A very prestigious program for early-career academics who want to pursue a more advanced career in genetics and the life sciences in Japan is the National Institute of Genetics (NIG) Postdoctoral Fellowship. The fellowship, which is available to gifted scientists worldwide, offers a competitive financial package that covers living expenses, research expenditures, and travel, enabling fellows to focus entirely on their studies.
At NIG, one of Japan’s top genetics research institutes, participants gain access to state-of-the-art labs, sophisticated machinery, and enormous genomic databases. Additionally, fellows get the chance to engage closely with well-known scientists, take part in interdisciplinary projects, and connect with a global network of researchers, all of which promote academic creativity and professional development.
The main objective of the fellowship is to develop exceptional researchers and support the growth of superior, cutting-edge genetic research at NIG. In addition to bolstering individual careers, the program expands NIG’s worldwide scientific impact and collaboration by funding initiatives that push the frontiers of genetics, molecular biology, and allied life sciences. Fellows frequently acquire experience that prepares them for leadership positions in government research institutes, business, or academia.
For early-career scientists looking to establish a solid professional foundation in Japan and make major contributions to genetics and the living sciences, this postdoctoral program is the perfect choice since it places a high emphasis on research excellence, innovation, and international collaboration.
Host Country: Japan
University: National Institute of Genetics
Opportunity Type: Fellowship, Post Doctorate
Subject: Genetics
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded,
Eligibility Criteria:
- PhD Requirement: To ensure they have the required academic background, applicants must have a PhD (or equivalent) or be on track to finish one before beginning the fellowship.
- Research Expertise: To make a significant contribution to NIG’s research activities, one must possess strong knowledge and expertise in genetics or closely related life science disciplines.
- Prior Affiliation: To ensure equity and diversity in hiring, candidates must not have held any prior affiliations with NIG, including as postdoctoral fellows, technical staff, or SOKENDAI students.
- Participation on-Site: Fellows are required to work actively at NIG on-site, participating directly in experiments, laboratory work, and group projects.
- Research Location: Because the fellowship program places a strong emphasis on active engagement within the institute’s facilities, long-term research done outside of NIG is typically not permitted.
Benefits:
- Annual Salary: Fellows are paid a competitive salary of roughly ¥4,100,000 JPY annually (tax included), which allows them to concentrate entirely on their research.
- Commuting Allowance: Subject to certain requirements, a transportation allowance is provided to cover the expense of commuting.
- Health Insurance: The MEXT Mutual Aid Association offers comprehensive coverage, guaranteeing access to medical treatment throughout the fellowship.
- Employment and Accident Insurance: Extra safeguards are in place to protect fellows in the event of emergencies or incidents at work.
- Research Funding Opportunities: To support their individual or group research projects, fellows may apply for KAKENHI (Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research).
- Program Advantage: The NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship is regarded as one of the most prominent and fully supported postdoctoral programs in Japan, drawing top talent from all over the world with its substantial pay, insurance coverage, and funding options.
Deadline: 01 July 2026
