PhD Positions Available at Shinagawa Laboratory
Overview
Shinagawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo is seeking PhD students in the field of system software, with a focus on OS kernels, hypervisors, and other low-level technologies.
Our goal is to produce research results that are accepted at top-tier international conferences on system software such as SOSP, OSDI, EuroSys, and USENIX ATC. Applicants are expected to have at least one international conference paper (preferably CORE Rank A or A*) or equivalent research achievement in system software.
We actively welcome international PhD applicants. Japanese language proficiency is not the requirement. Starting next academic year, approximately 80% of graduate-level lectures will be conducted in English, and research activities in the lab clould be conducted mainly in English.
In Japanese universities, graduate studies consist of a two-year master’s program followed by a three-year doctoral program, with research beginning in the master’s program. If you do not yet hold a master’s degree, we recommend starting with a master’s program and continuing on to a doctoral program.
Key Information
- Research Areas: system software, including OS kernels, virtualization, TEEs, and system security.
- Language: English (Japanese optional)
- RA Compensation: 150,000 - 200,000 yen/month.
- Research Funding: Full support for equipment, cloud services, and travel expenses.
- International Activities: Support for conference attendance and international collaboration.
- Research Topics: Students may propose their own topic or consult with the supervisor to define one.
Application Process
Summer Admission
- Application Period: Friday, May 30 to Thursday, June 5, 2025 (until 14:00 JST)
- Written Exam & Interview: August 2025
- Result Announcement: Early September 2025
- Enrollment: April 2026 (recommended to allow time for export control procedures and visa processing)
Winter Admission
- Application Period: Wednesday, November 12 to Tuesday, November 18, 2025 (until 14:00 JST)
- Interview: February 2026
- Result Announcement: February 2026
- Enrollment: September 2026
Research Proposal Guidelines
Applicants should submit a research proposal that:
- Clearly states the research objectives and approach.
- Includes a survey of recent papers from system software conferences (CORE Rank A or higher recommended).
- Demonstrates a strong understanding of the current research landscape.
Contact
If you wish to enroll in the Shinagawa Laboratory for a doctoral degree, please make sure to contact me in advance. When contacting me, you must provide a detailed description of the research you wish to conduct in the field of system software, along with a thorough explanation of your previous research achievements and development experience. Simply referring to topics listed on the laboratory website is not sufficient. General or vague inquiries will not be considered.
