The Evolutionary Genomics Laboratory (Shigenobu Lab) at the National Institute for Basic Biology (NIBB), Okazaki, Japan, invites applications for one postdoctoral researcher to join our team. The successful candidate will work on the CREST project “Microbial Symbiosis Manipulation.”

Research Overview
Our laboratory is participating in the JST CREST program under the “Cellular Manipulation” research area, specifically in the project Microbial Symbiosis Manipulation (PI: Dr. Takema Fukatsu). The project aims to elucidate the mechanisms of intracellular symbiosis and to establish innovative methods for manipulating symbiotic systems.

Our research focuses on the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and its obligate intracellular bacterial symbionts. Building on our established methodologies—including insect genome editing and endosymbiont knockdown technologies (see references below)—we seek to further develop and integrate these approaches into a novel framework for artificial control of intracellular symbiosis. Omics-based approaches, which are a core strength of our lab, will also be employed extensively.

Previous experience with insects is not required. We welcome applicants with diverse research backgrounds who are motivated to explore symbiosis from new perspectives. Specific research topics will be determined in consultation with the candidate. The successful applicant is expected to work collaboratively with Prof. Shuji Shigenobu, lab members, and partner teams within the CREST consortium.
• Lab website: https://www.shigenobulab.org/
• CREST program website: https://www.jst.go.jp/kisoken/crest/en/research_area/area2023-4.html
 
Key References :
Shigenobu S, Yoda S, Ohsawa S, Suzuki M. Refined CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in the pea aphid uncovers the essential roles of Laccase2 in overwintering egg adaptation. PLOS Genet. 2025;21:e1011557.
Tan KXY, Shigenobu S. In vivo interference of pea aphid endosymbiont Buchnera groEL gene by synthetic peptide nucleic acids. Sci Rep. 2024;14:5378.
 
Number of Positions
One postdoctoral researcher

Eligibility
Applicants must hold (or be about to receive) a Ph.D. degree.
 
Employment Period
The contract will be renewed annually, subject to research progress and performance, up to March 2031.
Expected start date: April 2026 (negotiable; earlier start between January–March 2026 is also possible).
 
Employment Conditions
Full-time, fixed-term position
Salary: annual salary system, determined based on academic background, professional experience, and accomplishments
Benefits: enrollment in MEXT Mutual Aid Association, employment insurance, and workers’ compensation insurance
Regulations: employment conditions follow the rules of the National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS) annual salary system
Workplace: National Institute for Basic Biology, Myodaiji campus (Okazaki, Aichi, Japan) https://www.nibb.ac.jp/en/
 
Application Deadline
December 12, 2025 (Friday).
Applications may be closed earlier once a suitable candidate is selected.
 
Application Procedure
Please send the following documents as email attachments (PDF). Applicants selected for interview will be contacted for scheduling. Submitted documents will not be returned.
1. CV (including photo and email address)
2. Summary of past research (1–2 pages, A4)
3. Names and contact details of at least two referees
4. Publication list (including original research papers, reviews, books, patents, external funding, etc.; format free).
Please mark up to five representative papers. Preprints, software repositories, and conference presentations may also be included.
 
Application materials may be submitted in English or Japanese.
Inquiries prior to application are welcome.
 
Contact / Submission Address
Prof. Shuji Shigenobu
National Institute for Basic Biology
Email: shige@nibb.ac.jp