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

Research Scientist Or Postdoctoral Researcher Positions Available

Processor Research Team RIKEN Center for Computational Science (Team Principal: Kentaro Sano)

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 research team is researching quantum error correction, which is essential for a fault-tolerant general-purpose quantum computer that is expected to be achieved by 2050, in collaboration with experts in quantum computation and quantum/classical interfaces to realize high-performance error decoding. We conduct elemental research on quantum error correction algorithms, their parallel processing schemes, dedicated hardware design, and system design of FPGA clusters, to develop experimental systems for scalable quantum error correction.

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.

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.

One-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, but not beyond the end of March, 2026. 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.

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, 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.

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 No format specified. Please make sure to include applicant's name, date of birth, nationality, academic background, work history including the applicant's current affiliation, and email address. The attached format is available for your convenience.
• List of research achievements Include not only peer-reviewed papers but also a list of patents, a list of invited lectures. Also include quantitative measures for evaluation such as the Google Scholar citation index, whenever possible.
• Copies of up to five most important publications (Please mark the papers on the list of publications.) When the original publications are not in PDF format, scan the papers and save them as PDF documents prior to submission.
• List of competitive funds acquired, awards received, and other achievements including, contributions to university/institution operations, contribution to society through activities in academic societies, joint research projects, technology transfers, etc.
• Description of previous research, future research plans, and career goals: No format specified, approximately three to four A4 pages in total. It is desirable that a diagram describing the research is provided.
• 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 Processor Research Team

The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “K24072, R-CCS Processor 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