Seeking a few Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (K24003) Full-time

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher Positions

The RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS), led by Center Director Satoshi Matsuoka, is an international hub for computational science that promotes “science of computing, by computing, and for computing.” R-CCS positions the technology in which RIKEN has strengths (R-CCS technology) and the software developed by RIKEN that contributes to science, technology, industry, and society (R-CCS software) as its “core competence in computational science driving science as a whole.” R-CCS aims to develop these technologies, disseminate them domestically and internationally, and produce results. In addition, R-CCS utilizes its expertise to operate the supercomputer “Fugaku”, developed as Japan's national project, in accordance with relevant ordinances.

The Computational Structural Biology Research Team aims to advance our understanding of biological processes by investigating the structure and dynamics of biomolecules. Our interdisciplinary research is focused on algorithms development, leveraging high-performance computing, to explore biomolecules via integrative modeling of experimental data (cryo-electron microscopy, electron tomography, atomic force microscopy, small angle scattering and x-ray free-electron laser). Moreover, we aim fostering collaborations with experimental groups to investigate specific biological functions.

We are seeking scientists who can engage in research and development in the area of structural analysis of biological complexes. Our group is working on multiple projects.

• Development of new computational methods to infer the structure and dynamics of biomolecules by integrating different types of experimental data such as X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, tomography, atomic force microscopy, small angle scattering and X-ray free-electron laser. Biological systems of interest range from the molecular level (building atomic models) to the cell level (coarse-grained modeling).
• Development of algorithms to analyze data from time-resolved experiments to obtain molecular-level descriptions of protein functional dynamics, which are then applied to experimental data to better understand biological processes.
• Collaborative work with experimental groups to study specific biological systems via MD simulations and other modeling techniques

Applicants must have a doctoral degree in a related field or expect to receive a doctoral degree before the date of appointment. In general, those who earned a doctorate within the past 5 years will be appointed as Postdoctoral Researcher, and those who earned a doctorate more than 5 years ago will be appointed as Research Scientist.

Applications are welcome from any field, although proven skill in programming languages for scientific computation is required. Experience with 2D image analysis in relation to X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy, MD simulations, coarse-grained modeling, high-performance parallel computing, and machine learning is a great plus. Excellent communication skill in English is required.

RIKEN Center for Computational Science (Kobe Campus-East-West) 6-7-1, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, JAPAN

RIKEN has implemented a work-from-home system. Employees can work from home in accordance with the prescribed procedures. Employees may be transferred to other locations when necessary to perform duties, in accordance with relevant regulations.

In principle, the first two months of employment is 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. The monthly base salary is 327,200 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher and 458,500 JPY for Research Scientist as of April 1, 2025. The monthly base salary and variable salary are subject to change due to amendments to RIKEN regulations. Discretionary work, commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied. The approximate amount of annual salary at the time of employment: The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment will be more than 400,000 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher and 515,575 JPY for Research Scientist. Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai). 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 per year depending on the month of employment), special paid leave (childcare, family nursing care, etc.), and work-life balance holidays (up to 7 days per year depending on the month of employment). There are also additional leave systems such as maternity leave, childcare leave, and family nursing care leave. No smoking on site. These and other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

The Kobe Campus has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe. For details, please send an email to the General Administrative Section at kobe-kosei@riken.jp.

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.

Also, eligible for an exemption from repayment for category 1 scholarship loans provided by the Japan Student Services Organization before fiscal year 2003, and eligible applying for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi).

Please prepare the following documents in English. Only recommendation letters may be either in English or in Japanese.

• CV or CV
• List of research achievements
• Copies of up to five most important publications
• List of competitive funds acquired, awards received, and other achievements
• Description of previous research, future research plans, and career goals
• Recommendation letters from one or two persons who can evaluate your work
• Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR

Combine the above documents except the recommendation letters into a single PDF file and upload them to the following link: Applications for R-CCS Computational Structural Biology Research Team

The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “K24003 Computational Structural Biology Research Team” and the applicant's name. Please write the name of the position that you apply for in the “Add additional information” box. After you uploaded the PDF file, please let us (kobe-jobs@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file. When you send us an email, please write your name, Job Ad number and the name of the position that you apply for. Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees to the website mentioned above with the subject line “K24003 Computational Structural Biology Research Team, [name of the position], [applicant's name] (Recommendation letter)”. Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the body of the email. If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: kobe-jobs@riken.jp.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.

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.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt, and interviews will be conducted for selected applicants (2 interviews for Research Scientist position and one interview for Postdoctoral Researcher position). No inquiries on the selection process and results will be answered.

July 1, 2024 or later, at the earliest opportunity (subject to negotiation)

Application files will not be returned.

Updated as of Apr. 1, 2025: “Salary and benefits”

For inquiries on research conducted by the team, please contact the Team Leader by email: florence.tama@riken.jp