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Special Postdoctoral Researchers Program

Apply for SPDR

About new SPDR program
The Foreign Postdoctoral Researcher (FPR) program launched in 2007 has provided talented young foreign scientists with the same kind of opportunities as the Special Postdoctoral Researcher (SPDR) program which was primarily targeted at young Japanese scientists. Starting from FY 2016, the two programs will be merged into a new SPDR program. Qualified candidates of all nationalities are welcome to apply. Please see below for details.

Objective

Image of a young researcher

There is a pressing need to make the most of creative and basic research potential if we are to pioneer new frontiers in science and technology on a global scale. And for this our greatest hope lies with the work of talented and free-thinking young scientists. RIKEN's program for Special Postdoctoral Researchers (SPDR) was instituted to provide young and creative scientists the opportunity to be involved in autonomous and independent research that is in line with RIKEN objectives and research fields.

Features

  • 1. RIKEN's program for Special Postdoctoral Researchers was instituted to provide young and creative scientists the opportunity to be involved in autonomous and independent research that is in line with RIKEN objectives and research fields.
  • 2.To the extent possible, the Special Postdoctoral Researcher will have free access to various RIKEN facilities and equipment.
  • 3.Qualifications:
    For details, see the FY2025 call
  • 4.This is a three year fixed term contract position. Should the Special Postdoctoral Researcher take maternity and/or childcare leave during the contracted period, the contract duration can be extended.

Research fields

All areas of mathematical sciences, physics, chemistry, biology, medical science, and scientific and technological engineering that relate to research being conducted at RIKEN.

Selection process

Applications are publicly solicited each year. A committee comprised of scientists working in the relevant fields both inside and outside RIKEN, carefully screens each applicant on the basis of submitted documents and an interview.

Please refer to the FY2025 call for SPDR Applicants for detailed information on application deadlines and schedule.

Research report session

FY2023 SPDR Research Report Session

Contact

SPDR Desk
Research Personnel Affairs Section
Human Resources Division, RIKEN
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198
Email: wakate [at] riken.jp
Fax: +81-(0)48-463-3687

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