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

• 👉 Graduate School Admissions
• 👉 Department Admissions

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.

👉 List of Related Conferences

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.

Prof. Takahiro Shinagawa