4 
(Tropical fruit genetic resources) 

Tropical Agriculture Research Front (Ishigaki), 1 position

No fixed term (Mandatory retirement at age 60, with the possibility of extension)

Overview of research activities

Tropical fruit trees play an important role as a source of food and nutrition, as well as a source of income for small-scale farmers in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. Recent climate changes such as global warming and unstable rainfall have greatly affected stable production of tropical fruits, especially in Southeast Asia where tropical fruits are mainly produced. Also in Japan, introduction of new varieties, cultivation techniques and stable production of tropical fruits have been increasingly focused from the aspects of diversification of food consumption and adaptation to global warming. Development of new varieties, cultural practice managements and techniques for sustainable production based on diverse genetic resources will contribute to realize sustainable agriculture in Asian-Monsoon region and advanced utilization of genetic resources that can be achieved by intensification of variety development in MeaDRI Strategy (Measures for achievement of Decarbonization and Resilience with Innovation) for Sustainable Food Systems launched by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Japan.

This research will utilize the diverse and abundant genetic resources maintained at JIRCAS, the geographical advantage of the Tropical Agriculture Research Front (TARF, located in Ishigaki Island, Okinawa), and networks with domestic and overseas institutions, to accumulate and improve diversity information through evaluation of cultivation characteristics of major tropical fruit tree genetic resources, develop high-quality breeding materials and technologies for stable production and promotion of their use to improve stress tolerance and cash productivity in response to environmental changes, and provide technical support to address global warming in domestic cultivation areas. 

We are looking for a researcher who will conduct evaluation and utilization of diversity of tropical fruit genetic resources, through 1) evaluation and accumulation of information on diversity, 2) development of breeding materials/varieties with tolerance to environmental stress and value-added qualities, and 3) development of relevant cultural technologies for stable production. The candidate researcher is required to have a sense of perspective for research networking on international issues of plant genetic resources, and is also expected to have a sense of internationalism and cooperativeness in conducting domestic and international research collaborations.

Research topics

• Characterization of agronomic traits in tropical fruit genetic resources for evaluation and advance utilization of genetic diversity
• Development of breeding materials and relevant technologies based on the genetic diversity of tropical fruit genetic resources
• Development of new varieties/breeding materials of tropical fruits and cultural practice for stable production in Japan

Keywords

• Tropical Fruits, genetic resources (evaluation and utilization for breeding), horticulture, field research (domestic and international production areas)

Other qualifications

• Must be comfortable working in an international setting with overseas collaborators
• Experience in overseas research activities desirable but not required

1 
(International studies on agriculture, forestry and fisheries) 

To be decided after selection, based on the specialization of the candidate, a few persons

5 years (from 1 April 2022)

Overview of research activities

JIRCAS has been playing a core role as a center of Japan’s R&D for technological improvement of agriculture, forestry and fisheries in the tropical and sub-tropical regions, and in developing countries since its establishment as the Tropical Agriculture Research Center (TARC) in 1970.

In the 5th Medium to Long-term Plan (FY2021- 2025), JIRCAS intensively and effectively carries out R&D to solve global food and environmental problems as well as to strengthen its function as an information center, such as the collection and dissemination of information related to its R&D activities. In recent years, the environment surrounding agriculture, forestry and fisheries in developing regions has been changing very rapidly. Therefore, it is necessary to pursue innovations based on flexible and novel ideas, such as the transformation of food systems and cross-disciplinary R&D that do not necessarily adhere to conventional frameworks. 

In the past, JIRCAS has recruited staff to carry out specific research themes in specific fields. For the first time, in order to encourage researchers with novel ideas, we are inviting applications in the Nurturing Young Researcher Category (Employment: 5 years, several positions) without limiting the field of specialization or research topics of the applicants.

Applicants who wish to apply for this position must provide a proposal on how they can contribute to the research projects and other activities of JIRCAS in order to achieve the goals in the 5th Medium to Long-term Plan (please visit our website for details of research projects). The proposal should match with the applicant’s academic and research experiences. Although the proposal should principally contribute to the goals of the 5th Medium to Long-term Plan, we also accept proposals which include innovative R&D and methodologies that go beyond the current goals.

Research topics

• No specific examples

Keywords

• Developing regions, global issues, cross-cutting strategy, disruptive innovation

Other qualifications

• Must be comfortable working in an international setting with overseas collaborators
• English language ability for scientific discussion and publication
• Overseas research experience is desirable

2 
(Inland aquaculture and propagation for poverty alleviation)

Fisheries Division, 1 person

5 years (from 1 April 2022)

Overview of research activities

In inland rural areas of developing countries, chronic malnutrition of infants, high rates of anemia, and quantitative and qualitative undernourishment of pregnant women are problems. In order to improve such nutritional status, it is essential to increase the intake of indispensable nutrients, such as minerals and vitamins as well as proteins, and it is well known that freshwater fish and shellfish are rich in these nutrients. However, relatively large-size freshwater fish and shellfish caught and produced in commercial fisheries and aquaculture are rarely sold to poor rural communities in order to secure a positive return on investment.

Therefore, the effective utilization of a wide variety of small native freshwater fishes and shellfish, which are widely found in inland rural areas, have attracted attention. However, many farmers and communities do not have the technology for propagation and aquaculture to increase the production of fish and shellfish efficiently at low capital and low cost.

The researcher to be employed in this position will select native fishes and/or shellfishes suitable for propagation and aquaculture in inland rural areas, and evaluate their nutritional characteristics such as protein and minerals. Furthermore, through research and field survey on propagation, aquaculture science and physiological ecology, the researcher will pursue the development of technologies for spawning, growth, habitat improvement, and aquaculture (including fattening). The goal of this study is to establish a sustainable and efficient inland propagation and aquaculture system through a series of the above research and to implement the technologies in inland rural areas.

Research topics

• Identification of the main indigenous fish and/or shellfish species living in small rivers and reservoirs in inland rural areas in developing countries
• Development of techniques for increasing the production of native fish and/or shellfish species suitable for inland rural areas in developing countries
• Study on the effective and efficient dissemination of the technologies to be developed

Keywords

• Field research, propagation and aquaculture, physiological ecology, social implementation

Other qualifications

• International sense to promote international collaborative research
• Language skills (English), and overseas research experience are desirable.

3
(A Seaweed aquaculture)

Fisheries Division, 1 person

5 years (from 1 April 2022)

Overview of research activities

The global seaweed aquaculture production continues to increase, doubling in 2010 and tripling in 2019 compared to 2000. Behind this increase in production is the growing demand for utilization such as processed foods, food additives (food gums), pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, livestock feed, and fertilizers. Some studies have reported a significant reduction in the amount of methane gas from ruminants feeding a type of red seaweed that grows naturally in coral reefs. In addition, in recent years, the need for the development of technology to efficiently produce seaweed has been increasing, as the expansion of seaweed production is expected to increase blue-carbon and contribute to the SDGs through seaweed aquaculture with less environmental impact.

Seaweed aquaculture prospers in Southeast region and is an important income source for small-scale fishermen and farming households. However, there are plenty of room to improve the aquaculture technology adapted to new applications such as the methane suppressing red seaweed as mentioned above.

This study aims to develop efficient aquaculture technology suitable for the farm grounds in developing regions such as Southeast Asia, based on the physiological and ecological characteristics of seaweed cultivation species that have value for a variety of uses. First, information on seaweeds native to Southeast Asia, such as their market value, growth rate, and suitability for aquaculture will be collected from local stakeholders to select target species for this study. Next, common seaweed is strongly influenced by the environment in where they grow, physiological and ecological research will be conducted including analysis of their growth environment, research on infectious and non-infectious diseases, and field survey on feeding and insect damage. In addition, we will identify fishing grounds suitable for the physiological and ecological characteristics of the seaweeds, conduct experimental research on the development and improvement of aquaculture facilities, and develop aquaculture technology for the target seaweed.

Research Topics

• Selection of seaweed aquaculture species with diverse uses and functions
• Elucidation of the physiological and ecological characteristics necessary for the development of aquaculture technology for seaweeds with diverse uses and functions
• Development and upgrading of seaweed aquaculture technology for utilizing diverse uses and functions

Keywords

• Field research, aquaculture, seaweed biology, physiology ecology

Other qualifications

• International sense to promote international collaborative research, language skills (English), and overseas research experience are desirable.

5
(Vegetable science, Growth prediction model)

Tropical Agriculture Research Front (Ishigaki), 1 person

5 years (from 1 April 2022)

Overview of research activities

In recent years, the demand for high-quality fruit vegetable crops in tropical/subtropical areas, such as tomato and strawberry, has been increasing due to population growth and economic development. On the other hand, climatic instability associated with global climate change is threatening the stable production of vegetables by farmers, especially in high-temperature and arid areas. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a stable year-round production system for vegetables incorporating horticulture technology.

In Japan, the Field for Knowledge Integration and Innovation (FKII) had been implemented for 5 years (2016-2020) through industry-government-academia collaboration in order to develop a low-cost and highly efficient plant factory system suited for hot and humid environments, by integrating Japanese technologies in seedlings, greenhouse covering materials, energy-saving and ICT. The Tropical Agriculture Research Front (TARF) of JIRCAS located in Ishigaki island, Okinawa, participated in this project and jointly developed cultivation technology for vegetables under tropical and subtropical areas by utilizing similar climatic conditions with the Asia monsoon region. In addition, as a successor of the above project, we are participating in a new project and jointly developing cultivation technology focusing on strawberry (2021-2023). Furthermore, we are implementing the research applications into the Asia monsoon region to create new business ventures. 

We are looking for a young researcher to pursue research using the results above in order to clarify the effects of environmental factors such as high temperature, high humidity, and strong solar radiation specific to tropical and subtropical environments on photosynthesis, flowering, and fruiting of vegetables and distribution to fruits to develop a physiologically-based growth model on vegetables for tropical and subtropical environments where climate change is becoming apparent. In addition, the candidate researcher is expected to contribute to the development of stable vegetable production technology in Southeast Asian countries with similar environment, through the application of results in cooperation with the private sector and local government officials. In the future, the researcher is also expected to tackle issues such as establishing stable vegetable production technology using greenhouse cultivation or open field cultivation adapted to local conditions, based on the challenges in cultivation and demand in regions with more severe environment such as the Middle East and Africa.

Research topics

• Development of technology for year-round production of tomatoes, strawberries, and other fruit vegetables under high temperature and high humidity conditions
• Development of a growth model for vegetables suited for tropical and subtropical regions
• Development of stable vegetable production technology through the application of growth models to developing countries such as Southeast Asia

Keywords

• Environmental control, plant physiology, protected horticulture, vegetable production

Other qualifications

• Must be comfortable working in an international setting with overseas collaborators.
• Experience in overseas research activities desirable but not required.