) in Ecological/Environmental
Economics, Sustainability Science or related subject with goodknowledge of economics, statistics and geospatial analysis• Experience of primary and secondary data collection and analysis;• Working experience in different social-ecological systems such as urban
green spaces, food production landscapes and/or coastal systems;• Good quantitative skills (especially statistical analysis), and knowledgeof appropriate software;• Good working knowledge of statistical tools, and especially causal
inference statistical tests such as Structural Equation Modelling (SEM);• Good working knowledge of geospatial analysis tools;• Demonstrated ability to conduct or manage fieldwork;• Good understanding of the SDGs and related targets;• Proven skills in writing/publishing papers in leading scientificjournals;• Experience delivering presentations to national/international audiences;• Demonstrated ability to work independently;• Excellent leadership, managerial, and communication skills;• Excellent working knowledge of English;• Willingness to spend prolonged periods of time to conduct fieldwork;• Working experience in multi-partner and interdisciplinary projects

14. Submission Documents:(a) The University of Tokyo Standard Resume. Downloaded at:
http://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/about/jobs.html(b) Full CV with list of academic publications(c) Cover Letter explaining the reasons for applying and the experience
related to the specific post(d) Names of two referees that can provide information about your researchand professional experience and achievements

15. Submission Method:

Please apply by email and send all of the above documents toDr. Alexandros Gasparatos: gasparatos@ifi.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Please quote “Urban Green Spaces Project Researcher Application” in allcommunications

16. Deadline:

Friday, 19 May 2023
Selected applicants will be invited for an in person or Zoom/skype/phoneinterview soon after the deadline.

17. Name of Recruiter:

The University of Tokyo

18. Contact:

Institute for Future Initiatives (IFI), The University ofTokyo7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8654, JapanFor any questions please contact directly Dr. Alexandros Gasparatos:
gasparatos@ifi.u-tokyo.ac.jp

19. State of working measures to avoid passive smoking:Smoking is prohibited inside the grounds of our university. We havesmoking areas outdoors.
20. Other

The selected applicant will be based at the Gasparatos Lab at the InstituteforFuture Initiatives (IFI). IFI was established in April 2019 to integrate thePolicy Alternatives Research Institute (PARI) and the Integrated Research
System for Sustainability Science (IR3S) to promote stronger
interdisciplinary research and societal collaboration for our futuresociety. The mission of the IFI is to make policy and social
recommendations on future society issues and pursues research incollaboration with society toward those ends. It also aims to serveas an international network hub integrating university knowledge
related to future society and as a platform for collaborative creation
between industry, government, academia, and citizens to provide
research-based alternatives for creating our future society and tohelp develop the human resources necessary to achieve it.
For more information about
http://www.gasparatos-lab.org/

theGasparatos

For more information about IFI refer to: https://ifi.utokyo.ac.jp/en/labrefer to:If you are personally in contract with foreign governmental bodies,
corporations or universities, or you are in receipt of a large benefit (financialor any other form) from foreign governmental bodies duringthe period ofyour employment, the provisions of the Foreign Exchangeand Foreign Trade
Act (FEFTA) may prohibit or restrict the sharing of technology that aredesignated as controlled technology possibly making it difficult for you tofulfill your duties as an academic or administrative staff of the university asa result. Therefore, in such cases it is necessary to keep suchcontracts/benefits within the scope where it does not hinder the sharing oftechnologies necessary for yourduties by the university.
We welcome proactive application from women in accordance with “TheUniversity of Tokyo, Declaration for Promoting Gender Equality (March 3,2009).”