Masaki Yoshida, Ph.D.
Professor at Ritsumeikan University, Japan
e-mail address:
masakiy[at mark]fc.ritsumei.ac.jp
yoshidamasakidr@gmail.com (if above is not available)
Contact
Specialty
- Geodynamics (Global tectonics and mantle dynamics)
- Earth's history
- Seismotectonics
- Computational fluid dynamics
About my research
I am engaged in research on solid-earth dynamics, in particular global tectonics and mantle dynamics, using geophysical approaches such as numerical experiments/simulations, theoretical analyses, and geophysical data analyses, in collaboration with seismologists, geologists, petrologists, mineralogists, and geochemists. My research is aimed at understanding the (i) thermal, mechanical, and compositional evolution of the mantle, (ii) onset conditions and mechanisms of plate tectonics, (iii) behaviour of subducted plates/crusts in the deep mantle, (iv) mechanisms and driving forces of the supercontinental cycle and continental drift, (v) mantle-core coupling mode, (vi) tectonic and geological conditions for great earthquakes and trench migration, and (vii) dynamic links between surface tectonics and mantle convection, both on a global scale and in specified target areas.
Please see the PDF document for my recent research on 3D numerical simulations of mantle convection and the website of EGU Blog for mantle-core coupling dynamics. Some interview articles of my researches can be found in Science News and New Scientist.
Please see the PDF document for my recent research on 3D numerical simulations of mantle convection and the website of EGU Blog for mantle-core coupling dynamics. Some interview articles of my researches can be found in Science News and New Scientist.
Opportunities for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Researchers
The Laboratory of Earth's Interior Physics at Ritsumeikan University welcomes inquiries from prospective graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who are interested in our research activities. We encourage motivated individuals with a strong interest in Earth's interior, mantle dynamics, geophysics, and related fields to consider joining our laboratory.
For Prospective Graduate Students
Prospective graduate students are expected to have sufficient Japanese language proficiency to take the graduate school entrance examination, which is conducted in Japanese. Applicants should therefore have adequate Japanese language skills to understand the examination requirements, complete the admission process, and participate effectively in academic activities after enrollment. Admission is subject to the university's official application procedures and selection criteria.
For Prospective Postdoctoral Researchers
I also welcome inquiries from prospective postdoctoral researchers who have secured, or intend to apply for, external funding provided by the Japanese government, including fellowships offered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and other government-funded research programs. Securing such funding is a mandatory requirement for acceptance as a postdoctoral researcher in my laboratory. Unfortunately, I am unable to offer postdoctoral positions to applicants who do not have access to such funding.
For postdoctoral researchers, a higher level of Japanese language proficiency is required. As my ability to communicate complex scientific matters in English is very limited, applicants are expected to have Japanese language skills beyond those required for everyday conversation. In particular, they should be able to engage in detailed scientific discussions, exchange research ideas, explain their research methods and results, and communicate effectively about technical and academic matters in Japanese.
This language requirement is intended to ensure effective communication, mutual understanding, and productive research collaboration within our laboratory. It is particularly important for discussing research plans, addressing scientific problems, interpreting numerical or observational results, and exchanging ideas throughout the research process.
Postdoctoral researchers are expected to conduct their research with a high degree of independence and initiative. Although I will provide scientific advice and support whenever possible, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to provide comprehensive supervision or support for every aspect of their research. Applicants should therefore be prepared to develop and pursue their own research projects independently, rather than relying heavily on continuous guidance or close supervision.
On the other hand, postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to establish and maintain broad research networks with scientists at other universities and research institutions, both in Japan and abroad. They are welcome to pursue independent research directions, exchange ideas with external researchers, and actively engage in collaborative projects beyond our laboratory. I believe that such academic freedom and collaboration are important for the professional development of early-career researchers and for producing original and meaningful scientific results.
My laboratory aims to provide a flexible research environment in which postdoctoral researchers can pursue their scientific interests independently while benefiting from opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and interaction with researchers across different institutions and disciplines.
Contact Information
Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact me in advance (see my email address above) to discuss their research interests, academic backgrounds, qualifications, potential funding opportunities, and Japanese language proficiency. Please note that acceptance into the laboratory is subject to mutual agreement on research interests, the availability of appropriate funding, and any applicable university or fellowship requirements.
For Prospective Graduate Students
Prospective graduate students are expected to have sufficient Japanese language proficiency to take the graduate school entrance examination, which is conducted in Japanese. Applicants should therefore have adequate Japanese language skills to understand the examination requirements, complete the admission process, and participate effectively in academic activities after enrollment. Admission is subject to the university's official application procedures and selection criteria.
For Prospective Postdoctoral Researchers
I also welcome inquiries from prospective postdoctoral researchers who have secured, or intend to apply for, external funding provided by the Japanese government, including fellowships offered by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) and other government-funded research programs. Securing such funding is a mandatory requirement for acceptance as a postdoctoral researcher in my laboratory. Unfortunately, I am unable to offer postdoctoral positions to applicants who do not have access to such funding.
For postdoctoral researchers, a higher level of Japanese language proficiency is required. As my ability to communicate complex scientific matters in English is very limited, applicants are expected to have Japanese language skills beyond those required for everyday conversation. In particular, they should be able to engage in detailed scientific discussions, exchange research ideas, explain their research methods and results, and communicate effectively about technical and academic matters in Japanese.
This language requirement is intended to ensure effective communication, mutual understanding, and productive research collaboration within our laboratory. It is particularly important for discussing research plans, addressing scientific problems, interpreting numerical or observational results, and exchanging ideas throughout the research process.
Postdoctoral researchers are expected to conduct their research with a high degree of independence and initiative. Although I will provide scientific advice and support whenever possible, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to provide comprehensive supervision or support for every aspect of their research. Applicants should therefore be prepared to develop and pursue their own research projects independently, rather than relying heavily on continuous guidance or close supervision.
On the other hand, postdoctoral researchers are encouraged to establish and maintain broad research networks with scientists at other universities and research institutions, both in Japan and abroad. They are welcome to pursue independent research directions, exchange ideas with external researchers, and actively engage in collaborative projects beyond our laboratory. I believe that such academic freedom and collaboration are important for the professional development of early-career researchers and for producing original and meaningful scientific results.
My laboratory aims to provide a flexible research environment in which postdoctoral researchers can pursue their scientific interests independently while benefiting from opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and interaction with researchers across different institutions and disciplines.
Contact Information
Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact me in advance (see my email address above) to discuss their research interests, academic backgrounds, qualifications, potential funding opportunities, and Japanese language proficiency. Please note that acceptance into the laboratory is subject to mutual agreement on research interests, the availability of appropriate funding, and any applicable university or fellowship requirements.