Summary
The National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES), Japan, is inviting applications for one Research Associate (Contract Research Employee) position in the Global Resource Sustainability Research Section, Material Cycles Division. The position focuses on Industrial Ecology Research on Pro-environmental Behavior, supporting research on decarbonization, circular economy, sustainable consumption, and biodiversity recovery. Candidates with a Ph.D. or those nearing completion of their doctoral degree are encouraged to apply.
Research Associate Position or PhD Opportunity in Industrial Ecology & Pro-environmental Behavior, NIES, Japan 2006
Designation
Research Associate (Contract Research Employee)
Research Area
- Industrial Ecology
- Pro-environmental Behavior
- Sustainable Consumption
- Circular Economy
- Decarbonization (Carbon Neutrality)
- Biodiversity Recovery
- Environmentally Extended Input-Output Analysis (EEIOA)
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Environmental Footprint Assessment
- Behavioral Science and Sustainability
Location
National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES)
Global Resource Sustainability Research Section
Material Cycles Division
Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
Eligibility/Qualification
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Ph.D. degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
- Candidates who have substantially completed their doctoral dissertation and expect to receive their Ph.D. soon are also eligible.
- Academic background in Environmental Engineering, Industrial Ecology, Systems Engineering, Economics, Policy Studies, Technology Management, Behavioral Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience in environmental impact assessment using Industrial Ecology methodologies such as EEIOA and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
- Programming and statistical analysis skills using relevant computational tools.
- Experience with statistical data analysis related to consumption patterns is desirable.
- Knowledge of behavioral research methods, questionnaire surveys, social simulation, or uncertainty analysis will be an advantage.
- Strong publication record and willingness to work in interdisciplinary research teams.
Job Description
The selected Research Associate will:
- Conduct research on industrial ecology and sustainable consumption.
- Assess environmental impacts of pro-environmental behavioral changes using EEIOA and LCA.
- Identify effective behavioral strategies for decarbonization, circular economy, and biodiversity recovery.
- Develop conceptual frameworks for sustainability transition analysis.
- Build regional and national environmental footprint assessment models.
- Develop behavioral change scenarios supporting sustainability goals.
- Collaborate with researchers in industrial ecology, behavioral science, and social simulation.
- Publish research findings and contribute to policy-oriented sustainability research.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (prescribed format)
- List of Research Achievements
- Electronic copies (PDF) of up to three major research publications or thesis
- Summary of Previous Research (approximately one A4 page)
- Statement of Purpose (approximately two A4 pages)
Before submitting the application electronically, applicants must contact the NIES representative via email to receive submission instructions. The email subject should be:
“Application documents for Industrial Ecology Research on Pro-environmental Behavior”
Last Date for Apply
Rolling Applications (Applications will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. Early application is strongly recommended.)
Expected Start Date: As soon as possible after 1 September 2026.
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