Position Open: Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence,and Neuroscience (CHAIN), Hokkaido University
Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence, and Neuroscience (CHAIN), Hokkaido
University, in Hokkaido, Japan invites applications for two 3.5-year post-doc positions withan anticipated start date of September 1st, 2020. Successful applicants will be appointed asa Postdoctoral Fellow in CHAIN. Women and members of other underrepresented groups
are particularly encouraged to apply.
CHAIN is a research and education center for interdisciplinary studies in the humanities, socialsciences, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. It aims to open up new directions ofresearch into the nature of human existence by fostering interaction and collaboration between
humanities and the social sciences, including philosophy, ethics, psychology (cognitive andsocial), law, and economics, on the one hand, and the natural sciences, such as neuroscience,
AI, and cognitive science, on the other. In particular, it focuses on connecting philosophicalideas with methods and insights of mathematical and empirical sciences. A newinterdisciplinary graduate program of CHAIN starts in July 2020.
Job description
This is a full-time research position. The postdoctoral fellows will engage in collaborative
research projects with one or more of the existing members of CHAIN. Besides theirresearch duties, they are expected to act as tutors in the yearly CHAIN summer and winterschools, as well as fulfil minimal administrative duties as members of CHAIN.
Qualifications
The ideal applicant will have a research project that will strengthen and complement existing
interdisciplinary research in CHAIN. They are expected to demonstrate the following
qualities and characteristics:
1. A PhD by the time of the appointment in areas related to the investigation of humannature, including psychology, AI, cognitive science, information science, robotics,philosophy and/or neuroscience.
2. Outstanding publication records and/or demonstrable potential to publish in highly
esteemed publication outlets.
3. Strong motivation to fulfil research and administrative duties as a member of CHAIN.
4. A demonstrated ability and strong interest to develop and engage in interdisciplinary
research projects in collaboration with existing members of the institution.

Application materials
Submit the following materials, compiled in a single ZIP file, via email at jobs[at]chain.hokudai.ac.jp to complete your application:
1. Curriculum Vitae*
2. Summary of past research accomplishments (1-2 pages)

3. Three most important publications relevant to this position.
4. Research statement - A statement about your research program, including potential
research projects with existing members of CHAIN (1-2 pages)
5. Two references (Names and contact details)
Use common fonts such as Times New Roman in black and size 12 points. Submit eachpublication (3) in a separate PDF file. Compile all the rest (1, 2, 4, and 5) in a single PDF
file. This makes four PDF files in total, which must then be compiled in a single ZIP file.
Submission is due Friday, 10 July, 2020 (JST). The subject line of the email must read“Application (Post-doc).” You will receive a confirmation email shortly after making asubmission. Please contact us immediately if you did not receive one within 3 business days.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited to take an online interview. Personal information
obtained through these materials will only be used within this selection process.
*Applicants who have been employed by Hokkaido University after April 1, 2014 (in anyposition, including Part-time Lecturer, Teaching Assistant, Teaching Fellow, ResearchAssistant and Short-term Support Assistant, etc.) should provide full details of theiremployment history in the CV.
Appointment terms
This is a full-time research position with an anticipated start date of September 1st, 2020.
Upon employment, an employment contract until the end of the fiscal year will be signed,
which is then renewed on a yearly basis until 31 March, 2024. The salary will be paid underthe annual-salary scheme and the discretionary labor system. The annual salary isdetermined in accordance with the internal regulations of Hokkaido University. Upon
employment, one will be enrolled in Health Insurance, Employee Pension, Workers’ Accident
Compensation Insurance and Employment Insurance. A one-month probationary period
applies. Questions about the position should be addressed to the chair of the searchcommittee, Shigeru Taguchi (inquiry[at]chain.hokudai.ac.jp).
Further information
Website: www.chain.hokudai.ac.jp/?lang=en
Center for Human Nature, Artificial Intelligence, and Neuroscience (CHAIN)
Hokkaido University
Kita 12 Nishi 7, Kita-ku, Sapporo
Hokkaido 060-0812 Japan
Application submission: E-mail for application: jobs [at] chain.hokudai.ac.jp
Inquiries: E-mail for inquiry: inquiry [at] chain.hokudai.ac.jp