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Seeking a few Research Scientists and Postdoctoral Researchers (25-1940)

Laboratory

Optical Quantum Control Research Team,
RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing
(Team Director: Hidehiro Yonezawa)

Outline of Laboratory

The missions of RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing (RQC) are to deepen our understanding of quantum mechanics and quantum information, develop techniques for quantum control and measurement, build quantum computing hardware and software, and explore novel applications. We promote basic research on quantum information science and contribute to society through quantum technology.
Our team focuses on the development and application of an optical quantum computer. An optical system is a leading candidate for a quantum computer due to its high scalability and potential high-speed operation. To unleash the full potential of optical quantum computers, we also conduct research into quantum control and estimation technologies, including high-precision measurement and estimation, quantum control technologies based on these estimations, and related optical quantum technologies. Through the development of these technologies, we aim for the practical implementation of large-scale optical quantum computers and exploration of new applications.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers, a few positions

In general, Postdoctoral Researchers are defined as those with a doctoral degree of 5 years or less, while Research Scientists are defined as those with a doctoral degree more than 5 years.

Job description

Candidates will be expected to engage in one or more of the following research activities:

  • 1.Development of Optical Quantum Computer Hardware: Involvement in the development of the measurement-induced, continuous-variable optical quantum computer currently being developed by our team, focusing on performance enhancement. This includes increasing the number of inputs, accelerating operation speed, realizing non-Gaussian operations, and overall system development.
  • 2.Exploration of Optical Quantum Computer Applications: Collaborate with external researchers to explore applications of the optical quantum computer developed by our team. This includes research and implementation of new algorithms for optimization problems, neural networks, and other related areas.
  • 3.Research on Optical Quantum Estimation and Control Technologies: Experimental research on quantum control and estimation technologies, such as high-precision estimation of optical quantum states and parameters, and quantum control techniques like coherent feedback and measurement feedback.

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

Qualification

The candidate should possess a doctoral degree in a field related to quantum computing or quantum optics, or be expected to obtain such a degree by the date of hire.

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, Research Scientist may be appointed for a period of up to seven years from the date of hire and Postdoctoral Researcher may be appointed for a period of up to five years from the 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.
  • 3.When the Employee's research is scheduled for review in the Employee's 4 year at RIKEN, and when it is concluded that there is reason* to believe it will be difficult for the research (or technology development) to be continued, the employment contract will not be renewed for 6 year. (*The reason may relate to the Employee's abilities, performance and/or work attitude.)

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 650,000 JPY or more for Research Scientist, 500,000 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher.

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 (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 letters of recommendation, should be combined into a single ZIP file and uploaded to the following link:

RQC Optical Quantum Control Research Team Application Box_25-1940

The file name of the ZIP should contain your contact email address.
After you upload the ZIP file, please let us (hidehiro.yonezawa@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

Letters of recommendation must be directly submitted from the referee to the following link with the file name "RQC Optical Quantum Control Research Team [applicant's name] (Letter of recommendation)". Please specify the applicant's name, and referee's name and contact information in the letter of recommendation.

RQC Optical Quantum Control Research Team Application Box_25-1940

After the referees upload the letter of recommendation, please let us (hidehiro.yonezawa@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.
If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: hidehiro.yonezawa@riken.jp.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

Open 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

Application screening and interview for selected applicants

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

Team Director Hidehiro Yonezawa,
Optical Quantum Control Research Team, RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing
Email: hidehiro.yonezawa@riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

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