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Seeking a Research Scientist (25-1698)

Laboratory

Thin-Film Device Laboratory
RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute
(Chief Scientist: Takao Someya)

Outline of Laboratory

Our laboratory aims to utilize the inherent “softness” of materials to create a future of flexible electronics that harmonize with both people and the planet. We engage in interdisciplinary research, ranging from fundamental materials science to groundbreaking applications.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist: 1 position

Note: We are seeking individuals at the level of full-time university Assistant Professor to Associate Professor or Full-Time Lecturer for this open position.

Job description

The successful candidate will work on one of the following research themes:

  • 1.Exploration of Novel Flexible Materials and Properties
    Development of new materials with unprecedented electronic and optical properties, such as organic semiconductors, carbon-based nanomaterials, functional polymer gels, and two-dimensional materials, and investigation of their device physics.
  • 2.Development and Application of Advanced Soft Devices
    Creation of stretchable and biocompatible electronic/optical devices, with applications in next-generation wearable devices, humanoid robots, and soft robotics.
  • 3.Pioneering Bio-Integrated Electronics
    Advancement of technologies that seamlessly integrate electronics with biological systems, including the development of electronic skin and other innovations that can transform the medical and healthcare fields.
  • 4.AI-Driven Research Acceleration
    Introduction of AI technologies for the analysis of biosignals and motion data, as well as for the automation and optimization of experimental processes (device fabrication and evaluation), in order to accelerate research and open up new application areas.

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

Qualification

Doctoral degree (or equivalent research ability and background) in the relevant research field. Applicants are expected to possess the passion and capability to proactively engage in one of the above research themes.

Work location

RIKEN Wako Campus (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198)

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, within a priod of 5 years from date of hire.
  • 2.RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on a) the employee’s abilities, work load 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 510,000 JPY or more.
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment for a candidate with 5 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course will be approximately 580,000 JPY.

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.

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 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 and uploaded to the following link:

RIKEN/PRI file upload box

After you upload the file, please notify the file name to the email address at contact information below.

Letters of recommendation must be directly submitted from the referees to the link above with the file name "25-1698_applicant’s name (Letter of recommendation)". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the recommendation letter.
After the referee upload the letter of recommendation, please notify the file name to the email address at contact information below.
If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact to the same email address.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

Open until the position is 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

After application documents are screened, only the successful candidates will be asked to have an interview.

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

As early as possible

Contact Information

RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute
Thin-Film Device Laboratory
Takao Someya
Email: takao.someya@riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

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