Laboratory

Quantum Computing Theory Research Team,
RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing
(Laboratory head: Keisuke Fujii)

Research Field

RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing is aim to study quantum information theory, develop techniques for quantum control and measurement, build quantum computing hardware and software, and explore novel quantum technologies. We will promote the progress of quantum information science and contribute to society through the application of quantum technologies.

Our team focuses on quantum software engineering science, which is necessary for the realization of quantum computing. In the short term, we will develop basic technologies to exploit the performance of quantum computers on scales that are now being realized or will be realized in the next few years, as well as apply the technologies in fundamental physics, quantum chemistry, and quantum machine learning. In the long term, we will work on quantum computer architectures, quantum error correction, and optimization of quantum circuits to realize large scale fault-tolerant quantum computers. We are also interested in interdisciplinary fields between quantum information science and fundamental physics, quantum chemistry, machine learning, and high-performance computing.

For more information, please refer to the following webpage:
Quantum Computing Theory Research Team

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher: a few positions

Postdoctoral Researcher is defined as those who obtained a doctoral degree within the last 5 years.
Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist are defined as those who obtained a doctoral degree more than 5 years ago.

*The type of position will be determined based on applicant's ability, aptitude, etc.

Job description

Theoretical and numerical research on quantum algorithms (including applications for quantum many-body system, quantum chemistry, quantum machine learning), quantum error correction and fault-tolerant quantum computing, and quantum computer architecture.

Research Scientist: Conducts research in accordance with team research themes.
Senior Research Scientist: Assists the team leader in the work of the team and conducts research in accordance with team research themes.
Postdoctoral Researcher: Carries out research in accordance with team research themes under the guidance of senior staff.

Qualification

Applicants must have a doctoral degree, or expect to receive a doctoral degree before the start of employment, in the field of quantum information science and related fields (e.g., computer science, fundamental physics, machine learning, and quantum chemistry).

Work location

Branch and address

RIKEN Wako (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198)

Salary and benefits

The following rules do not apply if the appointment is to begin on or after April 1, 2023, in accordance with the open recruitment procedure by RIKEN after October 17, 2022.

"The employee’s period of fixed-term employment cannot exceed 5/10 years from the initial date of hire (or 5/10 years from April 1, 2013 for fixed-term employees already at RIKEN prior to this date)."

• 1.A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up until March 31, 2025
• 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.
• 3.The employee’s period of fixed-term employment cannot exceed 10 years from the initial date of hire (or 10 years from April 1, 2013 for fixed-term employees already at RIKEN prior to this date).
• 4.In principle, the Center will be in place until March 31, 2025. This is until the end of the mid-term target period. If it is decided to continue into the next mid-term target period, the limit of the employment duration may be extended.
• 5. For Research Scientist: employment may be terminated at 5 years from the date of hire, depending on the results of evaluation conducted during the fourth year of the employment.

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.
RIKEN has introduced telework as a temporary and special measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You may be asked to work from home according to the instructions of the institute. You can also choose to work from home with the permission of your supervisor.

Days off include public holidays, New Year's holidays (Dec. 29 - Jan 3), and RIKEN Foundation Day.
RIKEN has introduced telework as a temporary and special measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You may be asked to work from home according to the instructions of the institute. You can also choose to work from home with the permission of your supervisor.
No smoking on site (designated smoking areas available).
These and other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

RIKEN is promoting a Gender Equality Program by taking various measures to create a workplace where both men and women are able to give full rein to their talents and abilities. When applicants are judged to be equally qualified on the basis of fair and impartial criteria, women applicants will be given preference.

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 to apply for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi).

Application and required documents

Required documents

• 1.Complete CV or CV (with photo and email address)
  • *Write the open call ID "W21027", indicated in the parentheses next to the job title, in open call ID section in the upper right corner of your CV.
• 2.List of research achievements and publications
• 3.A letter of recommendation from the current supervisor and contract information for one person who can evaluate your work (If the current supervisor’s recommendation is not available, a recommendation letter from a third party will be accepted).
• 4.For Postdoctoral Researcher: Copies of up to three major papers
  For Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist: Copies of up to five major papers
• 5.Brief description of previous research and　future research plans (For Postdoctoral Researcher: approximately three A4-size pages. For Research Scientist/Senior Research Scientist: approximately five A4-size pages).
• 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

Please send inquiries to the contact address listed below, and send the PDF formatted application by email to the same address.

Note: Application documents will not be returned.

Deadline

Open until the position is 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

Application screening and interview for selected applicants

Start of Employment

At the earliest possible time (negotiable)

Contact Information / Send application to

Quantum Computing Theory Research Team,
RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198
Email: keisuke.fujii.ay [at] riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

Note

Updated as of Nov. 16, 2022:　"Salary and benefits"