The Research Section of Maritime Disasters in the Research Division of Atmospheric and Hydrospheric Disasters, Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University invites applicants for a permanent position at the Full Professor level.
The fundamental aim of the division is to establish the scientific principles to mitigate atmospheric and hydrospheric disasters by elucidation of mechanisms and prediction of the anomalous atmospheric and hydrospheric events. Spatial scale of the events addressed in our division ranges from the size of humans and buildings to the urban area, regional, and global scales. We also struggle against ephemeral but severe events like tornadoes, and persistent but relatively modest events like blockings. These events have been causing disasters on various scales and threaten the lives of people affected by the spatial conditions, such as topographic features and land use. We also promote studies on atmospheric and environmental changes caused by the explosive increase of human activities, and also to predict the associated disasters.
The main research purposes of the Research Section of Maritime Disasters are to protect densely-populated and intensively-utilized coastal areas from natural disasters and preserve natural coastal environments. The disasters in the coastal areas are caused by unfavorable natural phenomena, such as tsunamis, abnormal tides, storm surges and waves. This research section develops and improves numerical simulation models for accurate prediction. Furthermore, this research section investigates how to promote the durability of coastal and ocean structures against damage and how to protect coastal beaches from erosion. Global warming effects on regional climate changes, future sea level rise, and magnitude of typhoons, are all related to the extent of coastal disasters. The relation between these factors and disasters are investigated.
Major research subjects are expected as follows:
1) Development and improvement of numerical transformation models for storm surges and tsunamis, and their application to accurate predictions
2) Development of accurate models for real-time prediction of storm surges and high waves using meteorological data
3) Development of real-time prediction systems for tsunamis and storm surges
4) Statistical analysis of damage characteristics of coastal structures under the risk of climatic change, and reliability and performance-based design and management of maritime structures
There are also responsibilities for teaching graduate courses and supervising the research of graduate students at the Department of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University. The successful applicant should be proficient in Japanese. He/she will be expected to start on April 1, 2007 or shortly thereafter.
Applicants should prepare the following materials: i) curriculum vitae, ii) list of publications (divided into peer reviewed journal papers and other publications), iii) copies of 5 significant relevant papers, iv) a brief review of applicant’s research and related contributions (up to two A4 pages), v) a statement of research plans and interests (up to three A4 pages), and vi) recommendation letters or names of two references (include their addresses, fax numbers, and e-mail addresses).
The complete application package should be sent to:
Selection Committee for Full Professor in Maritime Disasters Research Section,
Research Division of Atmospheric and Hydrospheric Disasters,
Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI)
Administrative Office, Uji Campus,
Kyoto University, Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
Inquiries should be sent to the E-mail address below:
E-mail: asada@uji.kyoto-u.ac.jp
The closing date for applications is October 17, 2006.
For more information about DPRI see http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/
