Associate Professorship in Japanese Law and Society

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 58,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Dining rights

Senior Common Room membership

Facilities access

Sabbatical leave

Job summary

The University of Oxford invites applications for an Associate Professor in Japanese Law and Society, based at the Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies. The post is a full-time, permanent appointment tenable from 2027/28 or soon after.

Applicants should have a doctorate in Japanese Law and Society, a strong publication record on Japan, and expertise in socio-legal studies and research methods; fluency in Japanese is required.

Qualifications

• Doctorate related to Japanese Law and Society
• Strong research/publication record focused on Japan
• Expertise in socio-legal studies and social science research methods
• Evidence of, or potential for, excellence in teaching and supervision

Responsibilities

• Undertake internationally excellent research
• Teach and supervise undergraduate and graduate students
• Contribute to curriculum development, examining and administration
• Engage with wider academic and policy community
• Balance time: 80% OSGA/Nissan Institute, 20% Faculty of Law

Skills

Fluency in Japanese

Research & teaching

Education

Doctorate in Japanese Law and Society

Job description

Associate Professorship in Japanese Law and Society

UK date and time: 26-September-2026 13:06

The Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) and the Faculty of Law, in association with St Antony’s College, are seeking to appoint an Associate Professor in Japanese Law and Society. The post will be based primarily at the Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies.

Grade 10a (36S): £58,265–£77,645 per annum, plus additional benefits and allowances. An additional £3,199 per annum is payable upon award of the title of Full Professor. St Antony’s College also offers a housing allowance of £2,912 per annum (2025/26 rate).

About the Role

This is a full-time appointment, permanent following successful completion of a review during the first five years, and tenable from the start of the 2027/28 academic year or as soon as possible thereafter.

We welcome applicants with expertise in the socio-legal study of Japan, which may include environmental law, medical and technology law, human rights law, international law, civil and commercial law, or administrative and constitutional law. Candidates should have a primary focus on Japan, preferably with comparative interests.

The successful candidate will undertake internationally excellent research, teach and supervise undergraduate and graduate students, contribute to curriculum development, examining and administration, and engage with the wider academic and policy community. The post-holder will devote approximately 80% of their time to OSGA/Nissan Institute and 20% to the Faculty of Law.

About You

Applicants should have:

• A doctorate related to Japanese Law and Society, awarded before 1 October 2027.
• An outstanding research and publication record focused primarily on Japan.
• Expertise in socio-legal studies and social science research methods.
• Evidence of, or potential for, excellence in teaching, supervision and securing research funding.
• Fluency in Japanese, including the ability to work with Japanese-language primary sources.
• Strong communication, collaborative and organisational skills, and a commitment to an inclusive academic environment.

Desirable experience includes graduate supervision, research impact and stakeholder engagement, and advanced quantitative research methods skills.

The role offers generous sabbatical leave and flexibility to balance teaching and research. St Antony’s College benefits include a housing allowance, dining rights, Senior Common Room membership and access to College facilities.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: Friday 20 November 2026, 12:00 noon (UK time)
• Interviews: Monday 11 January 2027, in person in Oxford
• Start Date: Start of the 2027/28 academic year, or as soon as possible thereafter

Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Diego Sanchez Ancochea at [e-mail]. All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence.

The University of Oxford is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds, including groups currently under-represented in higher education.

Salary (£) : £58,265 to £77,645 per annum plus additional benefits and allowances. An additional allowance of £3,199 p.a. would be payable upon award of Full Professor title.