Postdoctoral Fellowships in Sustainability, Climate Governance, Biodiversity, and Water Management (Japan) United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability in Japan

The United Nations University – Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability (UNU-IAS), in partnership with the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), is offering Postdoctoral Fellowships for 2026. These prestigious fellowships are designed for early-career researchers who have completed their PhD in the past six years and are interested in conducting advanced, policy-relevant, and interdisciplinary research in Japan. The program is open to candidates from countries with diplomatic relations with Japan, excluding Japanese nationals and permanent residents.

Fellows will engage in research under the supervision of a host researcher at a Japanese university or research institution, with the possibility of conducting research at UNU-IAS if mutually agreed. The research must align with one of the following thematic areas: Governance for Climate Change and Sustainable Development, Biodiversity & Society, Water & Resource Management, or Innovation & Education. These areas encompass topics such as climate change mitigation and adaptation, SDGs governance, biodiversity and human well-being, sustainable food systems, water and sanitation, and policy innovation for sustainability.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field (e.g., geography, law, international relations, natural sciences, economics, social science) awarded on or after 2 April 2020, or be scheduled to receive the degree by July 2026. A strong record of research and publications, as well as fluency in English, are required. Applicants must independently identify and secure a host researcher at a Japanese institution before applying, as UNU-IAS researchers are not eligible to serve as hosts.

The fellowship provides a monthly maintenance allowance of JPY 362,000, a round-trip international airfare, a settling-in allowance of JPY 200,000, and overseas travel insurance. The appointment is full-time for 24 months, with fellows required to start by 30 November 2026. Additional research funding may be available through the host institution. The application deadline is 31 January 2026, and applications must be submitted in English via the UNU-IAS website. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

This opportunity is ideal for researchers seeking to advance their careers in sustainability, climate governance, biodiversity, and water management, and to contribute to global policy and interdisciplinary research in Japan.