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Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (W24056)

Laboratory

Molecular Photocatalysis RIKEN ECL Research Unit,
RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
(RIKEN ECL Unit Leader: Kei Murata)

Outline of Laboratory

Our unit works on development of molecular transformation reactions using transition metal catalysts and light energy. Specifically, we are interested in the photochemical conversion of small molecules such as carbon dioxide, and the photouncaging reactions applicable to various biological systems, with the aim to contribute to solve social problems in the environmental and medical fields.

For more information, please refer to the following link:
Molecular Photocatalysis RIKEN ECL Research Unit

Job title and Job description

Job title

Postdoctoral Researcher, 1 position

Job description

Regarding research for “Development of innovative transition-metal catalyzed reactions driven by visible/near-infrared light”, the applicant will engage in one of the following studies.

  • (1)Development of photochemical transformation reactions of small molecules (e.g. carbon dioxide)
  • (2)Development of photouncaging reactions

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

Postdoctoral Researcher
Receives developmental guidance from supervisor and conducts laboratory research programs.

Qualification

  • The applicant must possess appropriate knowledges, techniques and experiences to conduct the assigned researches.
  • The applicant must work actively on the assigned research project.
  • The applicant must be able to work cooperatively with collaborators both inside and outside of the research group.
  • The applicant must be able to communicate in either English or Japanese.
  • A person who has obtained a PhD within the past five years, or, one who is able to obtain a degree by the start of their post.

*From the viewpoint of career development at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, the tenure as a RIKEN Postdoctoral Researcher is within five years in principle.

Work location

RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (Wako Campus)
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan

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

  • 1.A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, to a maximum of the end of the fiscal year (March 31) in which the employee completes 5 years of employment.
    (Please note that from the viewpoint of career development, the tenure of a Postdoctoral Researcher at RIKEN will not, in principle, be reappointed for a period exceeding five years.)
  • 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.

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 305,100 JPY for a Postdoctoral Researcher, as of April 1, 2024. 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 for a candidate with 1 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course will be approximately 350,000 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.
Smoking is entirely prohibited 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 Wako Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Wako. For details, please send an email to the HR at kids [at] riken.jp.

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

How to apply

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

For Postdoctoral Researcher position, Molecular Photocatalysis RIKEN ECL Research Unit, RIKEN CSRS(W24056)

The file name of the ZIP should contain your contact email address.
After you uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (photocat_unit_recruit [at] ml.riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees to the following website with the file name "Molecular Photocatalysis RIKEN ECL Research Unit, Postdoctoral Researcher [applicant’s name] (Recommendation letter)". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the recommendation letter.

For Postdoctoral Researcher position, Molecular Photocatalysis RIKEN ECL Research Unit, RIKEN CSRS (W24056)

  • *After the referees uploaded the recommendation letter, please let us (photocat_unit_recruit [at] ml.riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.
  • *If the submission requirements are not met, your application will not be received.

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 at RIKEN. 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 (face-to-face or remote).

*Travel and accommodation expenses incurred during the interview selection process will be borne by the applicant.

Start of Employment

As early as possible (Negotiable)

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
Molecular Photocatalysis RIKEN ECL Research Unit
Email: photocat_unit_recruit [at] ml.riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

Note

  • Updated as of Jul 16, 2024:　"How to apply" and "Contact Information"
  • Updated as of Oct 18, 2024:　"Outline of Laboratory", "Job title and Job description", "Qualification", "Salary and benefits", "Application and required documents" and "Start of Employment"

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