Laboratory

Human Biomimetic System RIKEN Hakubi Research Team,
RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research
(Laboratory head: Masaya Hagiwara)

Laboratory for Human Biomimetic System (to be established on April 1, 2026)
RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research
(Laboratory head: Masaya Hagiwara)

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.

Human Biomimetic System RIKEN Hakubi Research Team is recruiting technical Part-time worker to carry out a new theme. The research overview of the laboratory is shown below.

Human Biomimetic System RIKEN Hakubi Research Team aims to reconstruct the original morphology and functions of organs by guiding the autonomous self-organization of cells through the control of the culture environment—such as cell population shapes, ECM localization, and concentration gradients of morphogens—to mimic the in vivo environment.

Human Biomimetic Systems RIKEN Hakubi Research Team will conclude on March 31, 2026, and will continue its activities from April 1, 2026, as Laboratory for Human Biomimetic System.

We welcome informal inquiries and laboratory visits prior to application.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Part-time Worker I or Research Part-time Worker II: 1 position

Job description

By integrating stem cell-derived organoids with microfluidic chips, we aim to endow conventional organoids with new functions. The position will involve assisting in experiments, such as preparation/cleaning devices, setup experiments, and data organization.

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

Qualification

Research Part-Time worker I

Education

Applicants must hold a doctoral degree, or possess knowledge and experience equivalent to that of a doctoral degree holder.

Experience

Those with experience in research related to cell culture are particularly welcome.
Even if you do not hold a doctoral degree, applicants with knowledge or experience equivalent to that of a doctoral degree holder are also welcome.

Research Part-Time worker II

Education

Applicants must be enrolled in a master's program (or the first half of a doctoral program), or possess particularly advanced knowledge or technical skills.

Experience

Those with experience in research related to cell culture are particularly welcome.

Important notices for non-Japanese:

• Applicants must currently live in Japan, or have plans to come to Japan for purposes other than this employment.
• Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship for obtaining or renewing a work visa for this position.
• Therefore, only those who already hold a valid visa status (e.g., Student visa, Dependent visa, Spouse visa, etc.) are eligible to apply.
• Unfortunately, if your current visa status will expire and you will not be able to legally remain in Japan, we are unable to accept your application.

Work location

RIKEN Kobe Campus-East-West
6-7-1 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047 (Integrated Innovation Building)

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 )
• 1,250-1,450JPY (Research Part-time Worker II)

*Hourly salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Commuting allowance provided (within a pre-determined range.)

Terms of contract

A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable up to March 31st, 2029.
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.

Working days / hours

3-5 days per week (weekdays only) within 25 hours/week, in stipulated one-hour units between 9:00 am and 5:20 pm. (Working days and hours are negotiable. However, daily working hours cannot be shifted for different days.)

RIKEN has a telecommuting system, but this position requires attendance at the work location. Therefore, the telecommuting system is not available for this position, in principle. For more information, please get in touch with the hiring staff at kobe-jobs@riken.jp.

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.
• 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.Complete CV or CV
  • *Email address is required.
  • *Application Number [25-1564] should be clearly written at top-right in the margin.
  • *Format is free. Or the format attached is available.
• 2.Statement of Purpose (Format free, within 1page of A4)

How to apply

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

(25-1564) Application for Part-time Worker of Human Biomimetic System RIKEN Hakubi Research Team

The uploaded file name should contain the job ad number “25-1564” 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.

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:
masaya.hagiwara@riken.jp (Human Biomimetic System RIKEN Hakubi Research Team, Dr. Hagiwara)