Tanaka Junior Research Fellowship in Japanese Studies

Pembroke College wishes to appoint a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) in Japanese Studies. We especially welcome candidates in the fields of Modern Japanese Literature and Culture who can work collaboratively with the Fellow in Japanese. The appointment will be from 1 October 2025 for three years.

The Tanaka JRF in Japanese will be expected to conduct original research in their chosen field, to collaborate on research projects with the Fellow in Japanese, and to contribute to the development of Japanese studies at Pembroke College. Under the direction of the Fellow in Japanese, they may provide undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching and supervision and participate in admissions and examining. The JRF will also be expected to engage with the community of scholars and students in Japanese across the University and will assist with the organisation of the Tanaka Lecture Series/Tanaka Symposium in Japanese studies. Candidates should be able to conduct research in Japanese and have a high level of proficiency in English. The place of work will primarily be Pembroke College.

Applicants should either have completed their PhD or be close to completion (and will need to have submitted their doctorate before taking up the Fellowship). Preference will be given to early career applicants who have not already held a research fellowship or permanent academic post. Selection criteria will be based on the candidate’s overall academic record, quality and achievement of research, research plans, academic fit with the College Fellowship and suitability for an academic career.

The stipend for the role is £38,700 per annum. Benefits include a research allowance of £1,711 per annum (at the discretion of the college) and all lunches and dinners when the college kitchens are open.

Applications should be submitted by email to academichr@pmb.ox.ac.uk by 9am (UK BST) on Monday, 9 June 2025, and should include:

• A letter of application explaining why you wish to be considered for this position,
• A curriculum vitae setting out details of your higher education, research and any publications to date,
• A 1,000-word research proposal,
• The names, positions, and email addresses of three academic referees. The referees will only be contacted to request a reference if your application is shortlisted.

These materials will be assessed, and the College will identify a short list of candidates. Shortlisted candidates will, at that stage, be asked to provide two pieces of written work - these should not be submitted at this stage, but only once you have received confirmation that you are on the short list for the post.

The Further Particulars for this post are available below.

Pembroke College is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome diversity amongst our staff and students and all reasonable adjustments will be made to the recruitment process, working arrangements and/or environment to accommodate applicants with any form of disability.