Laboratory

Quantum Information Physics Theory Research Team,
RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing
(Team Leader: Franco Nori)

Research Field

Our top priorities are now: (1) quantum computing using superconducting qubits, (2) coherent Ising machines, and (3) neural networks and machine learning applied to quantum physics. Candidates with prior experience in these topics will have priority.

We perform interdisciplinary research in theoretical quantum information processing, quantum computing, superconducting qubits, atomic physics, quantum optics, condensed matter physics, nanoscience, and computational physics. We are also studying hybrid quantum electro-mechanical systems, optomechanics, nano-mechanics, quantum nano-electronics, and quantum simulations. Particular emphasis is being placed on quantum computing using superconducting Josephson-junction qubits, scalable quantum circuitry and improved designs for their quantum control. An underlying theme of our work is to better understand nano-scale quantum systems and devise methods to control them. We use physical models to make predictions that can be tested experimentally and that can be used to better understand the observed phenomena.

Our publications are available online at Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory website.

Job title and Job description

Job title, available positions

Postdoctoral Researcher and Research Scientist positions: a few positions
Postdoctoral Researcher is defined as those with a doctoral degree of 5 years or less.

Job description

Quantum Information Physics Theory Research Team is seeking postdoctoral researchers and research scientists who will contribute to on-going research activities briefly summarized in the “Area of Research” listed above.

Qualification

Applicants must have a Ph.D. in theoretical condensed matter physics, an excellent publication record, and relevant experience. Also, excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are required.

Work location

Branch and address

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

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

Salary and benefits

• 1.One-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to the end of March 2025 from date of hire.
• 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 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.

Days off include public holidays, New Year's holidays (Dec. 29 - Jan 3), and RIKEN Foundation Day.
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 applying for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi).

Application and required documents

Required documents

• 1.Complete CV
• 2.List of research achievements and publications
• 3.Brief description of previous research and　future research plans (For Postdoctoral Researcher: approximately three A4-size pages. For Research Scientist: approximately five A4-size pages).
• 4.1 letter of recommendation from the current supervisor
  (If the current supervisor’s recommendation is not available, a recommendation letter from a third party will be accepted)
• 5.For Postdoctoral Researcher: Copies of up to three major papers
  For Research Scientist: Copies of up to five major papers
• 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 your CV by email to applications-physics [at] ml.riken.jp
(Recommendation letters must be emailed directly from the reference to applications-physics [at] ml.riken.jp)

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. If you do not hear back from us, this means that your application was not selected. Due to the large number of applications typically received, we cannot reply to each single applicant.

Start of Employment

This is flexible, upon mutual agreement.

Contact Information / Send application to

Ai SATO (Ms.)
Quantum Information Physics Theory Research Team, RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198
Email: applications-physics [at] ml.riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

Note

• Updated as of Nov. 16, 2022:　"Salary and benefits"
• Updated as of June. 9, 2023:　"Work location" and "Salary and benefits"