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Junior Research Associate Program

Program summary

The Junior Research Associate (JRA) program provides part-time positions at RIKEN for energetic and open-minded graduate students enrolled in Japanese university PhD programs for the purpose of giving them the opportunity to carry out research alongside RIKEN scientists, enhancing RIKEN’s creative and basic research capabilities, and fostering talented young researchers who will play an active role in science both in Japan and abroad, as well as strengthening ties between RIKEN and universities in Japan.

From FY2011, RIKEN has been making special efforts to foster the development of basic research in medical fields, and recent graduates of medical and dental universities who have acquired their medical or dental licenses and enrolled in university PhD programs are welcome to apply.

Program features

The JRA will be employed on a part-time basis by RIKEN to conduct research under the instruction of RIKEN scientists.

JRA Program FAQ

  • 1.JRA research fields
    Mathematical Sciences, physics, chemistry, engineering, biology and medicine, in which RIKEN is prepared to provide instruction and supervision.
  • 2.Qualifications
    Candidates must be enrolled (or scheduled to be enrolled) in a doctorate course at a Japanese graduate school at the time of employment. The graduate school must have a collaborative agreement with RIKEN or be involved in joint research with RIKEN scientists, and must be willing to give permission for the JRA to undertake research instruction at RIKEN. NOTE: Those whose time at the university has exceeded the standard term of study for a PhD or who are participating in a similar program at another institution are ineligible to apply.
  • 3.Contract duration & work conditions
    The JRA contract is for one year. If, however, the candidate acquires a PhD or quits the university during the program, the contract will terminate at such time regardless of whether a full year has passed.
    The contract may be renewed for up to a maximum of three consecutive years, since the date of the appointment (four years if the standard term of study is for four years). Employment is on a part-time basis for 5 hours per day, 5 days per week.
  • 4.Remuneration
    Salary : JPY 200,000 per month (tax included)
    Commuting allowance : At cost up to a maximum of JPY 55,000 per month in accordance with RIKEN regulations
  • 5.Application and screening schedule
    Applications accepted: From Mid-September to Mid-October
    Screening of application documents : Late November to Early December
    Contract : Late March
    Program start : April 1 (Or October 1)

Please refer to the FY2025 JRA Program for details.

Contact

JRA Desk
Research Personnel Affairs Section
Human Resources Division, RIKEN
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198 Japan
Email: jra[at]riken.jp

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