Seeking a few Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (K24073) Full-time

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher Positions

Research and development will be conducted on any of the following items for the advancement and high performance of AI as well as HPC:

• + AI models, algorithms, and high-performance computing methods of AI
• + AI devices: Computational architectures for AI and HPC and their hardware design and implementation
• + System software such as compilers and frameworks for AI devices
• + Evaluation of software and hardware
• + Applications using AI device

Not only in this research team, collaborate with other research teams in this center and RIKEN, and other related organizations in Japan and overseas, as needed. In addition to the above, be responsible for various tasks in the research team to which he/she is assigned and at this center.

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.

An applicant needs to be familiar with any of the following items or related areas of the expected research and development:

• + Computer architecture
• + Circuit design, implementation, verification, and evaluation for FPGAs and ASICs
• + System software such as drivers and compilers
• + AI frameworks
• + Models and algorithms of AI or its mathematical science. Especially generative AI
• + Applications of AI
• + High-performance computing problems such as HPC, and high-performance programming using CPUs, GPUs, and parallel computers.

Experience in research and development related to the above job descriptions and skills in software programming, circuit design, architecture exploration and evaluation, and FPGA and ASIC hardware development required for the research you wish to work on are preferred, but not required if you are willing and able to learn in a new field. The candidate should also possess the balance between collaboration and independent research, communication skills, and the positive attitude to explore and develop research topics on his/her own, which are necessary for conducting research. Preference will be given to applicants who are willing and able to work on research and development of computer architecture while pioneering new models and algorithms to advance HPC and AI for the near future, when semiconductor technology advancement slows down. Applicants who possess sufficient communication skills in English are also preferred.

RIKEN Center for Computational Science, Advanced AI Device Development Unit (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.

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. 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).

Combine the above documents except the recommendation letters into a single PDF file and upload them to the following link:

Applications for R-CCS Advanced AI Device Development Unit

The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “K24073, R-CCS Advanced AI Device Development Unit” 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 link mentioned above with the subject line “R-CCS Advanced AI Device Development Unit, [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.

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: Kentaro Sano Advanced AI Device Development Unit AI for Science Platform Division RIKEN Center for Computational Science Email: kentaro.sano@riken.jp