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Seeking a Research Scientist/Postdoctoral Researcher (25-985)

Laboratory

Laboratory for computational molecular design
RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research
(Laboratory head: Makoto Taiji)

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 computational molecular design is recruiting research/technical employees to carry out a new theme. The research overview of the laboratory is shown below.
In our laboratory/team, we aim to simulate biomolecular interactions and to design effective molecular regulators using large-scale computer simulations. To connect molecular behavior with molecular structure and to predict molecular functions, however, require largescale, atomic level molecular simulations. For the goal, we develop special-purpose high-performance computers for molecular simulations, which enable unprecedented long-term MD simulations. Through collaboration with groups inside and outside BDR, we are designing novel compounds for various target biomolecules by utilizing our computational techniques.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher: 1 position

Position-specific tasks are as follows:

Research Scientist
Carry out research and other work in accordance with research themes of the laboratory.
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 CREST project under JST Strategic Basic Research Programs. The name of the research project is” Development of cell fate control method by natural language processing and computational simulation”.
The project focuses on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and structural analysis of proteins involved in signal transduction.
Responsibilities include structural modeling, docking, MD simulations using high-performance computing (HPC) environments, and the application of enhanced sampling techniques.
The project also includes close collaboration with experimental and systems biology researchers to advance the understanding of intracellular signaling pathways.

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 PhD holder in the area related to the Job description.
Postdoctoral Researcher
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

  • Osaka University Suita Campus (Working with the research participant of the CREST Project)
    2-8 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871
  • Laboratory for Computational Molecular Design is located in RIKEN Kobe Campus-East-West.
    6-7-1 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047（Integrated Innovation Building)

RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

Salary and benefits

Research Scientist:

  • 1.A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to the end of the project (March 31, 2027).
  • 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.

Postdoctoral Researcher

  • 1.A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to the end of the project (March 31, 2027).
  • 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. 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 432,000 JPY for Research Scientist and 368,000 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher.

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

Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Researcher:
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).

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

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:

(25-985) Application for Research Scientist / Postdoctoral Researcher of Laboratory for Computational Molecular Design

The uploaded file name should contain the job ad number “25-985” 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 Computational Molecular Design [applicant’s name] (Recommendation letter)". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the recommendation letter.

(25-985) Application for Research Scientist / Postdoctoral Researcher of Laboratory for Computational Molecular Design

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

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 interview. After documents screening, only successful applicants will be invited for interview. 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 this open position, please contact below by email:
Research Personnel Affairs Section, Human Resources Strategy Division, Human Resources Group, RIKEN
Email: kobe-jobs@riken.jp

*If you have any research-related questions, please contact taiji@riken.jp (Laboratory for Computational Molecular Design, Dr.Taiji)

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