1. Home
  2. Careers
  3. Job Openings

Seeking a few Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Associate (CPR-PS2303)

Laboratory

Prediction Science Laboratory
RIKEN Cluster for Pioneering Research
(Laboratory head: Takemasa Miyoshi)

Pioneering Project (FY2020-FY2024)
RIKEN Prediction Science (FY2023-)

RIKEN started a new pioneering project titled “Prediction for Science” in April 2020 for 5 years. For the concept of Prediction Science, refer to the next section “Research field”. Researchers under this call will be based in Prediction Science Laboratory and work together with various laboratories in theory and applications (see below) and will bring synergy and fusion among different areas, so that we pioneer a general theory of prediction, the first step toward the whole new world of “Prediction Science”.

List of participating laboratories:

Following the RIKEN Pioneering Project, TRIP (Transformative Research Innovation Platform of RIKEN platforms) theme “RIKEN Prediction Science” theme “RIKEN Prediction Science” was launched in FY2023.

Research field

The Prediction Science Laboratory pioneers a new science of prediction as the 5th paradigm fusing the computational science (3rd science) and the data science (4th science) through tight collaborations with Data Assimilation Research Team, RIKEN Center for Computational Science, led by the same PI Miyoshi and located at the same place, as well as other collaborators within and beyond RIKEN. Weather prediction is probably the most successful example of prediction by modern science by putting together human knowledge of different areas such as information and communications technology, supercomputing, mathematical modeling and simulation, sensing, and applied mathematics of dynamical systems and uncertainty quantification (UQ). Data assimilation integrates simulation and real-world data and plays a central role in numerical weather prediction. Various types of simulations beyond weather became more and more realistic due to advances of high-performance computation technology. In addition, information revolution brought the current era of Big Data and IoT (Internet of Things). The Prediction Science Laboratory will pioneer the new “Prediction Science,” the 5th science fusing the computational science and the data science, and will bring the success of weather prediction to various fields.

Job title and job descriptions

Job title

Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Associate: a few 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.

Position-specific tasks are as follows:

Research Scientist
Engage in laboratory’s research.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Engage in laboratory’s research under the mentorship of PI.
Research Associate
Engage in laboratory’s research under the guidance of the supervisor.

Job description

The successful candidates will work on RIKEN Pioneering Project “Prediction for Science” and TRIP (Transformative Research Innovation Platform of RIKEN platforms) theme “RIKEN Prediction Science” to pioneer “Prediction Science” and to develop cross-cutting theoretical framework for prediction such as application of data assimilation to new fields, generalization of data assimilation in multiple fields, UQ (Uncertainty Quantification) and other applied mathematics such as topological data analysis. The successful candidates will bring breakthrough by multidisciplinary collaborations with RIKEN laboratories in environmental science fields (e.g., weather, climate, marine ecosystem), life science fields (e.g., cellular biology, medical science) and theoretical fields (e.g., pure and applied mathematics, AI, statistical mathematics). In particular, the successful candidates will explore new mathematical theory and methods which form basis of “prediction science” and deepen the theory through application to various fields. Depending on the research topic of the successful candidates, they may be co-affiliated with Data Assimilation Research Team, RIKEN Center for Computational Science, or may work with Dr. Takashi Sakajo (Visiting Senior Research Scientist and Professor of Kyoto University) at the SUURI-COOL office in Kyoto University Yoshida Campus.

The job description may be changed during the contract period or upon contract renewal to the extent described above.

Qualifications

Common to all positions
A person who is able to dedicate themselves to the job by communicating, coordinating and collaborating smoothly with people in and out of the laboratory.
Research Scientist
A PhD holder in a related field of prediction science and research experience
Postdoctoral Researcher
A PhD holder who earned a doctorate within the past 5 years in a related field of prediction science and research experience.
Research Associate
A master’s degree holder in the area related to the Job description or a person recognized as having equal ability. A person who also actively pursues PhD in his/her future, with clear intention and determination for advancing to a higher position, such as Research Scientist.

Work location

  • RIKEN Kobe Branch, South area (7-1-26 Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo)
  • SUURI-COOL (Kyoto)
    #204-205, 2F Maskawa Building for Education and Research, North Campus, Kyoto University
    Kitashirakawaoiwake-cho, Sakyoku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

RIKEN has implemented a work-from-home system. Employees can work from home in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

Salary and benefits

[Research Scientist]

  • 1.A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, within a period of 7 years from date of hire (research evaluation will be conducted in the fourth year).
  • 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 70 years.

[Postdoctoral Researcher]

  • 1.A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, within a period of 5 years from date of hire.
  • 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 70 years.

[Research Associate]

  • 1.A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, within a period of 5 years from date of hire.
  • 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 70 years.
  • 3.Upon evaluation, whether or not the employee actively pursues PhD in his/her future, with clear intention and determination for advancing to a higher position, such as Research Scientist, will be judged.

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. As of April 1, 2024, the monthly base salary is 361,000 JPY for Research Scientist, 305,100 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher and 248,700 JPY for Research Associate. 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:

Postdoctoral Researcher
The monthly salary including base salary, variable salary, and discretionary work allowance at the time of employment for a candidate with 1 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completing their doctoral course will be more than 342,915 JPY to approximately 400,000 JPY.
Research Scientist
The monthly salary including base salary, variable salary, and discretionary work allowance at the time of employment for a candidate with 6 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completing their doctoral course will be more than 405,760 JPY to approximately 600,000 JPY.
Research Associate
The monthly salary including base salary, variable salary, and discretionary work allowance at the time of employment for a candidate with 1 year of experience, ability, and achievement will be more than 279,525 JPY to approximately 300,000 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.
No smoking on site.
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.
  • 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.

Also, eligible for an exemption from repayment for category 1 scholarship loans provided by the Japan Student Services Organization before the fiscal year 2003, and eligible for applying for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi).

Application and required documents

Required documents

How to apply

The above documents except the recommendation letters combined into a single PDF or ZIP file should be uploaded to the following website:

RIKEN/CPR file upload box

The file name of the ZIP should contain the job ad number “CPR-PS2303” and the applicant’s name.
After you uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (da-team-desk[at] ml.riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees to the ULR above with the subject line " [applicant’s name] (Recommendation letter)". 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 (da-team-desk [at] ml.riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file. If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: da-team-desk [at] ml.riken.jp.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

We will examine application documents as they are accepted. Application will be closed as soon as 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 at RIKEN. 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 interview. After documents screening, only successful applicants will be invited for interview. No inquiries on the selection process and results will be answered.

Start of employment

As soon as possible (Negotiable)

Contact Information

For inquiries on this open position, please contact below by email:
Cluster for Pioneering Research
Prediction Science Laboratory
Email: da-team-desk [at] ml.riken.jp

Note

  • Updated as of May 28, 2024: "Job title and Job description" and "Qualification"
  • Updated as of Jun 7, 2024: "Salary and benefits"
  • Updated as of Jul 12, 2024: "Salary and benefits"
  • Updated as of Jul 31, 2024: "Laboratory"
  • Updated as of Sep 9, 2024: "Salary and benefits"

Top