NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF GENETICS (NIG)
NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship (National Institute of Genetics)
full · phd
- Up to 3 yearsappointment length, renewed annually
- ¥4,100,000approximate annual salary (tax inclusive)
- ~€25,000 (est.)salary equivalent in euros (rate dependent)
- 1949year the National Institute of Genetics was founded
- 20+research laboratories across genetics and biosciences
- All countriesopen to international applicants worldwide
At a glance
full
Funding
€27k
Max amount
Jul 5, 2026
Deadline
All countries
Country
National Institute of Genetics (NIG)
Provider
The NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship is a fully funded research post offered by Japan's National Institute of Genetics to early-career researchers from any country. The appointment runs for up to 3 years from the date of hire, renewed annually, and pays an annual salary of about 4,100,000 JPY (tax inclusive), which is roughly 25,000 to 27,000 euros depending on the exchange rate. The package also includes enrolment in the mutual society health insurance, a commuting allowance subject to conditions, employment insurance and workers' compensation insurance. NIG was established in 1949 by the Ministry of Education and runs more than 20 research laboratories spanning genome informatics, plant and evolutionary genetics, population genetics, model-fish and mouse genomics, epigenomics, chromosome biochemistry and systems neuroscience, so the fellowship suits candidates across the genetics and molecular biosciences. Fellows first agree a project with a host Principal Investigator, then submit a single merged PDF application with 2 reference letters. Postdocs are expected to take part in NIG poster sessions, retreats and colloquia and to present their results at the end of the term. Exact salary, allowances and the deadline are set each cycle, so confirm the current figures on the official NIG recruitment page before applying.
What's covered
- Annual salary — An annual salary of approximately 4,100,000 JPY (tax inclusive), equivalent to roughly ~€25,000 (est.) depending on the exchange rate.
- Health insurance — Enrolment in the mutual society of health insurance for fellows.
- Commuting allowance — A commuting allowance is provided subject to the institute's conditions.
- Employment insurance — Employment (unemployment) insurance coverage as a member of staff.
- Compensation insurance — Workers' accident compensation insurance covering the period of employment.
- Research environment — Access to NIG's laboratories, core facilities and colloquia to carry out the agreed genetics research project.
How to apply
Applications are made by email to NIG after first agreeing a project with a prospective host PI.
- Identify and contact a host PI — Review the NIG research organisation page to find a Principal Investigator recruiting postdocs, then consult them about your proposed research project.
- Prepare the application forms — Complete Forms 1 to 4 using the official templates (downloaded from the NIG site), written in English or Japanese; do not change the A4 layout, size or page count.
- Collect reference letters — Obtain 2 reference letters, one from your current supervisor and one from the host PI at NIG.
- Merge and email the application — Combine all documents into a single PDF and email it, with the required files, to the NIG recruitment address (kenkyo-mail@nig.ac.jp) before the deadline.
Eligibility
QualificationHold a PhD (or equivalent), or expect to obtain it before the date of arrival at the post.
Research abilitySufficient research skills to pursue a genetics research project at NIG.
LanguageEnglish is the required working language; applications may be written in English or Japanese.
Prior NIG enrolmentApplicants previously enrolled at NIG (as postdocs, technical staff, or SOKENDAI Department of Genetics graduate students) as of 31 March of the relevant year are not eligible; short internships are exempt.
Research plans that require long-term stays at institutions outside NIG are generally not accepted. Fellows must take part in NIG poster sessions, retreats and colloquia, present achievements at the end of the term, and acknowledge the NIG postdoc grant in resulting publications.
Eligible countries
All countries
Deadlines
2026 NIG postdoc cycle~5 July 2026 (est.)
Selection
Applications are assessed by NIG together with the prospective host Principal Investigator, based on the candidate's research ability, the quality and fit of the proposed project with the host laboratory's lines of work, and the reference letters. Successful candidates are appointed as NIG postdocs for up to 3 years with annual reappointment.
Verified sources
- NIG Research Organisation & Recruitment (official)nig.ac.jpofficial
- National Institute of Geneticsnig.ac.jpofficial
About the provider
The National Institute of Genetics (NIG) is a research institute in Mishima, Japan, founded in 1949 by the Ministry of Education. It carries out fundamental and applied research in genetics across more than 20 laboratories and trains graduate students through SOKENDAI's Department of Genetics.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship?
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It is a fully funded postdoctoral research post at Japan's National Institute of Genetics, open to international researchers, lasting up to 3 years with annual reappointment.
How much does it pay?
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The fellowship pays an annual salary of approximately 4,100,000 JPY (tax inclusive), roughly ~€25,000 (est.) depending on the exchange rate, plus insurance and a commuting allowance.
How long is the appointment?
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Up to 3 years from the initial date of hire, with reappointment carried out annually.
Who is eligible?
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Researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will obtain it before the start date) and have the research skills to lead a genetics project at NIG.
Are former NIG members eligible?
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No. People previously enrolled at NIG as postdocs, technical staff or SOKENDAI Department of Genetics graduate students are not eligible; short internships do not count.
What language is required?
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English is the required working language. Applications can be written in either English or Japanese.
Do I need a host supervisor before applying?
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Yes. You must first consult a prospective Principal Investigator who is recruiting postdocs and agree a research project before submitting your application.
How many reference letters do I need?
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Two: one from your current supervisor and one from the host PI at NIG.
How do I submit the application?
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Merge all documents into a single PDF and email it to the NIG recruitment address (kenkyo-mail@nig.ac.jp) by the deadline.
What are my duties as a fellow?
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Fellows take part in NIG poster sessions, retreats and colloquia, present their results at the end of the term, and acknowledge the NIG postdoc grant in publications.
When is the deadline?
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The deadline falls around early July (~5 July 2026, est.). Confirm the exact current-cycle date on the official NIG recruitment page.
Where can I find the official details?
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On the National Institute of Genetics website, which lists the recruiting PIs, application forms and the current salary and deadline.