Seeking a few Senior Research Scientists, Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (25-3711) Full-time

Senior Research Scientist, Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher Positions

Nanophotonic Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics Research Team, RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing (Team Director: Takao Aoki)

The missions of RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing (RQC) are to deepen our understandings of quantum mechanics and quantum information, develop techniques for quantum control and measurement, build quantum computing hardware and software, and explore novel applications. We promote basic research on quantum information science and contribute to society through quantum technology.

This research team study cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) based on nanophotonic devices. A cavity QED system is a hybrid system with photons and atoms confined in an optical cavity, and it is an ideal interface between atomic and photonic qubits. We develop novel nanophotonic devices, such as optical nanofiber cavities, and construct cavity QED systems. Based on such systems, we will aim to realize scalable quantum technologies.

Job Title

Senior Research Scientist, Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher a few positions

In general, those who earned a doctoral degree more than 5 years ago and have excellent achievements and abilities will be appointed as Senior Research Scientist, those who earned a doctoral degree more than 5 years ago will be appointed as Research Scientist, or those who earned a doctoral degree within the past 5 years will be appointed as Postdoctoral Researcher.

Senior Research Scientist

Assists the team director, provides guidance to the team members and others, and implements the team's research agenda.

Research Scientist

Conducts the team's research projects.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Under the training and guidance of senior staff, conducts the team's research project, etc.

Job Description

Candidates will be expected to engage in one or more of the following research activities:

• Research on optical fiber devices and nanophotonic devices, and quantum optics and quantum electronics using these devices.
• Experimental research on distributed quantum computing and quantum network based on cold neutral atoms and nanophotonic cavity QED.

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

Qualification

The candidate should possess a doctoral degree or be expected to obtain a doctoral degree by the date of hire.

Work Location

RIKEN Wako Campus (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198) 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 a maximum of March 31, 2031.
• 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.

In principle, the first two months of employment are 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. Discretionary work, commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied.

The approximate amount of salary at the time of employment:

The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 750,000 JPY or more for Senior Scientist, 650,000 JPY or more for Research Scientist, 500,000 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher.

RIKEN has implemented a telecommuting system that allows employees to work from home or other locations permitted by RIKEN.

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 depending on the month of employment), special paid leave (caring for a sick child, family nursing care, etc.), and work life balance holidays (up to 7 days 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. Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai).

* Eligible to apply for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research ( Kakenhi ).

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.

The Wako Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Wako. For details, please send an email to kids@riken.jp.

Application and Required Documents

Required Documents

• 1. Complete RQC-CV (with photo and email address)
• 2. List of research achievement and publications (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
• 3. Major papers (not more than 3 for Postdoctoral Researcher, 5 for Senior Research Scientist or Research Scientist)
• 4. Summary of past research and future research plan (not more than 3 pages for Postdoctoral Researcher, 5 pages for Senior Research Scientist or Research Scientist)
• 5. A letter of recommendation from the current supervisor (If unavailable, a letter from a substitute reference will be acceptable.)

How to Apply

The above documents except the recommendation letter combined into a Zip file should be uploaded to the following link:

RQC Nanophotonic Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics Research Team Application BOX_25-3711

The file name of the ZIP should contain your contact email address. After you upload the ZIP file, please let us (takao.aoki@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

Letters of recommendation must be directly submitted from the referees to the following link with the file name “RQC Nanophotonic Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics Research Team [applicant's name] (Letter of recommendation)”. Please specify the applicant's name, and referee's name and contact information in the letter of recommendation.

RQC Nanophotonic Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics Research Team Application BOX_25-3711

After the referees upload the letter of recommendation, please let us (takao.aoki@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file. If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: takao.aoki@riken.jp.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

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

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

June 1, 2026 (Negotiable)

Contact Information

Team Director Takao Aoki, Nanophotonic Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics Research Team, RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing Email: takao.aoki@riken.jp For inquiries, please send an email.