Laboratory

Laboratory for Quantitative Biology of Cell Fate Decision
RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research
(Team Director: Yumi Konagaya)

Research Field

The Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR) views the functions of molecules, cells, and organs that support all life stages of organisms as a dynamic system, and aims to elucidate developmental, growth and aging phenomena as well as apply their findings to develop regenerative medicine and diagnostics, thereby contributing to the extension of healthy life expectancies.

The research overview of the laboratory is shown below.

Tissue homeostasis relies on constant tissue renewal, notably within the rapidly regenerating intestinal epithelium. Precise control of cell proliferation during differentiation is critical for maintaining tissue homeostasis, as its disruptions lead to atrophy or cancer. Our research focuses on elucidating how cell proliferation and differentiation are orchestrated in the intestinal epithelium. In particular, we aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying the cell fate decision of intestinal epithelial stem cells by live imaging of mouse intestinal organoids, multiplexed tissue imaging, and quantitative analyses.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Part-time Worker I or II: a few positions

Job Description

After consulting with the Team Director, you will be engaged in experiments related to the following themes.:

(1) Mouse intestinal epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation, (2) Mechanical sensing in mouse intestinal epithelium, (3) Development of fluorescent reporters using protein structure modeling, etc.

We welcome individuals who are enthusiastic about leveraging the strengths of our team and introducing new perspectives and methodologies into our research. Please feel free to contact Team Director Yumi Konagaya at yumi.konagaya@riken.jp.

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

Qualification

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 experience in cell biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, or computational biology, etc.

Research Part-time Worker I

Those who are enrolled in a doctoral course or doctoral program at a graduate school, or those who have knowledge or experience equivalent to those of doctoral degree holders, and who fall under any of the following categories:

• A.Enrolled in a doctoral program and if a non-Japanese citizen, fulfills all of the following conditions:
  • 1.Can verify having Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted
  • 2.Does not have a concurrent position outside of RIKEN
  • 3.Works no more than 28 hours per week
• B.Has knowledge or experience equivalent to that of a person with a doctoral degree.

Research Part-time Worker II

Those who are enrolled in a master's course or a master's course of a graduate school, or those who have particularly outstanding specialized knowledge or skills, and who fall under any of the following categories:

• A.Enrolled in a master’s program and if a non-Japanese citizen, fulfills all of the following conditions:
  • 1.Can verify having Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted
  • 2.Does not have a concurrent position outside of RIKEN
  • 3.Works no more than 28 hours per week
• B.Has a high level of specialized knowledge or skills

Work location

RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (Kobe Campus-East-West)
2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047 (Developmental Biology Buildings)

RIKEN has implemented a work-from-home system. Employees can work from home in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
Work location will not be changed during the term of this employment contract or upon renewal.

Salary and benefits

Hourly wages

• 1.1,500-2,100 JPY (Research Part-time Worker I)
• 2.1,250-1,450 JPY (Research Part-time Worker II)

(Hourly salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.)

Commuting allowance

provided (within a pre-determined range.)

Terms of contract

A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable to a maximum of 5 years of 5 years from the date of hire.
RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on a) the employee's abilities, work load 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.

Working days

5 days per week（weekdays only)

Working hours

The work hours shall be one of the following, with the total time not to exceed 35 hours/week.

• (1)From 9:00 am to 5:20 pm
• (2)In stipulated one-hour units between 9:00 am and 5:20 pm.

Working days and hours are negotiable. However, daily working hours cannot be shifted for different days.

Holidays

Saturdays and Sundays, Japanese national holidays, New Year holidays (Dec.29-Jan.3), and RIKEN Foundation Day (4th Monday in October).

Other provisions

• Worker’s accident compensation insurance applies. Social insurance will be applied depending on the working conditions.
• Paid leave includes annual paid leave (up to 20 days depending on the number of days and hours worked per week and 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 Kobe Branch has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe. For details, please send an email to the HR at kobe-kosei@riken.jp.

*RIKEN has a work-from-home system, but this position requires attendance at the work location. Therefore, the work-from-home system is not available for this position. For more information, please get in touch with the hiring staff at kobe-jobs@riken.jp.

Application and required documents

Required documents

• 1.Complete CV or CV
  • *Email address is required.
  • *Application Number [K24054] should be clearly written at top-right in the margin.
  • *Format is free. Or the format attached is available.
• 2.Work History
• 3.Self-promotion document (Within 1 sheet of A4 paper)

How to apply

The above documents combined into a single PDF or ZIP file should be uploaded to the following link:
(K24054) Application for Research Part-time Worker of laboratory for Quantitative Biology of Cell Fate Decision

• The uploaded file name should contain the job ad number “K24054” and the applicant’s name.
• When you upload the file, your contact email address is required.
• After you uploaded the file, please let us (kobe-jobs@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the positions are 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 interviews. 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

February 1, 2025, or later (Negotiable)

Remarks

Updated as of Apr 1, 2025: "Salary and benefits"

Contact Information

For inquiries on this open position, please contact below by email:
Human Resources Section, Kobe Administrative Division, Kobe Branch, RIKEN
Email: kobe-jobs＠riken.jp

*If you have any research-related questions, please contact Yumi Konagaya @riken.jp (Laboratory for Quantitative Biology of Cell Fate Decision, Dr. Yumi Konagaya)