Laboratory

Theoretical Molecular Science Laboratory,
RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research
(Chief Scientist: Yuji Sugita)

Research Field

Our laboratory develops new computational methods that combine theoretical chemistry and computational biophysics methods to achieve wide spatio-temporal exploration and predict the dynamics of various molecular systems, leading to an understanding of their functions. New methods developed by us are applied to life science, material science, and materials science. By combining first-principles simulations such as molecular dynamics and quantum chemistry with information science methods using machine learning and Bayesian statistics, we aim to realize fast and accurate predictions using new computational methods.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Postdoctoral Researcher: 1 position

Job description

Computational studies, including molecular dynamics simulations and modeling, for the “Cross-scale New Biology” project, MEXT Grant-in-Aide for Transformative Research Area (A)
Cross-scale New Biology (in Japanese only)

Our laboratory is working on one of the planned research, "Experimental data-driven modeling for cross-scale intracellular molecular structure and dynamics".

Qualification

Doctoral degree (Ph.D) in the relevant research field with experience in computational research using molecular dynamics. A person who is expected to obtain a Doctoral degree (Ph.D) by the date of hire can apply the position.

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, to a maximum of March 31, 2026, which is the end of the MEXT project.
• 2.RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on a) the employee’s abilities, workload 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 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.

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 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 or CV (include photo and email address)

  *Write the open call ID "W23139", indicated in the parentheses next to the job title, in the open call ID section in the upper right corner of your CV.

• 2.List of research achievements and publications
• 3.A letter of recommendation (including one from the current supervisor, If available)
  Please specify the referee’s contact information (Name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address)
• 4.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

The above documents except the recommendation letters combined into a single pdf file should be uploaded to the following link:

RIKEN/CPR file upload box

The file name of the PDF(or ZIP) should contain the open call ID “W**” and the applicant’s name.
After you uploaded the file, please notify the file name of the uploaded file to the e-mail address shown in the contact information below.
Please specify the open call ID, since there are multiple calls from the same laboratory.

Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees to the URL above website with the subject line "Recommendation letter for the Postdoctoral researcher position, Theoretical Molecular Science Laboratory, RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research [applicant’s name] ". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the recommendation letter.
After the referees uploaded the recommendation letter, please let us (sugita [at] riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.
If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: sugita [at] riken.jp.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

Deadline as soon as final candidates are selected.

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

January 1, 2024, or later

Contact Information

RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research
Theoretical Molecular Science Laboratory
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198
Email: sugita [at] riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.