NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 | National Institute of Genetics

Are you a promising early-career researcher in genetics eager to advance your career at a world-leading institute? The NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications! Offered by the National Institute of Genetics (NIG) in Mishima, Japan, this fully funded fellowship program supports up to 3 years of independent research for recent PhD graduates. Covering an annual salary of approximately ¥4,100,000, health insurance, commuting allowance, and more, the fellowship fosters excellence in genetics across 24 specialized labs. Established in 1949 by Japan’s Ministry of Education, NIG is a hub for integrated genetic studies. Don’t miss this chance to contribute to groundbreaking research and apply by July 7, 2026!

Overview of NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

Host Institution: National Institute of Genetics (NIG)
Country: Japan
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligible Nationalities: All countries
Study Level: Postdoctoral
Number of Awards: Varies (multiple positions annually)
Program Duration: Up to 3 years (with annual reappointment)
Application Deadline: July 7, 2026

The NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 employs talented young researchers to drive NIG’s mission of advancing genetics through theoretical and applied studies. Fellows engage in independent projects under top mentors, participate in institute events like poster sessions and retreats, and present achievements at colloquia. This program, open to diverse fields, strengthens NIG’s research ecosystem and cultivates global leaders in genetics.

Available Research Areas

The NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 supports projects in 24 cutting-edge labs, including:

Genome Informatics
Biological Sciences
Plant Genetics
Evolutionary Genetics
Ecological Genetics
DNA Data Analysis
Population Genetics
Symbiosis and Cell Evolution
Model Fish Genetics
Multicellular Organization
Brain Function
Molecular and Developmental Biology
Cell Dynamics and Signaling
Plant Cytogenetics
Mammalian Neural Circuits
Microbial Physiology
Mouse Genomics Resource
Epigenomics
Molecular Cell Engineering
Genome Dynamics
Cell Architecture
Invertebrate Genetics
Quantitative Mechanobiology
Systems Neuroscience
Chromosome Biochemistry

Consult the NIG Lab Directory for PI contacts and research outlines.

Fellowship Benefits

The NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 provides comprehensive support for the full tenure:

Annual Salary: Approximately ¥4,100,000 (including tax).
Health Insurance: Mutual society coverage.
Commuting Allowance: Conditional support for travel to/from work.
Employment and Compensation Insurance: Full protection.
Research Resources: Access to NIG’s state-of-the-art facilities, libraries, and equipment.
Professional Development: Participation in colloquia, retreats, and poster sessions.
Mentorship: Guidance from leading PIs to refine projects and career goals.
Community Engagement: Opportunities for collaborative events and global networking.

Fellows must acknowledge NIG support in publications.

Eligibility Criteria for NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

To qualify for the NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Academic Qualifications: Hold a PhD or equivalent terminal degree, or expect to obtain it before arrival; dissertation completed by September 2026.
Research Skills: Sufficient expertise to pursue genetics projects independently.
Nationality: Open to all countries.
Prior NIG Affiliation: Not previously enrolled at NIG as of March 31, 2025 (current/former postdocs, technical staff, or SOKENDAI graduate students ineligible; short visits like internships OK).
Project Scope: Proposals requiring long-term external stays generally not accepted; focus on NIG-based research.
Commitment: Active participation in NIG events (e.g., retreats, colloquia) and presentation of achievements at term end.
English Proficiency: Required for communication and research (no formal test specified).

The program seeks diverse candidates vitalizing NIG’s research community.

Required Documents

To apply for the NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026, submit the following as a single PDF:

Form 1: Application Form (personal and academic details).
Form 2: Research Plan (up to 2 pages, with figures; describe project, methods, and NIG fit).
Form 3: CV and Bibliography (academic history, publications).
Form 4: Host PI Agreement (PI’s commitment to mentor and provide space).
Two Reference Letters: From academic/professional contacts.

Download forms from the NIG Postdoc Page; applications in Japanese or English.

Application Timeline for NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

Application Opening: April 2026
Application Deadline: July 7, 2026
Review Process: August–September 2026
Notification of Results: October 2026
Start Date: Flexible, typically November 2026–March 2027 (up to 3 years)

Contact prospective PIs early for alignment.

How to Apply for NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

Follow these steps to apply for the NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026:

Consult a PI: Review NIG Research Labs and email a prospective Principal Investigator with your CV and research idea.
Prepare Documents: Download and complete Forms 1–4; secure references.
Merge Files: Combine all into one PDF (A4 size, no layout changes).
Submit via Email: Send to kenkyo-mail@nig.ac.jp by July 7, 2026.
Await Review: NIG evaluates based on research quality, PI fit, and institute contribution.
Interview (If Needed): Shortlisted candidates may discuss projects.

For inquiries, email the Research Promotion Office.

Why Choose the NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship?

National Institute of Genetics (NIG), founded in 1949, is Japan’s premier center for genetic research, integrating theory and application. Here’s why this fellowship excels:

Cutting-Edge Labs: 24 specialized groups in genomics, evolution, and neuroscience.
Global Community: Collaborate with international researchers in Mishima’s scenic setting.
Career Launch: Many alumni advance to faculty or industry leadership.
Supportive Environment: Annual reappointment with full benefits.
Japan Experience: Immerse in a hub of innovation near Tokyo.

This fellowship accelerates your genetics career.

Additional Opportunities

Explore other postdoctoral fellowships:

Tips for a Successful NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship Application

To increase your chances of securing the NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026, follow these tips:

Tailor to a PI: Align your proposal with a specific lab’s expertise.
Emphasize Independence: Highlight skills for self-directed research at NIG.
Keep Forms Strict: Adhere to page limits, formats, and language (Japanese/English).
Secure Strong References: Choose contacts who know your genetics work.
Apply Early: Contact PIs by May 2026 for feedback.

Conclusion

The NIG Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is a premier opportunity for PhD graduates to conduct funded genetics research at Japan’s leading institute. With a ¥4,100,000 salary, insurance, and collaborative resources, this program launches impactful careers. Don’t miss your chance to join NIG’s vibrant community and apply by July 7, 2026!

For more information or to apply, visit the NIG Official Website and Application Forms to advance your research journey.