Laboratory

Materials Dynamics Group
Photon Science Research Division
RIKEN SPring-8 Center
(Group Director: Alfred Baron)

Research Field

We recently completed commissioning a uniquely powerful beamline for inelastic x-ray scattering (BL43LXU) that provides unprecedented capability to measure atomic dynamics. The laboratory is now focused on using this instrument to investigate mesoscale dynamics of disordered materials with the world’s best available resolution. While the beginning related investigations dates back to the 1960s, new instrumentation allows us to probe materials in ways that have not been previously possible. We are in the process of changing the generally accepted view of the meso-scale dynamics of disordered materials.

Job title and Job description

Job Title

Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Scientist

Job description

There are 2 positions available for the investigation of meso-scale dynamics of disordered materials, with specific projects focusing on molecular liquids, metallic liquids, and glasses. These take advantage of the unique, world-leading, capabilities of the local spectrometer and new approaches to data analysis. While work will focus primarily on meV scale inelastic x-ray scattering (IXS), the suite of beamlines of a premier operating synchrotron (SPring-8) and free-electron laser (SACLA) are also available, as well as extensive off-line instrumentation.

Qualification

Applicants must have a doctoral degree before starting employment.
Outstanding candidates from any experimental field will be considered, but applicants with previous experience in x-ray scattering or related spectroscopic methods (INS, Raman, IR) are especially encouraged to apply.
Interest and experience in development of new x-ray techniques and instrumentation will be regarded positively.

Work location

Branch and address

RIKEN SPring-8 Center (1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5148, Japan)

RIKEN has implemented a work-from-home system. Employees can work from home in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

Salary and benefits

• 1. A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, to a maximum of the end of the fiscal year (March 31) in which the employee completes 7 years of employment.
• 2. RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on a) the employee’s abilities, work load at the time of contract completion, performance and work attitude and b) the continuation of the employee’s center, laboratory or project and RIKEN’s management situation and budget at the time. In principle, employment contracts will not be renewed for individuals older than 65 years.

In principle, the first two months of employment is considered a trial period.
Salary will be an annual salary based on experience, ability, and performance, and will consist of a base salary and a variable salary. The variable salary will be determined each fiscal year based on experience, ability, and performance. The monthly base salary is 350,300JPY for Research Scientist and 295,100JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher, as of April 1st, 2023.The monthly base salary and variable salary are subject to change due to amendments to RIKEN regulations.
Discretionary work, commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied.
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment will be more than 393,000 JPY for Research Scientist and 331,000 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher.
This position falls under the specialized duties discretionary work system; one working day will be calculated as 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Days off include public holidays, New Year's holidays (Dec. 29 - Jan 3), and RIKEN Foundation Day.
Paid leave includes annual paid leave (up to 20 days depending on the month of employment), special paid leave (childcare, family nursing care, etc.), and work life balance holidays (up to 7 days depending on the month of employment).
There are also additional leave systems such as maternity leave, childcare leave, and family nursing care leave.
Smoking is not permitted on site except in designated smoking areas. Smoking will be entirely prohibited on site from April 2024.
These and other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

RIKEN is actively undertaking initiatives to promote gender equality and diversity, and moving forward with the establishment of a diverse and vibrant research environment. If multiple candidates are found to have the same aptitude following a fair assessment, active efforts will be made to recruit female candidates.

Also, eligible for an exemption from repayment for category 1 scholarship loans provided by the Japan Student Services Organization before fiscal year 2003, and eligible applying for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi).

Application and required documents

Please send the following documents to the e-mail address given below:

• 1.Complete CV (with photo and email address)
• 2.List of research achievement and publications (reviewed papers, presentations, etc.)
• 3.Outline of previous research and aspiration for research after arrival (A4, two pages)
• 4.Letter of recommendation (including one from the current supervisor, If available)
  • *These letters of recommendation should be signed or sealed by the recommender.
  • *The letters should be addressed to "Tetsuya Ishikawa, Director of RIKEN SPring-8 Center".
  • *If the current supervisor’s recommendation is not available, a recommendation letter from a third party will be accepted
• 5.Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR
  If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), you are required to submit the document, "Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR" with your signature.

  *You will find detailed information about General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on the following website:
  Data protection | European Commission

Deadline

Until the position is filled (The screening process will start as the applications are received.)

Handling Personal Data

All private data sent to RIKEN in application for employment is handled in strict confidentiality, and such data is not utilized for any other purpose or disclosed to any third party. Application documents will not be returned.

Selection process

Selection will be made based on application screening and interviews.

Start of Employment

negotiable

Contact Information / Send application to

Send application materials (PDF format) to Email: baron [at] spring8.or.jp
The Email title should be: (C21-0203) Application for Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher positions on the Materials Dynamics Group

*If you have any research-related questions, please contact Email: baron [at] spring8.or.jp
Group Director, Dr. Alfred Baron

Note

• Updated as of Nov. 17, 2022:　"Salary and benefits"
• Updated as of Dec. 21, 2022:　"Research Field", "Job description" and "Salary and benefits"
• Updated as of Jan. 22, 2023:　"Research Field" and "Job description"
• Updated as of May. 18, 2023:　"Work location" and "Salary and benefits"