Job Discussion Forums

[Horizontal Hero]

I am applying for a position as a researcher at the Waseda Uni Future Research Institute in Tokyo. They have 12 position going at present (3-4 year contracts), and since I have just completed a doctorate thesis in futures studies, I probably have some chance of getting one of the positions. I know from doing a bit of searching here on Dave�s and elsewhere that Waseda is a highly-ranked uni, so I imagine positions are very competitive. However I'd like a bit of "inside" info from anybody who has ever worked there, been there, or knows anybody who has. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I have not worked in Japan, thus my general ignorance (I have visited Tokyo, however). I have worked in Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, mainland China and Hong Kong, mostly as an English and ESL teacher for secondary school students.

Here are some areas I�d like to know more about.

1) What would a likely salary be? The Waseda web site just says pay is �according to uni regulations� � no details. The position would come under one of the titles: Visiting Professor, Visiting Associate Professor, Visiting Lecturer, Assistant Professor, or Visiting Research Associate. I don�t have any uni teaching experience, other than ESL university prep programs. I do have around 15 publication credits in academic journals, which might help a bit with getting the job.
2) What kind of salary would you need to live a decent lifestyle in Tokyo, while supporting an (almost certainly) non-working wife? I have no idea if the uni would provide housing, but let�s assume they don�t. I�m not looking for a luxurious lifestyle, but I hope to avoid a student-like lifestyle. I note others here have stated that it costs around 200 000 Yen a month to live - does that apply to Tokyo too?
3) What is the Nishi-Waseda campus in Tokyo like (where the positions are)? What about that general area of Tokyo?
4) For anyone who has worked there, what are working conditions like at the uni?

Thanks in advance,

HH

[taikibansei]

Waseda has a very good reputation overall with regards to full-time faculty positions. (The people I know there are quite satisfied.) I'm less sure about their treatment of "visiting" faculty, but I would imagine it would be comparatively nice.

1) Salaries are determined by both your age (the older you are, the more money you get) and rank at hire (full professor, associate professor, etc...). Hence, it would be difficult for them (and me) to give you a salary range. This is particularly true in that you will be "visiting," and hence on a different salary scale entirely. Still, depending on your age and rank, I'd imagine somewhere between 350,000-450,000 yen per month.

2 & 3) Somebody in Tokyo will have to answer these.

4) Again, from everything I've heard, it's a pretty nice place to work.

Hope you get the job!

[earthmonkey]

Hi.

2. That campus is in Takadanobaba (sobriety test word). It's a nice central area with both a subway and train station. The train station is on Yamanote line, the loop line around central Tokyo. For shopping, restaurants and other necessities, Takadanobaba would have everything you need. It's also just 5 minutes by train from Shinjuku.

3. I'd be surprised if the University doesn't help with housing. If it doesn't, I'd count on spending a bare minimum of �100,000 per month on renting a place which is big enough for 2 people in that area. For about �120k-�140k you'd have many options. Up front costs are 3 to 5 times the monthly rent. If you don't mind commuting 30 minutes or so, you could find cheaper areas. I'm in a similarly priced area (Meguro) and pay �100k for a 35 square meter, 2 room apartment 6 minutes on foot from the station. Great for one person, a little tight for 2.

Good luck!

[Horizontal Hero]

Thanks for that very helpful info (both posters)! I am currently in Hong Kong, so know all about sky-high rent for little space. I am in a "cheaper" place at present - 500 square feet for nearly US1000 per month.