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Seeking a Research Scientist, a Postdoctoral researcher or a Research Associate (25-1114)

Laboratory

Prediction Science Research Team,
Division of Applied Mathematical Science,
RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences
(Laboratory head: Takemasa Miyoshi)

Outline of Laboratory

The Prediction Science Research Team performs research to integrate the Simulation Science (3rd science) and Data Science (4th science) towards the new “Science of Prediction” as the 5th scientific paradigm. Prediction and control have long been studied, but it is still a challenge to apply the traditional methods to large-scale, complex problems. Here we aim to establish science for prediction and control for large and complex real-world problems. Human society is facing difficult problems like environmental change, natural resources, population, medicine and health, at the individual level to the global scale. “Prediction Science” will be a hub connecting a wide range of human knowledge, providing an objective, scientific approach based on prediction to the sustainable development of human society.

For further details, please refer to RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Science (iTHEMS) website.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist, Postdoctoral researcher or Research Associate: one position
Position-specific tasks are as follows:

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

Job description

Engage primarily in Subproject “Mathematical Foundations for Prediction and Control Based on Exodimensional Data Assimilation, ESG Analysis, and Complex Network Theory for the Preservation of Global Commons” (Sub Project Leader: Tetsuo Hatsuda, Director of Division of Applied Mathematical Science) within Research Project “Planetary Resilience Science for Safeguarding the Global Common”(PI: Keiichi Mochida, Team Director), conducting research aimed at building a mathematical foundation to expand the domain of predictability and controllability by exploring the integration and collaboration between data assimilation and artificial intelligence (AI) /machine learning. At the same time, contribute to the overall progress of the project while fostering mutually beneficial collaboration with various predictive science studies being conducted in our laboratory.

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

Qualification

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 doctoral degree in a field related to the “Job Description”.
Postdoctoral Researcher
A doctoral degree 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.
Research Associate
A master’s degree or equivalent in a field related to the “Job Description”.
In addition, candidates must demonstrate a clear intention and strong motivation to pursue a doctoral degree in the future and advance to higher research positions.

Work location

RIKEN Kobe Campus – South (7-1-26, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, JAPAN)
RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

Salary and benefits

  • 1.
    • (Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Researcher) A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to five years since the initial date of hire.
    • (Research Associate) A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to three years since the initial 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 are 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.
Discretionary work, commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied.

The approximate amount of salary at the time of employment:
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment will be more than 472,000 JPY for a Research Scientist, more than 367,000 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher, and more than 301,000 JPY for a Research Associate.
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment for a candidate with 6 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course as Research Scientist will be approximately 520,000 JPY and for a candidate with 1 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course as Postdoctoral Researcher will be approximately 400,000 JPY.

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

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 (caring for a sick child, 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.

Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai).

  • *Eligible to apply for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi).
  • *The Kobe Campus has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe.
    For details, please send an email to the General Administrative Section 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.

Application and required documents

Required documents

  • 1.CV or CV
    No format specified. Please make sure to include applicant’s name, date of birth, nationality, academic background, work history including the applicant’s current affiliation, and email address.
    The attached format is available for your convenience.
  • 2.List of research achievements (including Researcher ID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
    Include not only peer-reviewed papers but also a list of patents, a list of invited lectures. Also include quantitative measures for evaluation such as the Google Scholar citation index, whenever possible.
  • 3.Copies of up to five most important publications (Please mark the papers on the list of publications.)
    When the original publications are not in PDF format, scan the papers and save them as PDF documents prior to submission.
  • 4.List of competitive funds acquired, awards received, and other achievements including, contributions to university/institution operations, contribution to society through activities in academic societies, joint research projects, technology transfers, etc.
  • 5.Description of previous research, future research plans, and career goals: No format specified, approximately three to four A4 pages in total. It is desirable that a diagram describing the research is provided.
  • 6.Recommendation letters from one or two persons who can evaluate your work
    • *One recommendation letter should be written by the applicant’s current supervisor. When it is difficult to do so, a recommendation letter written by a third party may be accepted.
    • *Recommendation letters must be sent directly by the referees.
    • *The letters should be addressed to RIKEN iTHEMS Director Iso. Digital signature image can be embedded in the recommendation letters within the PDF file. Or please specify the referee’s contact information (name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address) in the letter. Please make sure to write the date.
  • 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.

How to apply

Combine the above documents except the recommendation letters into a single PDF file and upload them to the following link:

Applications for iTHEMS Prediction Science Research Team

The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “25-1114, iTHEMS Prediction Science Research Team” and the applicant’s name. Please write the job ad number and the name of the position that you apply for in the “Add additional information” box.
After you uploaded the PDF file, please let us (kobe-jobs@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file. When you send us an email, please write your name, Job Ad number and the name of the position that you apply for.

Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees to the link mentioned above with the subject line "Recommendation letter for [applicant’s name], [name of the position], iTHEMS Prediction Science Research Team”. Please tell them to email us (kobe-jobs@riken.jp) that they have uploaded the PDF file and to specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the body of the email.
If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: kobe-jobs@riken.jp.

Note: None of the submitted documents will 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

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and interviews will be conducted for selected applicants (Two interviews for Research Scientist position and one interview for Postdoctoral Researcher position and Research Associate position).
No inquiries on the selection process and results will be answered.

Notification of hiring decision

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

Start of Employment

at the earliest opportunity (subject to negotiation)

Contact Information

For inquiries on research conducted by the team, please contact the Team Director by email:

Takemasa Miyoshi
Prediction Science Research Team
iTHEMS
Email: da-team-desk@ml.riken.jp

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