JOB VACANCY -Science and Innovation Officer- Office of Science and Innovation (OSI) Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo

Sweden and Japan are also world-leading technology pioneers, with strong ecosystems within AI, biotechnology, energy, space, advanced manufacturing, ICT, robotics and more. Thus, Japan is one of Sweden’s most prioritized international partners in innovation, research, and higher education.

The Office of Science and Innovation (OSI) at the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo operates under the Ministry of Climate and Enterprise in Sweden. There are currently seven Offices of Science and Innovation (OSI) at Sweden’s embassies globally, one of them in Tokyo – a testament to the long-term commitment between our research and innovation ecosystems.The function of the OSI is to:
• Promote Sweden as one of the strongest and most innovative economies in the world.
• Attract strategic investments and talent to Sweden.
• Connect key STI stakeholders and organisations to foster strong bilateral research and innovation ties.
• Inform the Swedish government and key stakeholders of trends and developments of STI policy in Japan.

We are now seeking an ambitious and proactive professional to strengthen our capabilities within the OSI as a Science and Innovation Officer. The position reports to the Head of Section for OSI. He/she will collaborate closely with fellow colleagues in the OSI Office, the Embassy’s overall staff and contributes broadly to the entire Team Sweden in Japan (including the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Japan and Business Sweden). The successful applicant will work closely with the other embassy functions.

Tasks as Science and Innovation Officer:
• Proactively monitor, analyze and report local perspectives on higher education, science, research, innovation and relevant technology/industrial policy development in Japan to the government offices in Stockholm and other key stakeholders.
• Actively develop and maintain relationships between Swedish R&D organizations with relevant networks, institutes and companies within the science and innovation ecosystem in Japan.
• Identify, initiate, and support strategic international collaboration between Swedish and Japanese R&D organizations such as universities, research institutes, think tanks, public authorities, regional governments and industry.
• Participate in the planning and execution of relevant agendas/programs for incoming visits/delegations from Sweden.
• Support promotional activities and strategic investment opportunities in collaboration with colleagues at Business Sweden and the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Japan.
• Collaborate closely with all relevant sections of the Embassy to achieve objectives of OSI
• Other tasks as assigned by the Head of Section or the Head of Mission.
A successful applicant is expected to have:
• An academic degree in science, engineering, political science, industrial economics or another relevant field.
• Documented experience from working in an academic, diplomatic, R&D or STI-focused organization or industry.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Japanese.
• Knowledge of and/or an established network within the Japanese science and innovation ecosystem.
• Organized, structured and results-oriented.
• A proactive personality with high capacity for seizing opportunities, taking initiative and good social- and networking skills.
• Capable of working independently as well as function effectively in a cross-disciplinary team.
• A forthcoming personality who sympathizes with values such as openness, honesty, loyalty, discretion, flexibility and good communication.
• Excellent time management, organizational and orientation skills and an ability to work calmly under periods of high pressure.

The following attributes are highly meriting:
• Documented international academic or professional experience.
• A PhD and/or documented experience as researcher within science, technology and/or innovation.
• Knowledge of and/or an established network within the Swedish science and innovation ecosystem.
• Spoken/written Swedish.

We believe that a great team is built not only on skills and experience but also on character and personality. Beyond qualifications, we put particular emphasis on individuals who bring passion, integrity, and a collaborative spirit to our workplace.
The Embassy of Sweden encourages diversity and has a non-hierarchical organization. We delegate responsibility and encourage independence, creativity, initiative, courage and prestige-free teamwork, while expecting exceptional quality and timely results.

The Swedish Embassy offers a competitive package with individual salaries in relation to previous experience and generous vacation and benefits.
Starting date is spring 2026 (negotiable depending on availability). Job offers will be made with a mandatory 6-month probation period. Working hours are 38.75 hours per week.

For more information regarding the position and conditions please email: ambassaden.tokyo@gov.se.
Please send your application including (i) CV, (ii) a personal introduction letter, and (iii) a list of references by e-mail to the Embassy not later than Dec 12 at: ambassaden.tokyo-vacancy@gov.se.
Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted.