On Selecting a Mentor
On Selecting a Mentor
To apply for the position of Assistant Professor at Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences (FRIS), applicants must select a full-time professor or associate professor at Tohoku University as their mentor (visiting or specially appointed professors are not eligible). To find a mentor at Tohoku University, The TOHOKU UNIVERSITY Researchers website at the URL below and the websites of each graduate school or research institute can be helpful.
# TOHOKU UNIVERSITY Researchers:
https://www.r-info.tohoku.ac.jp/
Prior to applying, applicants must obtain their mentor’s consent regarding the internal regulations on the mentors and their responsibilities. Please read the description of their responsibilities shown at the URL below. We prioritize that the mentors can allow FRIS assistant professors to have experiences in various research environments, such as selecting a mentor from outside their previously-affiliated laboratory.
# Internal regulations on the mentors and the responsibilities of mentors:
https://www.fris.tohoku.ac.jp/media/files/MentorRegulations_rev20250324_EN.pdf(English)
# TOHOKU UNIVERSITY Researchers:
https://www.r-info.tohoku.ac.jp/
It is also possible to select a full-time professor or associate professor at FRIS as a mentor. Their research fields and contact information are listed below.

Research Fields |
Inorganic material science, Multi-functional materials, Thin film processing |
Research Subjects |
Development of new multi-functional (Tunneling Magneto-Dielectric effect and Tunneling Magneto-Optical effect) materials by metal-ceramic nano-granular films
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Message |
When metals and ceramics are composited at nanoscale, they exhibit unprecedented functional properties. We have discovered new multi-functional properties such as the Tunneling Magneto-Dielectric (TMD) effect and the Tunneling Magneto-Optical (TMO) effect. Through interdisciplinary research in magnetic physics, medical engineering, and materials science, we are pioneering a new field of nano-composite thin films with new functions. |
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hiromasu[at]fris.tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |

Research Fields |
Magnetic film deposition, Room temperature bonding of wafers, High-density storage |
Research Subjects |
Atomic diffusion bonding technique for electric/optical devices, High density MAMR/HAMR recording media |
Message |
We have proposed an atomic diffusion bonding method for bonding wafers of different materials at room temperature using the rearrangement of crystal lattices at the contact interface of thin films. Using this method, we are developing research on new device formation. We are also working on research on functional thin films used in electronic devices using the thin film deposition technology that is the basis of the bonding technique. |
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shimatsu[at]fris.tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |

Research Fields |
Material Process Engineering, Nanomaterial Science, Chemical Engineering |
Research Subjects |
Material conversion processes for carbon circulation / Multi-scale structural control of materials based on science of dynamic interfaces / Development and application of hydrothermal electrochemical process |
Message |
Our laboratory specializes in controlling materials and processes in high-temperature, high-pressure environments, including supercritical fluids. As our commitment to fostering a carbon-circular society, we focus on developing hierarchically structured nanocatalysts and designing highly efficient material conversion processes that fully harness the potential of the nanomaterials. |
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takaaki.tomai.e6 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |
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Research Fields |
Non-equilibrium materials, Microstructures of materials, Metal physics |
Research Subjects |
Structure, transformation and deformation in metallic glasses, Relaxation and rejuvenation phenomena in metallic glasses |
Message |
Random atomic structured materials such as amorphous or metallic glass have significantly different properties with those of conventional crystalline alloys and are anticipated to have industrial uses in the next generation. We address an important challenge by controlling the relaxation behavior of glasses to improve their mechanical properties and to contribute to their applications. |
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jsaida[at]fris.tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |

Research Fields |
Electrochemistry, Industrial physical chemistry, Material chemistry |
Research Subjects |
In situ Raman Spectroscopy for battery active materials, Development of Zn-air batteries, Li ion batteries and fuel cells |
Message |
Analyzing the interfaces between the electrolyte solutions and the electrodes for lithium secondary batteries, fuel cells, next generation batteries and molecular electronic devices is important for developing electrochemical energy conversion devices. Our present study investigates the behavior of molecules at the interface with In situ Raman spectroscopy and focuses on the dynamical changes in the Raman spectra at different battery conditions. |
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itoh[at]fris.tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |

Research Fields |
Cell Biology, Cytoskeleton, Molecular Genetics, Neuroscience |
Research Subjects |
Molecular mechanisms of the axonal transport, neuronal development and neuronal diseases |
Message |
We are interested in the relationship between nanomechanics in the cell and cellular morphogenesis. We are analyzing how and why disruption of the cellular nanomachines in our body, such as molecular motor proteins and cytoskeletal proteins, leads to human diseases such as neurodegeneration, infertility, and blindness. |
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shinsuke.niwa.c8[at]tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |

Research Fields |
Theoretical astrophysics |
Research Subjects |
Extreme phenomena driven by black holes, Polarized light, Dark matter, Objects in the early universe, Collaborative study with observations and numerical simulations |
Message |
I am a member of the theory team in the Event Horizon Telescope consortium, which captured the first-ever image of a black hole. Every day at FRIS, I am stimulated by chats with colleagues in other research fields. I also have published omnibus books with young researchers from FRIS and DIARE. |
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toma [at] fris.tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |

Research Fields |
Bioelectronics, biomedical engineering, neural interface |
Research Subjects |
Microelectronic fiber based multimodal bio-interface |
Message |
Our group works on the development of the unique microelectronic fibers that are integrated with disparate materials and functions. Such fibers can be used as neural interface to probe brain dynamics across its multimodal signaling mechanisms. In addition, we recently weave such fibers into textile as smart clothes for monitoring multimodal physiological signatures from human body. |
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yyuanguo[at]fris.tohoku.ac.jp / yuanyuan.guo.a4[at]tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |

Research Fields |
Structural biology, Protein Science, Biochemistry |
Research Subjects |
Elucidation of protein quality control mechanism in the endoplasmic reticulum |
Message |
Protein folding coupled with disulfide bond formation, that is oxidative protein folding, proceeds mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Greater than 20 Protein Disulfide Isomerase family members (PDIs) are conserved in the mammalian ER to catalyze this reaction. However, it remains an important open question how PDIs recognize various substrates and guide their proper folding through disulfide bond formation and isomerization. The goal of this study is to understand how protein homeostasis is maintained in the mammalian ER. To this end, I employ multiple approaches including single-molecule observation by high-speed AFM, NMR/SAXS analyses in solution, X-ray crystal structure analysis, and several biochemical assays. Diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases are caused by impairment of the protein quality control systems in cells, and hence this study will provide molecular insights into the mechanism underlying these diseases. |
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okmasaki [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |
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Research Fields |
Behavioral genetics, memory consolidation, dopamine modulation |
Research Subjects |
Molecular and neural mechanism of memory processing, Experience-dependent change of preference to addictive drugs |
Message |
Long-term memory consolidation accompanies de novo protein synthesis in specific neurons. Although this has been known for more than half a century, the identity of proteins that are synthesized upon learning and their functions have been poorly revealed. Memory circuit in Drosophila melanogaster provides the best model system to tackle this problem, due to the genetically tractable neural circuit and accumulating knowledge about the circuit usage. Moreover, the cutting-edge molecular biology and genetic tools enable genome-wide monitoring of protein synthesis and labeling or manipulation of each protein in a cell-type specific manner. Taking advantage, I aim to reveal the molecular mechanisms how the long-term memory is encoded and stabilized in the brain. |
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toshiharu.ichinose.c1 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |
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Research Fields |
Natural Product Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry |
Research Subjects |
Study of potent neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin; screening of new analogs, evaluation of bioactivity, elucidation of biosynthesis, Screening of novel natural product from microorganisms, Signaling molecules in Actinomycetes |
Message |
Natural products, chemical compounds produced by secondary metabolism in living organisms, have provided variety of drugs and drug-leads such as antibiotics, anticancer drugs and agricultural chemicals. Microorganism is important source of natural products, however, most of environmental microorganisms (99%) are unculturable in laboratory. This "black box" must contain unprecedent secondary metabolites and metabolism machinery. My research is focused on the unveiling unknown secondary metabolism machinery and the screening of new natural products using chemical and genomic approach. |
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yuta.kudo.d5 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |
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Research Fields |
Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Chemical Biology |
Research Subjects |
Tyrosine-Specific Bioconjugation, Antibody Chemical Modification, Catalyst-Proximity Protein Chemical Labeling |
Message |
Bioconjugation methods are techniques that have been extensively studied for covalent bond formation between a specific amino acid residue of a protein and a synthetic small compound. The methods are highly important in making protein-based biomaterials for therapeutic and biotechnology industries. In order to achieve reliable protein bioconjugation, the following requirements should be met: (1) stable covalent bond formation, (2) rapid reaction in aqueous solution, and (3) high conversion under physiological pH and mild temperature. We have developed tyrosine-specific bioconjugation methods with ruthenium photocatalysts, hemin, enzymes and electrochemistry. |
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shinichi.sato.e3 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |
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Research Fields |
Biosensor, Energy catalysts, Polymer chemistry, Biomaterials, Bioinspired materials |
Research Subjects |
Electrochemical devices for imaging communication between cells, Electrochemical catalysts for environmental and energy application, 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering and regeneration, Bio-inspired materials, Functional polymer |
Message |
My research interest is electrochemical devices for imaging molecules, such as neurotransmitters and metabolite, released from bio tissues. The electrochemical devices have a large number of electrodes on the substrate, which enable to make movies of electroactive analytes. Moreover, my research interests are designing the highly active electrochemical catalysts for energy and environmental fields. The catalysts were inspired by nature. For example, I have successfully designed a highly active oxygen reduction catalytic electrode inspired by molecular structures of dopamine and heme, which were made from non-precious metals. And also, I am trying to design three-dimensional scaffolds and various highly functional materials (adhesion, mechanical response, temperature responsive materials, etc.). |
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hiroya.abe.c4 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |

Research Fields |
Space Propulsion engineering, Combustion |
Research Subjects |
Investigation of basic phenomena of micro-diffusion flame, Development of hybrid rocket space propulsion systems, Development of space propulsion system using metal/water hybrid combustion, Data-driven sparse sensing
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Message |
It is necessary to carry out more deep space explorations for the development of solar system science. A space propulsion system (rocket) is required for satellites that perform deep space explorations beyond the moon. A chemical rocket is required to achieve a mission in a short period, but it is difficult to handle liquid and solid rockets that use dangerous materials. A hybrid rocket uses a propellant that combines solid and liquid phases. Because the hybrid rocket does not use explosives and dangerous substances, its safety management is not expensive. Therefore, the hybrid rocket is one of the solutions for making deep space exploration more active. I focus on a new innovative hybrid rocket that formed by micro-diffusion flames. In addition, I aim to further improve the performance by investigating the basic combustion phenomena of the innovative hybrid rocket. Through interdisciplinary research, industry-academia/international collaborations, I will conduct a space demonstration of the innovative hybrid rocket and contribute to the development of solar system science. |
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yuji.saito [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |

Research Fields |
Condensed Matter Physics and Spintronics |
Research Subjects |
Theoretical study of spin-motive force |
Message |
In 1831, an English scientist Michael Faraday saw electric currents when he slid a bar magnet in and out of a coil of wires. This law of electromagnetic induction serves as a bedrock of modern civilization, offering the fundamental operating principle of many types of electrical generators and motors. Physically, this phenomenon can be understood as the kinetic energy of the moving magnet has been converted to an electromotive force, via classical electromagnetism. In 2009, a new kind of electromotive force was experimentally reported. Now you don’t need to move a magnet. What is dynamical here is the magnetic nanostructure inside the magnet, which triggers a conversion of the internal energy of the magnet to an electromotive force. This effect is called spin-motive force (SMF). Interestingly, SMF turns out to have a deep connection with Faraday’s electromagnetic induction; from a modern quantum mechanical point of view, both phenomena can be attributed to the time-varying Berry phase of an electron wave function. The electromagnetic induction is observed when the Berry phase is accumulated by the electric charge degree of freedom of the electron. The Berry phase due to spin, another degree of freedom of the electron, on the other hand, leads to SMF, hence its name. While SMF is still very young, it is as a basic and universal physical effect as the celebrated electromagnetic induction. SMF may provide a key element for next generation technologies. |
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yuta.yamane.e8 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |

Research Fields |
Astrophysics, Astroparticle physics |
Research Subjects |
Multi-messenger astrophysics, Origins and production mechanisms of cosmic rays, High-energy astrophysical phenomena
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Message |
Our Universe is filled with high-energy charged particle called cosmic rays. The velocity of high-energy cosmic rays reaches 99.9999999999% of the speed of light. The origin and production mechanism of these particles are still unknown. Since cosmic rays are deflected by cosmic magnetic fields, it is difficult to identify their origin by direct observations. Cosmic rays produce neutrinos, neutral subatomic particles, via interaction with ambient particles. Since neutrinos arrive on Earth straightly from the sources, we can identify cosmic-ray sources by neutrino signals. Since this method uses neutrino signals in addition to electromagnetic signals used in traditional astronomy, we call it “multi-messenger astrophysics”. I am theoretically predicting neutrino signals as well as electromagnetic signals from cosmic-ray source candidates, and compare the theoretical predictions with current observational data to constrain theoretical models. Also, I am performing numerical simulations of cosmic-ray production in extreme environments of astrophysical plasmas, such as the vicinity of black holes. Combining the plasma simulations and predictions of neutrino and electromagnetic signals, together with rich observational data obtained by near-future facilities, I would like to reveal the origin and production mechanism of mysterious high-energy particles from the Universe. |
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shigeo.kimura.b8 [at] tohoku.ac.jp (Please replace [at] with "@") |