Laboratory

Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory,
RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research
(Chief Scientist: 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, 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 Publications | Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory website.

Job title and Job description

Job title, available positions

Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Scientist positions

• Postdoctoral Researcher is defined as those with a doctoral degree of 5 years or less.
• Research Scientist is defined as those with a doctoral degree more than 5 years.
• *The applicant will be assigned to an appropriate position based on his/her ability, aptitude, etc.

Job description

Research in theoretical physics, with particular emphasis on either condensed matter physics, optics, and/or quantum computing. The main criterion will be excellent and creative work in our areas of research (please see the text above explaining our areas of research, and also our list of publications, all available online). The candidate must have very good communication skills, and the ability to perform outstanding interdisciplinary research. RIKEN offers excellent computational facilities.

More Information on our research activities is available here:

Publication list of our team: Publications | Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory website

Recent reprints from our group can be obtained online here: Publications | Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory website

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.A 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 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 295,100 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher and 350,300 JPY for Research Scientist as of April 1, 2023. The monthly base salary and variable salary are subject to change due to amendments to RIKEN regulations.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 monthly salary at the time of employment:
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment will be 350,000 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher, and 400,000 to 550,000 JPY for Research Scientist.

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. These and other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

RIKEN is actively undertaking initiatives to promote gender 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).

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

Application and required documents

Required documents

• 1.Complete CV (with photo and email address)
• 2.List of research achievement and publications
• 3.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

Note: Submitted documents are strictly protected under the RIKEN Privacy Policy and will be used only for the purpose of screening applicants. Personal information will not be disclosed, transferred or loaned to a third party under any circumstances without legitimate reason. Submitted documents will not be returned.

How to apply

Please send the necessary documents to the following email address.
Email: applications-physics [at] ml.riken.jp

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

Ai SATO (Ms.)
Theoretical Quantum Physics Laboratory, RIKEN
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako-shi, Saitama, 351-0198
Email: applications-physics [at] ml.riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.