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Seeking Research Scientist or Postdoctoral researcher (25-1971)

Laboratory

Molecular Bioregulation Research Team,
RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
(Laboratory head：Shinya Hagihara)

Outline of Laboratory

We search key molecules that contribute stable food production through forward and reverse chemical genetics. The compounds obtained from chemical screening will be applied to regulate and understand physiological functions of plants.

For more information, please refer to the following link: Molecular Bioregulation Research Team | RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher 2 positions

Job description

Regarding research in the JST CREST "[Supra-Biological Tissue] Creation and Novel Function Development of Supra-Biological Tissues through Interdisciplinary Fusion," under the project "Creation of plant organoid by cell fate control using synthetic molecules."
The applicant will be engaged in research on the exploration of novel bioactive molecules and the elucidation of their mechanisms of action.

This project is scheduled to conclude on March 31, 2031.

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

The difference in positions is as follows:

Research Scientist
Conducts laboratory research programs and others.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Receives developmental guidance from supervisor and conducts laboratory research programs.

Qualifications

Individuals capable of maintaining smooth communication with collaborators both within and outside the research team, and working collaboratively to carry out tasks.

Research Scientist

A person who has obtained a PhD 5 or more years ago, or, someone with similar qualifications.

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, up to maximum March 31, 2031. For the postdoctoral researcher position, however, the maximum term allowed at CSRS is 5 years. If the five-year period ends before the above maximum contract date, the five-year deadline takes precedence. In case an applicant for the postdoctoral position is currently working, or has previously worked, as a postdoctoral researcher at RIKEN, the total period of that employment as a postdoctoral researcher will be 5-year maximum in total.
  • 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.

Those who wish to continue working at RIKEN beyond this point may apply for open positions.

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 431,790 JPY or more for Research Scientist, and 367,925 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher.

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 ikuyo.sawayama@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

Research Scientist

Postdoctoral Researcher

How to apply

The above documents except the letter of recommendation combined into a single ZIP file should be uploaded to the following link:

Molecular Bioregulation Research Team, RIKEN Application Box(25-1971)

The file name of the ZIP should contain your contact email address.
After you uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (ikuyo.sawayama@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 " Molecular Bioregulation Research Team, XYZ [applicant's name] (Letters of recommendation)". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the letter of recommendation.

Molecular Bioregulation Research Team, RIKEN Application Box(25-1971)

After the referees uploaded the letter of recommendation, please let us (ikuyo.sawayama@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.
If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: ikuyo.sawayama@riken.jp.
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).
Travel and accommodation expenses incurred during 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

As early as possible (Negotiable)

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
Molecular Bioregulation Research Team
Email: ikuyo.sawayama@riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

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