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Seeking a few Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (K24048)

Laboratory

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

Outline of Laboratory

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 or Postdoctoral Researcher: a few positions

Position-specific tasks are as follows:

Research Scientist
Carries out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Carries out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes under the mentorship of supervisors.

Job description

This public call is for a research position in the project titled “Implementing real time forecasting for disease prevention and control using phenomenological bottom-up models” (PI: Professor Hiroshi Nishiura, Kyoto University, Co-PI: Dr. Takemasa Miyoshi, R5-11) which is part of the research area 'Creation of Mathematical Foundation for Prediction and Control' (Research Supervisor: Professor Motoko Kotani, Tohoku University) under the Strategic Basic Research Programs (CREST). The research involves conducting real-time spatiotemporal predictions of weather data and improving heatstroke countermeasures.

Specifically, the project aims to implement real-time predictions to forecast the risk of heatstroke occurrences by utilizing weather data with a spatial resolution of 1 km x 1 km, which is the spatial resolution of heatstroke observation, for the prediction and control of heatstroke at this spatiotemporal level. While leveraging weather model prediction data from the Japan Meteorological Agency (with resolutions of 5 km x 5 km for the mesoscale model and 2 km x 2 km for the local model), the project faces the challenge of enhancing this resolution to 1 km x 1 km. This will involve researching methods to run a 1 km x 1 km weather model or using image processing AI techniques such as super-resolution or statistical models to achieve higher resolution. In cases where high-resolution temperature observations are available, the research will also explore data assimilation techniques to utilize them. The research will focus on achieving bidirectional predictions of weather and heatstroke by utilizing weather forecasts based on 1 km x 1 km resolution and integrating heatstroke patient transport data.

Our laboratory is also promoting the RIKEN’s 'Prediction for Science' project and the theme 'RIKEN Prediction Science' within the Transformative Research Innovation Platform of RIKEN platforms (TRIP) program. We are actively engaged in broad research collaborations aimed at pioneering a new field of 'Prediction Science.' As part of this prediction science research in our laboratory, there may be opportunities to concurrently work with the Data Assimilation Research Team at the RIKEN Center for Computational Science, as well as opportunities for interactions with various internal and external collaborators. By actively utilizing these opportunities, researchers are expected to broaden their research scope and contribute to their career development.

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 field related to the “Job Description”.
Postdoctoral Researcher
A PhD holder in a field related to the “Job Description” (including those who expect to obtain a doctoral degree before starting the position) and within 5 years after obtaining the doctoral degree.

Work location

RIKEN Kobe Branch, South area (7-1-26 Minatojima-minami-machi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo)

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, up to the end of March 2030 from the 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.

[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.

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. 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 342,915 JPY or more, 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 405,760 JPY or more, approximately 600,000 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 link:

RIKEN/CPR file upload box

The file name of the ZIP should contain the job ad number “K24048” 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 link 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
Takemasa Miyoshi
Email: da-team-desk [at] ml.riken.jp

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