R&D Assistant (Intern)
1. About Us
NanoFrontier is a research-driven startup built around a proprietary nanoparticle generation technology developed over many years at Tohoku University. We provide end-to-end, in-house capabilities—from material design to mass production and quality assurance—for materials used in energy, environmental, pharmaceutical, and other fields. We also offer contract manufacturing of nanoparticles and technology licensing, and are rapidly advancing joint research and PoC projects with manufacturers and academic institutions from Sendai (main base) and Tokyo (collaboration base).
2. Role & Responsibilities
You will provide R&D support that keeps day-to-day experimental operations stable and raises the productivity of the research team. In addition to preparing and assisting with experiments (primarily in liquid-phase systems), basic measurements, and record-keeping and data organization, you will also manage reagents, equipment, waste liquids, SDSs, and forms, and help set up the laboratory environment. We are looking for someone who not only carries out researchers’ instructions accurately, but also reads the situation, thinks about what needs to be done next, and acts proactively.
What You’ll Gain
- Be part of a team bringing university-born technology into real-world use at startup speed
- Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge materials development as a member of the research team
- Get exposure to both in-house R&D and joint projects with companies
- Build a broad foundation in R&D through liquid-phase experiments, measurement, record-keeping, and data organization
- Gain practical experience that leads to a future career in research or engineering
3. Key Responsibilities
- Support experiments primarily in liquid-phase systems (sample preparation, pretreatment, equipment operation)
- Assist with nanoparticle generation and evaluation experiments
- Prepare and operate measurement instruments (DLS, etc.) and record data
- Record in lab notebooks and assist in updating protocols and SOPs (standard operating procedures)
- Prepare documents, organize data, and create charts using Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Manage reagents and consumables, labeling, SDSs and forms, and handle waste liquid treatment
- Keep the laboratory organized and clean, and assist with safety management
4. Requirements, Skills & Experience
Required
- Alignment with NanoFrontier’s business and mission
- Curiosity about science, technology, and making things
- Basic proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to understand instructions accurately and carry them out carefully
- Ability to record lab notebooks and data accurately
- Proactive: able to ask questions and move on to the next action based on the situation, rather than waiting for instructions
- Ability to commit to the work on an ongoing basis while balancing it with studies or a primary job
Preferred
- Experience with liquid-phase experiments
- Knowledge of nanoparticles
- Experience operating analytical instruments
- Experience with laboratory safety management and waste liquid treatment
- Sustained experience in making things or technology development
- Experimental experience in chemistry, materials, biology, or similar fields
What We’re Looking For
- Someone who consistently practices safety, tidiness, and prompt reporting, communication, and consultation
- Someone motivated to learn on their own and acquire skills and knowledge
- Someone who wants to contribute to the research team over the long term
5. Location & Work Style
- Location: Sendai
- Work style: 3 or more days per week (negotiable)
- Work hours: Full flex (core hours 13:00–16:00)
- Duration: Candidates who can continue long-term are welcome (2 years or more as a guideline)
6. Benefits & Welfare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Holidays & Leave | ・Complete 5-day workweek ・Annual paid leave ・Year-end and New Year holidays |
| Insurance | Complete social insurance coverage |
7. Selection Process
- Casual interview: 30–60 minutes
- Interview: 30+ minutes
- Offer interview & final decision
※ Results for each step of the selection process will be provided within 3 business days as a rule. Steps may be omitted depending on the candidate’s circumstances.
8. Company Information
- Company Name:
- NanoFrontier Inc. (Headquarters: Room 215, Material Solutions Center (MaSC), Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai-shi, Miyagi Prefecture)
- Corporate Philosophy:
- “Toward a society where all resources circulate smoothly and are utilized in optimal forms”
- Business Areas:
(1) Research, development, manufacturing, and sales of reagents and functional materials using organic nanoparticle technology
(2) Contract manufacturing of organic nanoparticles and provision of related technologies
(3) Technology licensing and technical consulting in the field of organic nanoparticle technology
(4) All businesses incidental to the above
9. How to Apply
Please prepare the following documents and apply through the application form on our careers page.
- Resume (with photo)
- CV / work history
- Portfolio or list of research achievements (optional)
- A short description of something you have made in your research to date, along with the intent and care behind it (optional) ※ You are also welcome to bring photos or the actual item to the interview.