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Accurate tracking of the employment status and career paths of supported students directly impacts the future allocation of support slots, as well as interim and final evaluations of this program.
Therefore, all supported students are required to cooperate with a 10-year follow-up survey after the doctoral study.
The follow-up survey applies to those who have received support from this program even once and:
- have completed a doctoral program (including those who earned a degree, withdrew after earning credits, or completed the degree ahead of schedule), or
- have withdrawn from a doctoral program.
Career tracking will be conducted via the JGRAD (Japan GRaduate Student Database).
You must complete your registration by the specified deadline and continue to update it regularly.
What is JGRAD? 🔍
JGRAD (Japan Graduates Database) is a database for doctoral talent promoted by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). It serves as a platform to support career development for doctoral students and PhD holders.
As of March 2025, 143 universities are utilizing JGRAD to support the career development of doctoral students.
Benefits of Registering with JGRAD 🎯
By registering with JGRAD, doctoral candidates can maximize their unique strengths and gain access to numerous opportunities.
Here are the key benefits of using JGRAD:
✔ Access Exclusive Career Information for Doctoral Talent
JGRAD provides job listings from companies and research institutions seeking doctoral talent, which are rarely found on general job sites.
The platform offers a wide range of career opportunities, including academia, industry, government, and startups.
For example, JGRAD features job postings from:
- Corporate R&D positions (pharmaceuticals, AI, data science, robotics, etc.)
- Government institutions and think tanks (policy planning, science and technology strategy, etc.)
- Postdoctoral and faculty positions at universities and research institutes
- Researcher positions at startups and venture companies
✔ Receive Direct Offers from Companies and Research Institutions
By registering on JGRAD, companies and research institutions can directly scout doctoral talent.
This unique feature sets JGRAD apart from traditional job sites.
Examples of institutions that scout talent through JGRAD include:
- Major corporations offering PhD recruitment programs
- Government agencies hiring research fellows
- Industry-academia collaboration projects seeking researchers
For those considering careers beyond academia, JGRAD provides a great opportunity to find a career path that aligns with their expertise.
✔ Build a Professional Network with Fellow PhD Holders
JGRAD also facilitates opportunities for doctoral students and PhD holders to exchange information.
Engaging with peers from other universities can lead to new collaborations and career possibilities.
For example:
- Interdisciplinary research collaborations among PhD holders
- Career seminars and networking events for doctoral talent
- Sharing career information after completing a doctoral program
For students from universities with limited career support for PhD graduates, JGRAD provides a valuable opportunity to connect with doctoral peers across Japan.
✔ Continue Using JGRAD Even After Graduation
JGRAD allows users to update their career information even after completing their doctoral program.
For instance, even after obtaining a PhD and securing a position at a company or research institution, JGRAD can be used for career advancement, job transitions, or new research collaborations.
✔ A database that can be utilized for over 10 years after earning a PhD!
✔ Useful for career transitions and postdoctoral planning!
📝 How to Register for JGRAD (3 Simple Steps!)
Registering for JGRAD is quick and easy—just three steps to complete the process.
🚀 1. Visit the JGRAD Official Website
✍️ 2. Enter Your Profile Information
- Basic information (name, affiliated university, research field)
- Research achievements and skills
- Career preferences (academia, industry, government, etc.)
- Work experience (internships, research assistantships, etc.)
Please make sure to register using your personal email address, as you will continue to use the system after the support period ends.
Do not use your university email address (e.g., @isct.ac.jp or @titech.ac.jp).
📩 3. Keep Your Profile Updated
– Regularly updating research achievements and skills increases the chances of being scouted by companies and research institutions.
– JGRAD is most effective when used continuously, allowing you to refine your career trajectory over time.
✅ Register for JGRAD and Build a Career That Utilizes Your PhD!
JGRAD is a powerful career development tool for doctoral students and PhD holders.
✔ Expand your career options!
✔ Connect with companies seeking PhD expertise!
✔ Explore career opportunities beyond academia!
Register for JGRAD today and unlock new possibilities for your career!
Page Published on: March 21, 2025