Laboratory

Computational Group Dynamics Collaboration Unit
RIKEN Center for Brain Science
(Unit Leader: Wataru Toyokawa)

Outline of Laboratory

The Computational Group Dynamics Collaboration Unit (COGNAC) focuses on the computational underpinnings and eco-evolutionary implications of human collective behaviour and cultural evolution. Using mathematical and agent-based modelling, coupled with large-scale, online real-time behavioural experimentation, we are quantitatively studying principles of collective behaviour and its implications to the modern human societies.

Job title and Job description

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Job title, available positions

Research Part-time Worker I: 1 position

Job description

The successful candidate will be a part of an interdisciplinary collaboration team studying the foundations of human social phenomena and will conduct research both theoretically and empirically. We are looking for a Research Part-time Worker, who are enthusiastic in developing research projects using the state-of-the-art online behavioural experiments, super-computers, and other quantitative methods. The topics we are interested include (but not limited to) collective intelligence, herding, group decision making, human-machine interactions, social network dynamics, and cultural evolution. Advanced knowledge in programming, collective phenomena, and/or artificial intelligence, would be highly valued. Previous experiences in developing web programmes and conducting online behavioural experiments would be a plus, but not necessary if the candidate is passionate in learning the new skills. The PI (Wataru Toyokawa) can provide the basics of building online experiments from scratch (e.g., developing a server- and client-side programs using Node.js + socket.io, with some tips useful in group synchronous experiments).

Main duties and accountabilities are as follows:

• 1.To undertake research as appropriate to the field of study including:
  • A)Developing and analysing theoretical models and simulations;
  • B)Developing experimental tasks to test hypotheses and to explore phenomena;
  • C)Seeking to obtain new research techniques and skills;
• 2.To work in collaboration with other team members and colleagues
• 3.To communicate complex information and specialist knowledge orally, in writing, and electrically, in English. No knowledge of the Japanese language is required.
  • A)Contributing to collaborative research projects within the research group;
  • B)Contributing to the production of collaborative research reports and publications;
• 4.To contribute to the planning of research projects.
• 5.To use research resources, lab spaces and offices as appropriate and to take responsibility for conducting risk assessments, reducing hazards and for the health and safety of others.
• 6.Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
• 7.Undertake other duties related to the lab management (e.g., maintaining the lab web site, managing the cluster computing usage, helping developing the knowledge bases in the lab (github, wiki, notion, etc).

Qualification

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience

• Essential Criteria
  • 1.Applicants should have a PhD or are expected to obtain a PhD by the date of employment in behavioural science or any other related fields, with strong background in research either on collective behaviour, group dynamics, or cultural evolution
  • 2.Sufficient understanding and knowledge of agent-based modelling and human behavioural studies.
  • 3.Experience in collating experimental data and conducting statistical tests on those data to test hypotheses
• Desirable Criteria
  • 1.Knowledge or experience with computational modelling
  • 2.Knowledge or experience with conducting quantitative experiments

Communicating and influencing

• Essential Criteria
  • 1.Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • 2.Ability to present research results at group meetings and conferences
  • 3.Experience with working proactively with colleagues in other work areas / institutions, contributing specialist knowledge to achieve outcomes

Other skills and behaviours

• Essential Criteria
  • 1.Awareness of ethical issues surrounding conducting research with humans
  • 2.Understanding equal opportunity issues and able to contribute to build a highly inclusive working environment

Work location

RIKEN Center for Brain Science　(2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198)
Work location will not be changed during the term of this employment contract or upon renewal.

Salary and benefits

Hourly wages

1,500-2,100JPY (Research Part-time Worker I)

Commuting allowance

provided (within a pre-determined range.)

Terms of contract

This contract shall run until March 31, 2026, as the project ends on March 31, 2026.
(Renewal: No)

Working days

Two 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.

9:00-17:20
(Working days and hours are negotiable. However, daily working hours cannot be shifted for different days.)

RIKEN has implemented a telecommuting system that allows employees to work from home or other locations permitted by RIKEN.

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.

Application and required documents

Required documents

• 1.Complete CV or CV
• 2.Reason for applying for the post

How to apply

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

For Research Part-time Worker position, Computational Group Dynamics Unit, CBS, RIKEN

After you uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (wataru.toyokawa@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: wataru.toyokawa@riken.jp.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

Application must arrive by 31 July 2025

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.

Notification of hiring decision

The notification of hiring decision (conditional offer of employment) regarding this selection shall be carried out through the presentation of a Fixed-term Employment Contract or a Conditional Offer of Employment issued by RIKEN.

Start of Employment

As early as possible

Contact Information

Wataru Toyokawa
RIKEN CBS－TOYOTA Collaboration Center
Computational Group Dynamics Collaboration Unit
Email: wataru.toyokawa@riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.