Seeking a few Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (K24072) Full-time

Research Scientist Or Postdoctoral Researcher

Toward the realization of a fault-tolerant general-purpose quantum computer, research is conducted to allow large-scale, high-throughput, and low-latency quantum error correction under the Moonshot Program of Goal 6. The researcher conducts one or some of the following elemental studies: quantum error correction codes, correction algorithms, their parallel processing methods, dedicated hardware design, implementation and evaluation using FPGA, quantum error simulation and error performance evaluation. In collaboration with other researchers involved in this research project, we will eventually construct an experimental system using an FPGA cluster to demonstrate the proof-of-concept of the system that realizes the error correction processing required for future fault-tolerant general-purpose quantum computers. If necessary, we collaborate and cooperate with other research teams at R-CCS and RIKEN, other research groups in the Moonshot research project, and researchers from domestic and overseas research institutes, universities, and industries. In addition to the execution of the above R&D tasks, the successful candidate is also responsible for various tasks at the research team to which he/she is assigned and at the Center for Computational Science.

Any changes in duties during the contract period or at the time of contract renewal will be within the scope of the above job description.

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.

Applicants should be familiar with either computer architecture, special-purpose computer hardware, digital circuit design, software design, high performance processing or parallel processing, code theory or error correction algorithms, quantum computers, or quantum error correction. Experience in research and development related to the above job descriptions is preferred, but applicants with backgrounds in general computer architecture and circuit design, parallel processing, error correction algorithms, and quantum computing, as well as those from other related fields, are also accepted. Applicants do not necessarily need to have expert knowledge of quantum computers but should have the willingness and ability to actively seek to deepen their understanding of areas outside of their own expertise. Applicants should also possess the balance between collaboration and independent research, communication skills, and the positive attitude to explore and develop research topics on their own, which is necessary to carry out research. Preference will be given to applicants who are willing and able to tackle challenging issues toward the realization of a fault-tolerant general-purpose quantum computer, which requires cooperation between experts in quantum computation and computer science, and who possess sufficient communication skills in English.

RIKEN Center for Computational Science, Processor Research Team (Kobe Campus – South) 6-3-5, 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. Smoking is entirely prohibited on site. These and other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

The Kobe Campus has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe.

RIKEN is actively undertaking initiatives to promote gender equality and diversity, and moving forward with the establishment of a diverse and vibrant research environment.

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).