Seeking a few Research Scientists, Postdoctoral Researchers (25-730) Full-time

Research Scientist Or Postdoctoral Researcher

We are seeking a highly motivated research scientist and/or postdoctoral researcher to join the JST FOREST-funded project “Creation of Customizable Rice Using Reproductive Non-coding RNAs,” which focuses on reproductive biology in rice, one of the world's major crop species. The project aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying different reproductive modes—vegetative propagation (asexual reproduction) and seed propagation (sexual reproduction)—by using both wild and cultivated rice.

An overview of FOREST can be found at the following link: Researchers & Program Officer | Fusion Oriented Research for disruptive Science and Technology | JST

This project, part of the JST FOREST program “Creation of Customizable Rice Using Reproductive Non-coding RNAs,” is scheduled to conclude on March 31, 2028.

The job description may be changed during the contract period or upon contract renewal to the extent described above.

The duties of the position as a job title are as follows:

• Research Scientist: Conducts laboratory research programs and others.
• Postdoctoral Researcher: Receives developmental guidance from supervisor and conducts laboratory research programs.

Qualification:

Both positions:

• Holding a Ph.D. in molecular biology, agricultural science, or a related field.
• Having research experience in molecular biology and/or data science (e.g., bioinformatics).
• Highly motivated to work on plant reproductive research using rice.
• Working on crop reproduction projects with enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility.
• Cooperating with other lab members and helping them in their projects.

Research Scientist:

A person who has obtained a PhD 5 or more years ago, or, someone with similar qualifications.

Postdoctoral Researcher:

A person who has obtained a PhD within the past 5 years, or, one who is able to obtain a degree by the start of their post.

* From the viewpoint of career development at RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, the tenure as a RIKEN Postdoctoral Researcher is within 5 years in principle.

Work location:

RIKEN Yokohama Campus 1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

Salary and benefits:

• A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to maximum March 31, 2028. For the postdoctoral researcher position, however, the maximum term allowed at CSRS is 5 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 monthly base salary is 384,000 JPY for Research Scientist, and 327,200 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher.
• Discretionary work, commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied.

Application and required documents:

Required documents:

• Complete CV
• List of research achievements (Publications, Presentations, awards and others.)
• Previous research and future research plan
• A letter of recommendation from the PI of current laboratory
• Certificate of graduation of the most recent education, or a copy of Diploma
• Contact detail of one or two reference
• Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR

How to apply:

The above documents except the recommendation letters combined into a single ZIP file should be uploaded to the following link:

Reproductive System RIKEN ECL Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science(25-730)

Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees to the following link with the subject line “Reproductive System RIKEN ECL Research Team, research scientist /postdoctoral researcher [applicant's name] (Recommendation letter)”.

After the referees uploaded the recommendation letter, please let us (reina-komiya@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

If the submission requirements are not met, your application will not be processed.

Deadline:

Open until the position is filled.

Handling Personal Data:

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.

Selection process:

Application screening and interview for selected applicants (face-to-face or remote).

Notification of hiring decision:

The notification of hiring decision (conditional offer of employment) regarding this selection shall be carried out through the presentation of an Employment Contract or a Conditional Offer of Employment issued by RIKEN.

Start of Employment:

Start date: At the earliest mutually agreeable date after the selection.

Contact Information:

RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Reproductive System RIKEN ECL Research Team Email: reina.komiya@riken.jp For inquiries, please send an email.