Fellowships / Job Openings

Job opening for IDE-JETRO Research Fellow for JFY 2027 Development Studies

as of August 3, 2026

Position

Several Research Fellow positions are available for individuals engaged in research on: developing and emerging economies, international economics, and resource and environmental economics.

Duties

To conduct research and research-related activities concerning developing and emerging economies, international economics, and resource and environmental economics

Qualifications

Applicants must:

  • Hold a Ph.D. in Economics, or expect to obtain one by approximately September 2027.
  • Be capable of carrying out professional duties in either Japanese or English.

Employment Status

Successful applicants will be appointed as tenured research fellows without a fixed term.
As of March 2026,

  • Mandatory retirement age: 62
  • Continued employment system available until age 65

Work Location

Institute of Developing Economies (Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Japan).
Overseas assignments for research purposes as overseas researchers may also be available.

Application Procedures

1. Applicant Registration

Please register through the online application form at the following URL:
FY2027 Research Fellow (Development Studies) Applicant Registration (jetro.go.jp)

2. Required Documents

  • ① Curriculum Vitae (CV)
    Any format is acceptable. Applicants may also use the Institute's prescribed format.
  • ② List of Research Achievements
    If registered on a researcher portal such as Researchmap, applicants may provide a relevant link in the application form instead.
  • ③ Research Publications
    Up to three published research outputs written in Japanese or English, including journal articles, institutional publications, academic books, book chapters, working papers, etc.
    Applicants without published research outputs should submit a master's thesis, doctoral dissertation, or equivalent work.
  • ④ If summaries are not included in the publications, provide summaries of the submitted works:
    Approximately 400 Japanese characters for Japanese-language works,
    Approximately 250 words for English-language works.
  • ⑤ Letter of Recommendation (optional)
    The recommender should submit it directly to the Research Personnel Division by email(ide-recruit ).

*Successful candidates will be required to submit official graduation/completion certificates after receiving an employment offer.

3. Submission of Application Documents

  • ① Upload all required documents electronically through the application form.
  • ② A confirmation email will be sent by the Research Personnel Division (ide-recruit ) after submission.

4. Application Period

August 3, 2026 (Mon.) – October 30, 2026 (Fri.), 5:00 p.m. (Japan Standard Time)
The submission deadline must be strictly observed.

Selection Process

Selection consists of (1) Document screening, and (2) Presentation and Interview.
The final interview is scheduled to be conducted between late November and early December 2026. Detailed information will be provided separately to selected candidates.

Starting Date

In principle, April 1, 2027.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

Salary: Salary will be determined in accordance with JETRO regulations, based on age and professional experience.

Working Hours: Professional Discretionary Labor System.

  • * Employees have discretion over the way they perform their work, including working hours and attendance schedules.
  • * Deemed working hours are 8 hours and 35 minutes per day, including deemed overtime, with a 60-minute lunch break.

Overtime: Under the Professional Discretionary Labor System, employees who satisfy the prescribed requirements are deemed to have worked 15 overtime hours per month.

Holidays: Saturdays, Sundays, National holidays, and Year-end/New Year holidays.

Leave: Annual paid leave, Summer leave, Special leave for marriage, bereavement, and other family events.

Benefits: Comprehensive social insurance coverage, Pension fund, Single-employee dormitory, Family housing, other employee welfare programs.

Probationary Period: Six months. No differences in employment conditions during the probationary period.

Smoking Policy: Smoking is prohibited inside buildings. Designated outdoor smoking area is available.

Other Conditions: Other conditions shall be governed by JETRO regulations.

Contact Information

Research Personnel Division
Research Planning Department
Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO)
Email: ide-recruit
Tel: +81-43-299-9528

Please direct inquiries to the above email address whenever possible. Please note that no information regarding the details of the selection process can be provided.

Personal Information Protection

All documents submitted in connection with this recruitment process will be strictly managed in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Regulations of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and will be used solely for recruitment screening purposes. They will not be disclosed, transferred, or lent to any third party without legitimate grounds.

Person Responsible for Personal Information Protection
Director, ResearchPersonnel Division
Research Planning Department
Tel: +81-43-299-9528