Seeking a few Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (K24077) 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.

One of our main focuses is to develop state-of-the-art numerical methods for simulating ground states as well as quantum dynamics of strongly correlated quantum systems. We are also interested in developing quantum algorithms for quantum many-body systems and quantum computing simulations using classical computers such as Supercomputer Fugaku, as a ground challenge of information science in quest of a new computing paradigm.

Successful candidates are expected to work on one (or more than one) of the following projects in collaboration with other team members:

• Development of numerical methods for strongly correlated quantum systems, such as quantum Monte Carlo methods, density matrix renormalization group methods, and tensor network methods, and application of these methods to study strongly correlated quantum systems,
• Application of machine learning techniques to strongly correlated quantum systems,
• Development of quantum algorithms for quantum many-body systems and demonstration of these algorithms using classical/quantum computers, and
• Development of quantum computing simulations using classical computers such as Supercomputer Fugaku.

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 Ph.D. or expect to receive a Ph.D. before the date of appointment. In general, those who earned a doctorate within the past 5 years will be appointed as Postdoctoral Researchers, and those who earned a doctorate more than 5 years ago will be appointed as Research Scientists. Candidates in the fields of condensed matter physics, statistical physics, quantum chemistry, quantum information, and machine learning are encouraged to apply.

RIKEN Center for Computational Science, Computational Materials Science Research Team (Kobe Campus – South) 7-1-26, 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 monthly base salary is 458,500 JPY for Research Scientist and 327,200 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher 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 Research Scientist and 515,575 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher. 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.

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

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 Materials Science Research Team

The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “K24077, R-CCS Computational Materials Science 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 link mentioned above with the subject line “R-CCS Computational Materials Science 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 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.

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:

Seiji Yunoki Computational Materials Science Research Team RIKEN Center for Computational Science Email: yunoki@riken.jp