Our laboratory investigates the fundamental mechanisms of genome instability, gene amplification, and circular DNA in cancer. Gene amplification is a major driver of tumorigenesis and occurs as a consequence of genome instability. It was traditionally believed to occur on chromosomes. However, it is now clear that gene amplification also involves the formation and accumulation of extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) —circular DNA derived from chromosomal fragments carrying oncogenes or drug-target genes. ecDNA has been found in approximately 17% of cancer patient samples and is increasingly recognized as a key factor promoting cancer development, progression, and therapy resistance. Importantly, despite its chromosomal origin, ecDNA acquires unique properties, including distinct chromatin structures, gene expression patterns, and unconventional segregation patterns. Nevertheless, many fundamental aspects of ecDNA biology remain poorly understood. Our laboratory aim to answer central questions such as:

• What molecular mechanisms drive the formation of ecDNA?
• What new properties does ecDNA acquire through circularization?
• (with particular focus on DNA replication, recombination, and repair)
• How does ecDNA evolve in cancer cells to promote tumor progression and therapy resistance?

By addressing these questions and by exploring applications that leverage ecDNA-driven gene amplification, we pursues both basic and translational research toward innovative cancer therapies. We also study other types of circular DNA present in eukaryotic cells to unravel the new biology driven by circular DNA. We are seeking postdoctoral researchers who have solid backgrounds in fields such as molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, biophysics, or genome biology.

National Institute of Genetics (NIG) is an internationally recognized research institute that attracts outstanding scientists worldwide. English is the primary language in seminars and discussions, world-leading scientists are frequently invited to give seminars, providing an excellent setting for developing a global network.

National Institute of Genetics (NIG) is an internationally recognized research institute that attracts outstanding scientists worldwide. English is the primary language in seminars and discussions, world-leading scientists are frequently invited to give seminars, providing an excellent setting for developing a global network.

We are looking for a talented, highly motivated, and enthusiastic posdoc. We welcome applicants who already have or are willing to obtain their own fellowships or research fundings in the future. Please also note that NIG holds an annual open call for its own postdoctoral fellowship program, although the application for the yeast of 2026 is now closed.

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Contract information

Duration: 2 years with annual evaluation at the end of fiscal year

Working time: full time

Benefits: according to NIG regulations

Location: Mishima city, Shizuoka prefecture, Japan

Please send CV, summary of your current research project (1–3 pages), letter of motivation, and at least 2 references to . Applicants may be later asked to submit a research proposal (although the research project that the applicant will actually work on will be decided after discussions).