Laboratory

Laboratory for multimodal AI framework
RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research
(Team Director: Ryosuke Kojima)

Outline of Laboratory

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 Laboratory for multimodal AI framework is recruiting research/technical employees to carry out a new theme. The research overview of the laboratory is shown below.

The Laboratory for multimodal AI framework is conducting research on multimodal molecular-based foundation models and AI platform technologies for them in order to promote “AI for Science” research in the Advanced General Intelligence for Science Program: TRIP-AGIS. As part of the TRIP-AGIS project, this project aims to use AI in the field of life sciences by building a multimodal molecular-based foundation model that can handle a variety of molecules such as proteins, drugs, RNA, and DNA. In order to handle these multiple modalities and hierarchical data, we are developing AI technology to handle a variety of data such as images, natural language, time-series data, and structured data in a complex manner, and are conducting research on applying it to various applications in life sciences.

Specifically, we will conduct the following research and development.

• Technology development and method/theoretical research for large-scale models for each modality
• Technology development and method/theoretical research for large-scale multimodal models
• Data compression and high-speed technology for large-scale molecular models
• Research and development of tools and platforms for the use of large-scale models in the field
• Other AI-based technology development and applications

Job title and Job description

Job title

Postdoctoral Researcher: 1 position

Postdoctoral Researcher

Carry out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes under the mentorship and training of supervisors.

Job Description

We are now recruiting a person who will work exclusively for “the TRIP-AGIS project project”. As part of the TRIP-AGIS project, we are looking for someone who can build a multimodal infrastructure model, especially research and development of foundation models related to signal processing and their system integration applications. In addition, this position will include writing papers to carry out the project, conducting research, developing, implementing and verifying software, sorting and analyzing research data, providing research guidance, writing technical documents and reports, and other administrative tasks.

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.

Candidates must have knowledge and experience of programming in a programming language (Python, etc.) in a Linux environment. Also, must have experience in researching actual data analysis related to multi-channel signal processing. Candidates must have experience in system integration such as controlling systems and programming those systems.

A PhD holder who earned a doctorate within the past 5 years in the area related to the Job description. Including those who expect to obtain a doctoral degree before starting the position.

Work location

RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (Kobe Campus-East-West)
6-7-1 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047（Integrated Innovation Building)

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 fiscal year (March 31) in which the employee completes 5 years of employment.
• 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 305100 JPY. 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 will be more than 406,000 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.

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 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.

*Our laboratory actively utilizes a telecommuting system. The post currently being offered may be carried out through telecommuting (full-remote work) within Japan for the entire specified work period, provided that the required procedures are completed and approval is obtained from RIKEN. For more information, please get in touch with the hiring at kobe-jobs@riken.jp

Application and required documents

Required documents

• 1.Complete CV or CV
  • *Email address is required.
  • *Application Number [K24105] and position to apply (e.g.: Postdoctoral Researcher) should be clearly written at top-right in the margin.
  • *Format is free. Or the format attached is available.
• 2.List of research achievement and publications (Please categorize: Original article, Review article, Book, Conference presentation, Others)
• 3.Summary of past research and the result (about 2 pages of A4 paper)
• 4.Plans for the future research once appointed (about 1 page of A4 paper)
• 5.One letter of recommendation (including one from the current supervisor, If available)
  • *The recommendation letters should be addressed to “Center Director, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research”.
  • * Please specify the referee’s contact information (Name, affiliation, job title, phone number and email address)
  • *If it is difficult to obtain the recommendation letters from immediate manager or current supervisor, please obtain a letter from a third party.
  • *The referee should not be a person who belongs to the laboratory you apply for.
• 6.Certicate of degree awarded or PhD diploma (copy), Certificate of graduation from the last school or graduation certificate from the last school (copy)
• 7.Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR
  • *If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA) or UK, you are required to submit the document, "Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR and Regulation of the European Parliament and of the council of on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (UK General Data Protection Regulation)" with your signature.
    • You will find detailed information about General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on the following website:
      Data protection | European Commission
    • You will find detailed information about Regulation of the European Parliament and of the council of on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (UK GDPR) on the following website:
      Data Protection and the EU | Information Commissioner’s Office

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:

(K24105) Application for Postdoctoral Researcher of the laboratory for multimodal AI framework

The uploaded file name should contain the job ad number “K24105” 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.

Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees to the following link with the file name "Laboratory for multimodal AI framework [applicant’s name] (Recommendation letter)". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the recommendation letter.

(K24105) Application for Postdoctoral Researcher of the laboratory for multimodal AI framework

• After the referees uploaded the recommendation letter, please let us (kobe-jobs@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.
• If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: kobe-jobs@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:
Human Resources Section, Kobe Administrative Division, Kobe Branch, RIKEN
kobe-jobs@riken.jp

*If you have any research-related questions, please contact Email: ryosuke.kojima@riken.jp (Laboratory for multimodal AI framework, Dr. Kojima)