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Seeking a postdoctoral researcher (25-1606)

Laboratory

Catalytic Utilization of Carbon Resources Research Team
RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
(Laboratory head: Kyoko Nozaki)

Outline of Laboratory

We conduct both fundamental and applied research aimed at achieving nonlinear breakthroughs in catalysis and polymer science, with the goal of enabling the effective use of underutilized carbon resources such as carbon dioxide, non-edible biomass, and plastic waste. Through this work, we seek to contribute to solving global environmental challenges.

For more information, please refer to the following link:
Catalytic Utilization of Carbon Resources Research Team | RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Postdoctoral Researcher, 1 position

Job description

The successful candidate will be expected to engage in one of the following three research themes:

  • 1.Development of catalysts for the efficient hydrogenolysis of carbon–oxygen bonds
  • 2.Synthesis of materials for carbon dioxide valorization
  • 3.Mechanistic studies of molecular and solid catalysts

In particular, the candidate will leverage expertise in organic synthesis, coordination chemistry, polymer chemistry, polymer physics, and analytical chemistry for:

  • Develop molecular and solid catalysts
  • Investigate their active species
  • Design, synthesize, and evaluate novel polymers

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

  • A person who has obtained a PhD in a scientific field relevant to the job description 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.
  • The applicant must have research capabilities, technical skills, and achievements necessary to carry out our research.
  • The applicant can proactively and enthusiastically engage in research activities related to the job description
  • The applicant must be able to communicate and work together with collaborators both inside and outside our research group.

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, up to maximum March 31, 2029.
    The maximum employment duration for a Postdoctoral Researcher is 5 years. (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 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 (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 should be combined into a single ZIP file should be uploaded to the following link:

For postdoctoral researcher position, Catalytic Utilization of Carbon Resources Research Team, RIKEN CSRS

The file name of the ZIP should contain your contact email address.
After you uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (akiko.irie@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 "Catalytic Utilization of Carbon Resources 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.

For postdoctoral researcher position, Catalytic Utilization of Carbon Resources Research Team, RIKEN CSRS

After the referees uploaded the letter of recommendation, please let us (akiko.irie@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).

Kindly be advised that any expenses incurred for travel, accommodation, or other related costs associated with the interview process shall be borne by the applicant.

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
Catalytic Utilization of Carbon Resources Research Team
Email: akiko.irie@riken.jp

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