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Seeking a Research Scientist or a Postdoctoral researcher (25-1440)

Laboratory

Prediction Science Research Team,
Division of Applied Mathematical Science,
RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences
(Team Director: 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 or Postdoctoral Researcher : One position
Position-specific tasks are as follows:

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

Job description

The successful candidate will conduct research on big data assimilation for disaster prevention against heavy rainfall and urban flooding. This work will be carried out in close collaboration with the Data Assimilation Research Team at the RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS), which is co-located with and closely linked to our laboratory (with possible concurrent affiliation as necessary), as well as with other RIKEN centers and partner institutions both in Japan and abroad.
Active participation in the operation and management of the laboratory will also be expected.

  • 1.Big data assimilation research for disaster prevention against heavy rainfall and urban flooding. The aim is to achieve rapid prediction of precipitation and flooding through precipitation nowcasting based on radar and satellite observations, the application of deep learning methods, and the development of a practical numerical weather prediction system using the highly original and globally outstanding "big data assimilation" technology. The candidate will also contribute to research on precipitation predictability and mechanisms. In addition, participation in the joint SATREPS project with Argentina is expected, which may include several months of research stay in Argentina each year.
  • 2.Pioneering theoretical research in data assimilation. This includes utilizing insights from nonlinear dynamics, chaos theory, statistical mathematics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and uncertainty quantification to develop methods for nonlinear and non-Gaussian systems and to explore the integration of AI and UQ with data assimilation.
  • 3.Research to explore broad applications of data assimilation. This involves investigating the applicability and effectiveness of data assimilation across diverse fields and pioneering new areas of application.
  • 4.Research on general predictive methodologies and theories beyond data assimilation. This includes developing prediction methods and theories applicable to a wide range of scientific fields.

For related links

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.

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.A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to five 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 472,390 JPY for a Research Scientist, more than 367,925 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher.
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).
  • *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.
  • *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.

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. 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

How to apply

Combine the above documents except the recommendation letters into a ZIP file and upload it to the following link with the file name "25-1440 Prediction Science Research Team [applicant's name]".

Prediction Science Research Team 25-1440 Application documents

After you uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (da-team-desk@ml.riken.jp ) know the name of the uploaded file. The subject of your email should contain Application documents, your name, Job Ad number and the name of the position.

Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees to the link above with the name "Recommendation letter for [applicant's name], Prediction Science Research Team".
The referees need to specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the recommendation letter.

After the referees uploaded the recommendation letter, please let us (da-team-desk@ml.riken.jp) know the name of the uploaded file. If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact da-team-desk@ml.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.
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
iTHEMS Prediction Science Research Team
Email: da-team-desk@ml.riken.jp

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