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

Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers

The RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing is seeking a few Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers. 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.

Research Scientists conduct the team's research projects.

Postdoctoral Researchers under the training and guidance of senior staff, conduct the team's research project, etc.

* The applicant will be assigned to an appropriate position based on his/her ability, aptitude, etc.

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

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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: 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: 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.

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.

Remarks: Updated as of Dec. 2, 2025: “Job title”

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.