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Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (25-1563)

Laboratory

Chemical Biology and Biosynthesis Research Team
RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
(Laboratory head: Takayoshi Awakawa)

Outline of Laboratory

Our laboratory aims to contribute to solving social issues such as the decrease and depletion of natural resources and to advance environmental resource science research through research on chemical biology and biosynthesis, including research on new useful natural products using biosynthetic methods. We analyze the biosynthesis pathway of bioactive substances and construct substance production systems in microbial hosts. We create non-natural compounds by modifying biosynthetic pathways and enzyme functions in the production system. We also analyze the mechanism of action of the bioactive compounds and obtain new knowledge in chemical biology.

For more information, please refer to the following link:
Chemical Biology and Biosynthesis Research Team | RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science

Job title and Job description

Job title

Postdoctoral Researcher 1 position

Job description

Analysis of the biosynthetic mechanisms of bioactive compounds and construct material production systems within hosts such as microorganisms. Development novel biosynthetic pathways within material production systems and create non-natural compounds through modification of enzyme functions. The applicant will analyze the mechanisms of action of physiological and biological compounds, aiming to gain novel insights in chemical biology.
Through these studies on creating bioactive compounds, we contribute to solving societal challenges such as resource depletion and scarcity, and engage in advancing environmental resource science research.

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

Postdoctoral Researcher
Receives developmental guidance from supervisor and conducts laboratory research programs.

Qualification

  • The candidate should possess a doctoral degree in a related field and research experience using enzyme and genetic manipulation.
  • The applicant must be able to communicate in English.
  • The applicant must be able to communicate and work together with collaborators both inside and outside our research group.
Postdoctoral Researcher
A person who has obtained a PhD within the past 5 years, or, one who is able to obtain a degree by the start of their post.

*From the viewpoint of career development at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, the tenure as a RIKEN Postdoctoral Researcher is within 5 years in principle.

Work location

RIKEN Wako Campus
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, 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, to a maximum of the end of the fiscal year (March 31) in which the employee completes 5 years of employment.
    (Please note that from the viewpoint of career development, the tenure of a Postdoctoral Researcher at RIKEN will not, in principle, be reappointed for a period exceeding 5 years.)
  • 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 total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 367,925 JPY or more.

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 csrs-cbb@ml.riken.jp.

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 (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.

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 Wako Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Wako. For details, please send an email to kids@riken.jp.

Application and required documents

Required documents

How to apply

The above documents except the letter of recommendation combined into a single ZIP file should be uploaded to the following link:
25-1563_Application documents for Postdoc (Chemical Biology and Biosynthesis Research Team)

The file name of the ZIP should contain your contact email address.
After you uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (csrs-cbb@ml.riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

Letters of recommendation must be directly submitted from the referees to the following link with the file name " Chemical Biology and Biosynthesis Research Team, postdoctoral researcher [applicant’s name] (Letters of recommendation)". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the letter of recommendation.

25-1563_Application documents for Postdoc (Chemical Biology and Biosynthesis Research Team)

After the referees uploaded the letter of recommendation, please let us (csrs-cbb@ml.riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

If the submission requirements are not met, your application will not be processed.

Deadline

Open until the position is filled

*Note: None of the submitted documents will be returned.

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

Application screening and interview for selected applicants (face-to-face or remote).

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

April 1, 2026 (Negotiable)

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
Chemical Biology and Biosynthesis Research Team
Email: csrs-cbb@ml.riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

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