Laboratory

Computational Materials Science Research Team
RIKEN Center for Computational Science
(Laboratory head: Seiji Yunoki)

Research Field

The RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS), led by Center Director Satoshi Matsuoka, is an international hub for computational science that promotes “science of computing, by computing, and for computing.” R-CSS positions the technology in which RIKEN has strengths (R-CCS technology) and the software developed by RIKEN that contributes to science, technology, industry, and society (R-CCS software) as its “core competence in computational science driving science as a whole.” R-CCS aims to develop these technologies, disseminate them domestically and internationally, and produce results. In addition, R-CCS is utilizing its expertise to operate the supercomputer “Fugaku” which was developed as a national project in accordance with Japanese laws and regulations.

One of our main focuses is to develop state-of-the-art numerical methods for simulating ground states as well as quantum dynamics of strongly correlated quantum systems. We are also interested in developing quantum algorithms for quantum many-body systems and quantum computing simulations using classical computers such as Supercomputer Fugaku, as a ground challenge of information science in quest of a new computing paradigm.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Scientist: 1~2 positions

Job description

Successful candidates are expected to work on one (or more than one) of the following projects in collaboration with other team members:

• 1.Development of numerical methods for strongly correlated quantum systems, such as quantum Monte Carlo methods, density matrix renormalization group methods, and tensor network methods, and application of these methods to study strongly correlated quantum systems,
• 2.Application of machine learning techniques to strongly correlated quantum systems,
• 3.Development of quantum algorithms for quantum many-body systems and demonstration of these algorithms using classical/quantum computers, and
• 4.Development of quantum computing simulations using classical computers such as Supercomputer Fugaku.

Qualification

Applicants must have a Ph.D. or expect to receive a Ph.D. before the date of appointment. In general, those who earned a doctorate within the past 5 years will be appointed as Postdoctoral Researchers, and those who earned a doctorate more than 5 years ago will be appointed as Research Scientists. Candidates in the fields of condensed matter physics, statistical physics, quantum chemistry, quantum information, and machine learning are encouraged to apply.

Work location

Branch and address

RIKEN Center for Computational Science
7-1-26, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, JAPAN

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

Salary and benefits

• 1.(Research Scientist) One-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to seven years since the initial date of hire.
• 2.(Postdoctoral Researcher) One-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to five years since the initial date of hire.
• 3.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 commensurate with qualifications and experience. Commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied. Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai).
This position falls under the specialized duties discretionary work system; one working day will be calculated as 7 hours and 30 minutes.
No smoking on site.
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

Required documents

Please prepare the following documents in English.

• 1.CV
  No format specified. Please make sure to include applicant’s name, date of birth, nationality, academic background, work history including the applicant’s current affiliation, and email address.
• 2.List of research achievements
  Include not only peer-reviewed papers but also awards and competitive funds received, achievements in research while working in the private sectors. Also include quantitative evaluation indexes such as the Google Scholar citation index as much as possible.
• 3.Copies of up to five most important publications (Please mark the papers on the list of publications.)
  When the original publications are not in PDF format, scan the papers and save them as PDF documents prior to submission.
• 4.Description of previous research, future research plans, and career goals: No format specified, approximately three to four A4 pages in total. It is desirable that a diagram describing the research is provided.
• 5.Recommendation letter(s) (in English) from one or two individual(s) with their signatures
  One recommendation letter should be written by the applicant’s current supervisor. When it is difficult to do so, a recommendation letter written by a third party may be accepted. The letter should be addressed to RIKEN R-CCS Director. Digital signature image should be embedded in the recommendation letters within the PDF file.
• 6.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

How to apply

Combine the above documents except the recommendation letters into a single PDF file and upload them to the following link:

Applications for R-CCS Computational Materials Science Research Team

The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “R-CCS2027, Computational Materials Science Research Team” and the applicant’s name. Please write the name of the position that you apply for in the “Add additional information” box. After you uploaded the PDF file, please let us (kobe-jobs [at] riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file. When you send us an email, please write your name, Job Ad number and the name of the position that you apply for.
When the recommendation letter is directly submitted from the referees, please ask them to send it to (kobe-jobs [at] riken.jp) by attaching it to the email. Please write "R-CCS Computational Materials Science Research Team, [name of the position], [applicant’s name] (Recommendation letter)” in the subject line and specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the email.

If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: kobe-jobs [at] riken.jp.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

Handling Personal Data

Submitted documents are strictly protected under the RIKEN Privacy Policy and will be used only for the purpose of applicant screening. Personal information will not be disclosed, transferred or loaned to a third party under any circumstances without just cause.

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and interviews will be conducted for selected applicants (2 interviews for Research Scientist position and one interview for Postdoctoral Researcher position.) No inquiries on the selection process and results will be answered.

Start of Employment

October 1, 2023 or later (negotiable)

Notes

• Application files will not be returned.
• Updated as of Nov. 17, 2022:　"Salary and benefits"
• Updated as of May. 19, 2023:　"Work location" and "Salary and benefits"
• Updated as of Aug. 3, 2023:　"Research Field", "Application and required documents" and "Start of Employment"

Contact Information / Send application to

Combine all the application documents into a single PDF document and submit to the email address below.
Email: kobe-jobs [at] riken.jp

Please use the subject line “[Job Ad Number] R-CCS Computational Materials Science Research Team – Research Scientist” or “[Job Ad Number] R-CCS Computational Materials Science Research Team – Postdoctoral Researcher” when applying.

For inquiries on research conducted by the team, please contact the Team Leader by email:
Seiji Yunoki
Computational Materials Science Research Team
RIKEN Center for Computational Science
Email: yunoki [at] riken.jp