Seeking a few Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (26-428) Full-time

Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers

AI as Science Team, Division of Applied Mathematical Science, RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (Team Director: Masato Taki)

RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS) is an international research center at RIKEN. It facilitates close collaborations among researchers from different disciplines in theoretical, mathematical and computational sciences. The ultimate goal of iTHEMS is to unravel the mystery of the Universe, matter, and life, as well as to solve key problems in modern society through interdisciplinary approaches. Through this call, iTHEMS is seeking Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers, to join AI as Science Team, who are motivated to advance foundational research in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, in order to develop more advanced AI technologies and to pioneer their applications in the natural sciences.

For more information, please refer to the following website: RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Science (iTHEMS)

Job title

Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers, a few positions

Research Scientist

While independently conducting their research, they will contribute to the development of interdisciplinary activities in line with iTHEMS' and Teams' philosophy.

Postdoctoral Researcher

While independently conducting their research, they will also engage in collaborative research projects with other iTHEMS researchers, and participate in iTHEMS' activities outside their discipline.

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

Job description

Fundamental Research in artificial intelligence (AI), centered on deep learning and its application to science

We invite applications from researchers who are motivated to advance foundational research in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, in order to develop more advanced AI technologies and to pioneer their applications in the natural sciences. At the time of appointment, it is not necessary for applicants to be machine learning experts. We welcome candidates who have established expertise in fields such as physics, neuroscience, mathematical sciences, or applied mathematics/engineering, and who are motivated to engage in AI research in earnest.

We also welcome applicants with the following experience:

• – Operation and use of GPU-based computing environments
• – Research or applications utilizing AI technologies

AI research has advanced not only within information science, but also through the integration of knowledge from a wide range of disciplines. This approach is in line with the interdisciplinary philosophy promoted by iTHEMS. We particularly welcome applicants who are motivated to utilize AI as a bridge across disciplines, fostering cross-field collaboration and revitalizing interdisciplinary research.

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 or is expected to obtain a doctoral degree by the starting date.

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, up to 3 years (Postdoctoral Researcher) or 5 years (Research Scientist) from initial 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 480,000 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher, 550,000JPY or more for Research Scientist.

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

• 1. A cover letter explaining your motivations to apply for this position. If there are special circumstances you would like the committee to consider, you may include them here.
• 2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) *
  • * In the notes section of your CV, include the job position number (26-428) next to the title of the job position. You may also include your research IDs (ORCID, Google Scholar, etc.).
• 3. List of publications (including preprints)
• 4. Research statement (summary of current and past research relevant to this position; 2 pages max)
• 5. Research proposal (describe your research objectives over the time scale of the position [3-5 years]; 3 pages max)
• 6. Interdisciplinary statement (discuss your views and interest on interdisciplinarity, and how you see yourself interacting with iTHEMS members from other fields; 1 page max)
• 7. Two or more letters of recommendation (references), including one from your current supervisor if available.
• 8. Agreement on handling of personal information (Handling of personal information based on the Hiring Privacy Policy, the General Data Protection Regulation, and the UK General Data Protection Regulation) Please review the following web page before submitting the consent form.:
  • * Hiring Privacy Policy
  • * The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • * Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation)

How to apply

Application documents should be uploaded through Academic Jobs Online.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

Open until the position is filled We will first select the application documents that have arrived by July 31, 2026 (JST).

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