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Home > Career opportunities > Seeking Technical Scientist or a Technical Staff[DP-2] at LSA System Development Unit, LSA System Development Group
Seeking Technical Scientist or a Technical Staff[DP-2]
Research Department LSA System Development Unit, LSA System Development Group, RIKEN Omics Science Center
(Unit Leader: Naoto KONDO)
Area of Research The RIKEN Omics Science Center (OSC) aims to construct a methodical system that enables rapid explication of molecular networks, or the "Life Science Accelerator" (LSA).
A key part of the LSA System Development Unit is the commercial service group called the Genome Network Analysis Service (GeNAS). GeNAS provides sequencing and data processing in the domains of genomics, epigenomics and transcriptomics using Cap Analysis Gene Expression (CAGE) technology with the purpose of supporting life-science research both inside and outside Japan. We consider customer needs, provide consulting and propose experimental designs for applications using next-generation sequencers. Results are reported to customers after sample preparation, sequencing and data processing as part of a framework that is based on quality.
We are standardizing the CAGE-based technologies developed by researchers at the Omics Science Center for large-scale applications, and support vendor sequencing protocols (genome resequencing, RNA-seq, ChIP-seq). We promote the use of high-throughput next-generation sequencers by offering customized services and high-quality data to the scientific community in research, medicine and industry).
Among other domains, we are currently developing support for personal genome studies and drug discovery.
The GeNAS team offers the latest sequencing technologies as a service and keeps close connections with the research world to guarantee that both its research and industry customers can make the best of their data.
[for more details, please refer to the OSC website : http://www.osc.riken.jp/english/ ]
Available Position One or two openings for a Technical Scientist or a Technical Staff.
Job Description
Develop data-processing automation systems in the GeNAS Data Processing Section.
Contribute to design and execute software integration for the tools involved in data processing (distributed environment based on SGE, SQL-based Laboratory Information Management System [LIMS], sequencer-vendor software, commercial and open-source software)
Develop (simple) web-based interfaces required for the control of software and for reporting.

Technical Scientist: Oversees and provides guidance to Technical Staff and engages in technological development.
Technical Staff: Provides technical support for the assigned project.
Qualifications Requirements for both positions
Able to work and communicate in English (Japanese language skills would be a strong, but not decisive, asset), as work is in an international environment.
Has experience in software development in a Linux environment (Shell scripting in Linux environment).
Has a knowledge of programming languages: C/C++/Java, Perl and/or other scripting languages.
Has experience in database design and implementation: SQL (MySQL, understanding of DB normalization and performance).
Understands basics of high-throughput data processing and analysis (understand the meaning of the data to be manipulated).
Has experience in good software development practices (SVN, unit testing, etc.).
Has experience in software integration in multi-developer environments.
Has experience using distributed systems (Sun/Oracle Grid Engine [SGE] or similar framework).
Previous experience developing simple web interfaces (understanding of web-services and Web 2.0 technologies is a plus), would be a strong advantage.
Previous experience in high-performance computing environment, would be a strong advantage (work environment has multiple computing clusters and file systems in the 100s of TB to PB range).
Able to work autonomously on assigned tasks.

[Technical Scientist]
Masters degree in computational science with experience for all the above-mentioned technologies (or demonstrated equivalent 5 years experience)

[Technical Staff]
Graduate of a professional training school, junior college or university with experience for all the above-mentioned technologies (or demonstrated equivalent 2 years experience)
Location RIKEN Yokohama Institute, 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, 230-0045 Japan
Contract Conditions [Contract]
The term of the contract shall be until March 31, 2013.(However, please refer to Note 1 below).

Note 1: As an Independent Administrative Institution funded by the Japanese Government, RIKEN is bound by a mid-term plan of 3 to 5 years that is determined by the competent minister. This mid-term plan establishes the aims RIKEN is required to achieve.
The current (second) mid-term plan runs to March 31, 2013. The government is now in the process of reviewing the mid-term plan and has the option of calling for major organizational changes. As such, the close of the mid-term plan requires that the contracts of all fixed-term employees and special appointment employees end on or before March 31, 2013, depending on the project.
Once the RIKEN third mid-term plan is decided, OSC will also be able to make a decision on its own mid-term plan and will put out an open call for applications for employment beginning April 1, 2013. All fixed-term and special appointment employees will be requested to apply and interview through this open call in order to work at RIKEN. Successful applicants will have annual contracts that may be renewed to a maximum of March 31, 2018 (the end of the RIKEN third mid-term plan), based on necessity and a performance evaluation and if both parties agree to the conditions.

[Salary]
Salary is determined annually on the basis of employee experience, abilities and research results. Commuting and housing allowances will be provided and social insurance applies (health insurance, pension insurance, worker's accident compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, etc.).

[Holidays]
Saturdays and Sundays, Japanese National Holidays, year-end and New Year (Dec.29-Jan.3), summer holidays and RIKEN Foundation Day (4th Monday in October).

[Facilities]
Cafeteria, convenience store, café, RIKEN daycare center*
*Certain conditions apply for use of the daycare.

[Others]
Other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.
*Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai).
*RIKEN is an equal opportunity employer, with all working to make the best use of their talents for RIKEN.
http://www.riken.jp/engn/r-world/gender/index.html
Required Documents and Deadlines [Documents to submit]
(1)Curriculum Vitae (with photo).
*Indicate your e-mail address.
*Indicate the symbol [DP-2] on your CV (top right-hand corner) and the position you are applying for.
(2)Personal Statement (A4 size, 1-2 sheets)
(3)List of publications or Technical Skill list
(4)A Recommendation Letter from your current direct supervisor (or from a third person when it is difficult to obtain a recommendation from the current supervisor).
*The Recommendation Letter should be addressed to "Director, OSC, RIKEN Yokohama Institute."
*Please write "Omics Science Center application for [DP-2]" on the envelope.
*Application documents will not be returned.

[Deadline]
Until the position is filled

[Note on Handling of Personal Data]
All private data sent to RIKEN as part of an application for employment is handled in strict confidentiality, and the data is not utilized for any other purposes or disclosed to third parties.
Selection Process Application screening and interviews.
Start of Employment Earliest date possible (negotiable).
Inquiry / Contact address Nana Tamura (Ms.)
Personnel Group [DP-2], Coordination Office, Omics Science Center, RIKEN Yokohama Institute
1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, 230-0045 JAPAN
E-mail: omics-recruit@gsc.riken.jp
*Any questions regarding these positions should be sent to the above e-mail address.