Programs for Junior Scientists

Japanese Page

RIKEN strives to provide the best and most exciting opportunities for young scientists in the crucially important early stages of their career. One manifestation of this support comes in the form of RIKEN-funded short and long-term programs for those wishing to join RIKEN in the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, medical science or engineering. We have two videos that can give hints about what it's like to work at RIKEN, a video on "my life at RIKEN" and another earlier video featuring a number of young researchers.

Applications currently open
SPDR (deadline: April 5, 2026)

programs for junior scientists at riken

Annual Recruitment Schedule

RIKEN offers a variety of recruitment opportunities through open calls throughout the year. The approximate annual schedule is outlined below:

SPDR

Applications are now open - deadline April 2
Document screening: May to June
Interviews: July to August

JRA

Application period: Mid-September to mid-October Document screening: Late November to early December

Detailed Information about Programs

Principal Investigators (PIs)

RIKEN Early Career Leaders Program

Information on RIKEN RIKEN Early Career Leaders Program position.

RIKEN Hakubi Fellows Program

Information on RIKEN Hakubi Fellows Program position.

Postdoctoral Researchers

Special Postdoctoral Researchers Program

For Japanese and non-Japanese postdoctoral fellows.

Graduate Students

Trainees

This program accepts students, upon request from their university or academic institution, to conduct research or acquire technical skills under the supervision of RIKEN researchers.

Interns

This program accepts students enrolled in domestic or international vocational schools, junior colleges, universities, or graduate schools, upon request from their institution, to gain practical experience through hands-on training in research institute operations.

Inverviews

Brochure for RIKEN's programs for Junior Scientists (SPDR, JRA, IPA and RSR)

Young Researcher NEWS

This annual magazine introduces the new members participating in RIKEN's programs for junior scientists and the research activities conducted by the members, and distributed to all the members and alumni of the programs.