Laboratory

Quantum Computing Simulation Unit,
Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform Division,
RIKEN Center for Computational Science
(Unit Leader: Nobuyasu Ito)

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.

The Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform Division (Quantum-HPC PF Div. ) was established on April 1, 2023. We aim to design and develop a Quantum-HPC Hybrid platform, which will serve as a new computational infrastructure to extend the computable domain by highly linking a Quantum Computer (QC) and a supercomputer (HPC). The missions of the Quantum-HPC PF Div. include the development of software stacks required to realize the Quantum-HPC Hybrid platform and the improvement of the platform's usage environment.

The Quantum-HPC PF Div. has three units:

• 1)Quantum-HPC Hybrid Software Environment Unit
• 2)Quantum Computing Simulation Unit
• 3)Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform Operations Unit

The Quantum Computing Simulation Unit will develop and upgrade quantum computing simulation technology running on supercomputers such as the supercomputer Fugaku and high-performance GPU systems in order to accelerate the development of QC and quantum algorithms.

Job title and Job description

Job title

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

Job description

In order to accelerate the development of QC and quantum algorithms, etc., the project will develop and upgrade quantum computing simulation technology running on supercomputers such as the supercomputer Fugaku and high-performance GPU systems. Specific research and development themes are expected to include the following:

• Research and development of quantum computing simulators for massively parallel HPC, such as Fugaku and others.
• The research and development of quantum computing simulators for massively parallel HPC, such as Fugaku, and the validation of the operation and effectiveness of quantum computers and quantum application software using quantum computing simulators.

They are also expected to contribute to the management of the department. In particular, the Senior Scientist is expected to assist the Unit Leader, play a leadership role within the Unit, and make a significant contribution to the department and unit operations.

Qualifications

Applicants must have a doctoral degree in a related field or expect to receive a doctoral degree before the date of appointment. In general, those who earned a doctorate within the past 5 years will be appointed as Postdoctoral Researcher, and those who earned a doctorate more than 5 years ago will be appointed as Research Scientist. Senior scientist must have advanced research and development (R&D) capabilities and R&D achievements, as well as experience in providing guidance to researchers and others.

Work location

Branch and address

RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS)
7-1-26, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, JAPAN
or
R-CCS Wako Branch
2-1, Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, JAPAN

Work location is to be adjusted according to the content of the R&D to be conducted, etc.

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

Salary and benefits

• 1.(Postdoctoral Researcher) One-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to five years since the initial date of hire.
• 2.(Senior Scientist and Research Scientist) One-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to seven 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.

RIKEN has indefinite-term positions, which are subject to the mandatory retirement age of 60. There is a subsequent re-employment program allowing hiring until age of 65. Any scientists, including fixed-term employees who have been hired through this open call, are eligible to apply to open calls for indefinite-term positions.

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, 421,900 JPY for Research Scientist and 472,100 JPY for Senior Scientist as of April 1, 2023. 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:
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment will be more than 331,685 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher, 474,190 JPY for Research Scientist and 530,615 for Senior 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 per year depending on the month of employment), special paid leave (childcare, family nursing care, etc.), and work-life balance holidays (up to 7 days per year depending on the month of employment).

There are also additional leave systems such as maternity leave, childcare leave, and family nursing care leave.

No smoking on site.

These and other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

The Kobe Branch has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe.
For details, please send an email to the HR at kobe-kosei [at] riken.jp.
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.

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 or 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.
  The attached format is available for your convenience.
• 2. List of R&D achievements
  Include not only peer-reviewed papers but also a list of patents, a list of invited lectures. Also include quantitative measures for evaluation such as the Google Scholar citation index, whenever 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. List of competitive funds acquired, awards received, and other achievements including, contributions to university/institution operations, contribution to society through activities in academic societies, joint research projects, technology transfers, etc.
• 5.Description of previous R&D, future R&D 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.
• 6.Recommendation letters in English from one or two persons who can evaluate your work
  • *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.
  • *Recommendation letters must be sent directly by the referees.
  • *The letters should be addressed to R-CCS Director. Digital signature image can be embedded in the recommendation letters within the PDF file. Or please specify the referee’s contact information (name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address) in the letter. Please make sure to write the date.
• 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

How to apply

Combine the above documents except the recommendation letters into a single PDF file and upload them to the following website:
Applications for R-CCS Quantum Computing Simulation Unit

The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “R-CCS2318 Quantum Computing Simulation Unit” 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 Quantum Computing Simulation Unit, [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 or Senior Scientist positions and one interview for Postdoctoral Researcher position). No inquiries on the selection process and results will be answered.

Start of employment

At the earliest opportunity (subject to negotiation)

Notes

Application files will not be returned.

Contact Information

For inquiries on research conducted by the team, please contact the Team Leader by email:
ITO, Nobuyasu
Quantum Computing Simulation Unit,
Quantum-HPC Hybrid Platform Division,
RIKEN Center for Computational Science
Email: nobuyasu.ito [at] riken.jp