Laboratory

Genome Immunobiology RIKEN Hakubi Research Team
RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences
(RIKEN Hakubi Team Leader: Nicholas Parrish)

Research Field

The candidate will investigate the phenotypic consequences of integration of viral sequences into mammalian genomes. Specifically, they will investigate the effects that integration of bornaviral sequences into piRNA-producing regions of the mouse genome has on bornaviral replication in piRNA-producing tissues.

Job title and Job description

Job title

One opening for Research Scientist position

Job description

Research on the mechanisms underlying the antiviral immunity mediated by piRNA pathway in mammals. In particular, the applicant will be engaged to establish a murine model to test if piRNAs derived from viral sequences in the host genome functions as an antiviral mechanism against homologous viruses.

Research Scientist

Carries out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes.

Qualification

• 1.A doctoral degree awarded at least 3 years ago in a field related to the [Job Description].
• 2.Possesses good communication skills and engage in research in a coordinated manner.
• 3.Ability to communicate smoothly and cooperatively with collaborators inside and outside the laboratory in English and Japanese.
• 4.Researchers who have worked with viruses and those who have equivalent knowledge.
• 5.Researchers who have experience in vivo experiments using mouse models.
• 6.Researchers who have basic knowledge of molecular biology and virology and are interested in research that actively incorporates small RNA-seq analysis, etc.

Work location

RIKEN Yokohama, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences
1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa 230-0045, 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 until a maximum of June 30, 2024, the date of laboratory closure.
• 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 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 approximate amount of annual salary at the time of employment:

Research Scientist

For a candidate who finished their PhD approximately 5 years ago and has the appropriate experience, skills and track record, the annual pay at hire (including the Discretionary Work Allowance) will be approximately 5.5 million yen/year.

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.

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.

• -The Yokohama Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Yokohama. For details, please send an email to the HR at kids-yk-hr [at] ml.riken.jp

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

Prepare the documents below as PDF files and send them to email address stated below.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• 1.CV or CV photograph and e-mail address (Also indicate the desired position (e.g., Research Scientist) and the open call ID [IMS703-2202] in the upper right corner of the CV.)
  • *Using the RIKEN format above is appreciated.
• 2.List of publications (articles, reviews and books), presentations , etc. in the past 5 years.
• 3.Brief description of previous research and achievements, and future research plans (maximum of two A4-size pages).
• 4.Recommendation Letter (1)
  • -TThe signature (or seal) of the person providing the recommendation is required. In the case of a scanned or digital signature or a recommendation sent by email, the contact information for that person must be included.
  • -If it is difficult to obtain a recommendation letter from the current supervisor, a recommendation from a third party will be accepted. The letter of recommendation should be addressed to the “Director of the Center for Integrative Medical Sciences.”
  • -The person providing the recommendation is required to send it directly to email address stated below.
• 5.PhD/ master’s degree diploma
• 6.List of competitive external funds obtained (e.g., Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research [Kakenhi]; indicate whether you are the representative researcher or the collaborator)
• 7.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

Open until the position is filled.

• *Note: Application documents will not be returned.
• *Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted via email after document screening.

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

Selection will be made based on application screening and interviews.

Start of Employment

April 1, 2023 (negotiable)

Contact Information / Send application to

Nicholas Parrish
RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences
Genome Immunobiology RIKEN Hakubi Research Team
Email: nicholas.parrish [at] riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

Note

Updated as of June. 13, 2023:　"Work location", "Salary and benefits"