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Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (W25029)

Laboratory

High Energy Nuclear Physics Laboratory
RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute
(Chief Scientist: Takehiko Saito)

Outline of Laboratory

Comprehensive understanding of the interactions among microscopic particles that is essential to understand the building block of the matter. We investigate the hadronic interactions via studying sub-atomic nuclei with strange quark(s), the so called hypernuclei. We are leading the projects for studying hypernuclei with heavy ion beams at the accelerator facilities in Germany and China. We also initiated and lead the project to study hypernuclei by analyzing the nuclear emulsion data with machine learning techniques. We also lead the development of precise neutron imaging techniques at the world best precision by using particle tracking detectors.

For more information, please refer to the following webpage:
High Energy Nuclear Physics Laboratory

Job title and Job description

Job title

Postdoctoral Researcher: 1 position

Job description

The successful candidate will participate in physics and applied research projects utilizing solid-state particle track detectors, led by our laboratory, as well as contribute to related technological developments. The candidate will be involved in the following research topics:

  • (1) Measurement of charged particles and neutrons across a wide energy range, along with associated Monte Carlo simulations.
  • (2)Detection and analysis of nuclear reaction events, and related Monte Carlo simulations.
  • (3)Development of high-speed and compact readout systems for solid-state particle track detectors.
  • (4)Optimization of solid-state particle track detectors.
  • (5)Development of novel solid-state particle track detectors and the initiation of fundamental and applied research using them.

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

Qualification

Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in physics or a related field, or be expected to obtain the degree by the time of appointment. Experience in charged particle or neutron measurements is required. Applicants should have expertise in Monte Carlo simulations and machine learning development. A strong motivation to take on new challenges is essential. Proficiency in English for effective communication is required. The ability to communicate in Japanese, or a willingness to learn Japanese, is considered an asset.

Work location

High Energy Nuclear Physics Laboratory, RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute
(2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198)

IKEN 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, up to March 31, 2030 from date of hire.
  • 2.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. 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 327,200 JPY as of April 1, 2025. 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 367,925JPY or more.

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.

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).

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.

The Wako Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Wako. For details, please send an email to kids@riken.jp.

Application and required documents

Required documents

  • 1.Complete CV or CV (with photo and email address)
    • *Write the RIKEN job ad number “W25029”, indicated in the parentheses next to the job title, in the RIKEN job ad number section in the upper right corner of your CV.
  • 2.List of research achievement and publications
  • 3.Brief description of previous research and future research plans (within two pages/ A4-size)
  • 4.A letter of recommendation from the current supervisor (If unavailable, a letter from a substitute reference will be acceptable.)
    • *Please specify the referee’s contact information (Name, affiliation, job title, and email address)
  • 5.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.

How to apply

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

RIKEN/PRI file upload box

After you upload the file, please notify the file name to the email address at contact information below.
Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees to the link above with the file name "W25029_applicant’s name (Recommendation letter)". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the recommendation letter. After the referees upload the recommendation letter, please notify the file name to the email address at contact information below.
If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact to the same email address.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

Open until 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

After application documents are screened, only the successful candidates will be asked to have an interview.

Start of Employment

As early as possible

Contact Information

RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute
High Energy Nuclear Physics Laboratory
Takehiko Saito
Email:takehiko.saito@riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

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