The Bio-AFM Frontier Research Center was founded October 1, 2010, at College of Science & Engineering of Kanazawa University to promote biological research by the use of Kanazawa University-born revolutionary new atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques and technological development of the next-generation of bio-AFM. This foundation is one of the main strategies that Kanazawa University has mapped out to further strengthen the research activity in the University.

The Center is seeking to hire a full-time tenure-track assistant professor to conduct research in the Imaging Research Division. The Division focuses on the elucidation of structure and dynamics of isolated biological molecules and those on the surface of intracellualr organelles using high-speed AFM and super-resolution in-liquid AFM, collaborating with the other Divisions. The information of our previous and ongoing studies on bio-AFM imaging can be found at this Center's web site and at the lab websites of the Division Heads (Ando and Fukuma) (News & Link).  

Candidates should have an earned doctorate or should be expected to earn doctorate before arriving to take up the position, and should have research experience in one of the following areas; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics. Experience of AFM studies is not required of candidates. However, candidates should have strong interests in bio-AFM imaging and are expected to actively conduct bio-AFM imaging research while exploring interesting targets to be imaged by high-speed AFM and super-resolution AFM. Of course, exploiting other techniques together with the AFM techniques is encouraged. AFM imaging of cells will also be conducted in the present Division after the next generation of AFM applicable to cells is established.  

The Imaging Research Division comprises four researchers; Prof. Toshio Ando (Director of the Center and Head of this Division), two tenure-track associate professors (Drs. Hiroki Konno and Noriyuki Kodera), and a tenure-track assistant professor to be recruited by the present open recruitment.

Through reviewing (see subjects and methods of reviewing), a tenure-track assistant professor to be hired in the present open recruitment can be promoted to a tenure associate professor position or employed as a tenure assistant professor after conducting 5-year research.

Teaching: There is no duty but instructing 1-2 students in their research is encouraged.

Research Budget: Although not yet 100% certain, Kanazawa University will provide a tenure-tack assistant professor to be recruited in the present recruitment with 10 million Yen (first year) and 5 million Yen (second year) for the start up of research. The Center will also manage to provide funds for the start up. A full set of high-speed AFM apparatus and other facilities will be provided. However, acquiring funds for his/her research from external organizations is encouraged.

Applications (in free format) including

1) curriculum vitae,

2) list of publications,

3) electronic copies of important publications,

4) list of research grants acquired,

5) research experience and strong skills (2 page, A4 size),

6) statement on research interests (1 page, A4 size),

7) list of two references

should be sent to the following e-mail address;

Prof. Toshio Ando, Director of the Bio-AFM Frontier Research Center

E-mail: tando@staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp

Deadline for application is January 31, 2012. An appointee is expected on duty on April 1, 2012.