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Seeking a Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher (W24112)

Laboratory

Biofunctional Catalyst Research Team
RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
(Team Leader: Ryuhei Nakamura)

Research Field

We work on the development of biologically inspired catalysts as well as the application of biological systems towards energy conversion and material production. Specifically, we aim to understand nature’s ingenuity towards multielectron transfer catalysis, electron/proton transport, metabolic regulation, responsiveness to external stimuli, and energy management in deep sea environments to develop novel materials and systems necessary to effectively manage renewable energy sources.

For more information, please refer to the following website:
Biofunctional Catalyst Research Team's Website.

Job title and Job description

Job title, available positions

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher, one position

*The applicant will be assigned to an appropriate position based on his/her ability, aptitude, etc.

Job description

Studies on chemical energy conversion at water-solid interfaces. Successful candidates will work on one of the followings:

  • (1)Design and synthesis of electrocatalysts using Earth-abundant elements
  • (2)Mechanistic studies on liquid-solid interfaces using operando spectroscopy
  • (3)Mechanistic studies on liquid-solid interfaces using computational science

In order to conduct the research above, we are seeking highly competent and experienced researchers with experience in materials chemistry, catalysis, spectroscopy, and/or computational science. There are no requirements on previous research topics. We are looking for members who can conduct research autonomously and independently, as well as stimulate our team.

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

The difference in positions is as follows:

Research Scientist
Conducts laboratory research programs and others.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Receives developmental guidance from supervisor and conducts laboratory research programs.

Qualification

The candidate must have substantial work experience in the job description, be able to carry out research autonomously and independently, and be able to communicate in English.
The candidate must be able to communicate smoothly with collaborators both inside and outside the research team, and work in cooperation and collaboration with them.

Research Scientist
A person who has obtained a PhD five or more years ago, or, someone with similar qualifications.
Postdoctoral Researcher
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
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 7 years of employment.
    Maximum employment duration for a Postdoctoral Researcher is 5 years. (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.

Those who wish to continue working at RIKEN beyond this point may apply for open 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 361,000 JPY for Research Scientist, and 305,100 JPY for Postdoctoral Researchers, 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:

Research Scientist
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment for a candidate with 5 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course will be approximately 430,000 to 600,000 JPY.
Postdoctoral Researcher
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment for a candidate with 1 years of experience, ability, and achievement after obtaining PhD degree will be approximately 340,000 to 480,000 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

[Research Scientist]

[Postdoctoral Researcher]

How to apply

All documents except recommendation letters should be combined into one PDF file and uploaded to:

W24112 Application documents for Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher

  • This PDF file should have a file name in the format of “ApplicantName.pdf”.
  • Please notify us (nakamuralab-recruit[at]ml.riken.jp) the names of the file you uploaded when you submit any documents.

Recommendation letters should be uploaded directly by the referees to:

W24112 Application documents for Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher

The file name should be “Recommendation_applicant’s name”. The letter should contain the information of the referees (Affiliation, job title, name, email address).
Please notify us (nakamuralab-recruit [at] ml.riken.jp) the names of the file you uploaded when you submit any documents.

If the submission requirements are not met, your application will not be processed.

Deadline

Open until the position is filled

  • *Note: Application documents will not be returned.
  • *Note: Only those candidates who pass the document screening will be notified by email.

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).

Start of Employment

As early as possible (Negotiable)

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
Biofunctional Catalyst Research Team
Email: nakamuralab-recruit [at] ml.riken.jp

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