join POCLab

For Prospective International Students and Researchers

POCLab (at Yokohama National University) welcomes international graduate students (master’s and doctoral) and researchers interested in research that integrates chemistry and information science.

Our laboratory conducts research in molecular design, reaction analysis, and property prediction, utilizing machine learning, computational chemistry, and data science, based on organic chemistry, physical organic chemistry, and materials chemistry.

To date, students with diverse backgrounds have participated in our research, including:

• Students specializing in organic synthesis and materials synthesis

• Students interested in computational chemistry and chemoinformatics

• Students seeking to challenge themselves in both experimental and computational approaches

and others.

Funding Policy

At present, POCLab is not able to provide direct financial support (such as living expenses, tuition fees, or travel costs) from laboratory or departmental funds.

Therefore, we can accept international graduate students and researchers only if they are supported by external funding, such as the MEXT (Japanese Government) Scholarship (Embassy Recommendation or University Recommendation).

We are happy to discuss potential research topics and provide advice for preparing scholarship applications in advance.

If you are motivated to conduct research in Japan through external funding, please feel free to contact us.

Research Proposal Requirement

We value a win–win relationship between incoming researchers and POCLab.

Therefore, applicants are asked to submit a research proposal describing their previous research experience and skills, and how they would like to develop and expand them within POCLab.

The proposal does not need to be a fully developed research plan. Rather, we are interested in understanding how your background and POCLab’s research environment could create new research opportunities together.

We especially welcome proposals that bridge chemistry and informatics, and explore how data-driven approaches can enhance experimental and theoretical chemistry.

Please note: You do not need prior experience in computational chemistry or machine learning to apply. Applicants with a strong background in experimental, synthetic, or materials chemistry are also very welcome. What matters most is a clear research vision and motivation to develop your expertise within POCLab.

The proposal should include the following items.

(1) What EXACT research you want to conduct in my lab Please clearly describe one main research direction that fits POCLab. Do you want to work on chemoinformatics / machine learning, synthetic (medicinal or functional) chemistry, or a combination of computation and experiment? If you propose a combination, explain how computation and experiment are connected. Avoid vague or overly broad topics. 👉 Choose one clear and focused direction that matches my laboratory.

(2) Why this research fits my laboratory Explain specifically and concretely why your proposal is suitable for POCLab. Please address the following points: Which specific papers from my group inspired your research idea? How does your previous research experience connect to thecomputational and data-driven focus of my group? Which techniques do you want to learn and use? e.g., machine learning, chemoinformatics, DFT, TDDFT,reaction or property prediction, molecular design, etc. General statements such as “I am interested in AI” are not sufficient. Show a clear connection between your background and our research.

(3) A concrete and scientifically valid research plan during your stay Your proposal should present a realistic and scientifically sound research plan that can be carried out during your period of study or research at POCLab (e.g., Master’s course, PhD program, or postdoctoral stay). Please include: Background and motivation Research question(s) or hypothesis Proposed methods computational and/or experimental approaches Expected results Novelty and scientific significance Feasibility within your planned period of stay The plan does not need to be perfect or final. Rather, it should demonstrate scientific thinking, realism, and originality, as well as a clear understanding of how the project can progress during your time in the lab.

📊 Use of Figures and Tables

Use schematic figures, flowcharts, or tables where appropriate (e.g., research workflow, method comparison, project timeline).

Visual clarity is valued as much as textual explanation.

Purpose of the Proposal

The proposal is not an exam and is not used to test technical skills.

It is used to evaluate whether:

your background and interests align with POCLab, and

we can build a productive and mutually beneficial research relationship.

We especially welcome applicants who are motivated to expand their expertise beyond their current specialization and explore new approaches at the interface of chemistry and informatics.