Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Scientist (25-2419) Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Scientist

Our laboratory conducts theoretical research on strongly correlated electron systems in solid-state materials such as superconductors and magnets. Condensed matter physics has historically advanced through close collaboration between theory and experiment. With recent progress in high-precision experimental techniques and faster computational methods, previously inaccessible phenomena are now being uncovered. Starting from microscopic theoretical models that describe individual electron behavior, our aim is to propose novel electronic phases, quantum phase transitions, and transport phenomena, thereby contributing to the deeper understanding of condensed matter systems and bridging theory with experiment.

The successful candidate will conduct research on strongly correlated quantum materials through the development and application of numerical and analytical many-body calculation methods (including programming) for metals, superconductors, and magnetic materials.

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

The candidate should possess a doctoral degree in physics or be expected to obtain one by the start date. The candidate should have research experience in condensed matter theory. The candidate should possess strong communication skills and be able to work collaboratively with both internal and external colleagues. A proactive, cooperative, and flexible approach to research and workplace responsibilities is essential. In principle, priority will be given to those applying for a Postdoctoral Researcher position.

Strong Correlation Quantum Phase RIKEN ECL Research Unit, Cross-Divisional Materials Research Program, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198) RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

A one-year fixed-term of employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to a maximum of 5 years of employment. 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 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 employment will be 368,090 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researchers and 432,000 JPY or more for Research Scientists.

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 (childcare, 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.

Complete CV (with email address) Write the open call ID “25-2419”, indicated in the parentheses next to the job title, in the open call ID section, located in the upper right corner of your CV. List of research achievement and publications (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available) A letter of recommendation from the current supervisor Please specify the referee's contact information (name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address) A letter of recommendation should be addressed to “Dr. Takahisa Arima, Center Director of CEMS” (If a letter from the current supervisor is unavailable, a letter from a substitute reference will be acceptable.) A set of copies of up to 5 of your major papers Summary of major achievements to date and research proposal in future (about 5 pages of A4 sized paper in total) Agreement on handling of personal information (Handling of personal information based on the Hiring Privacy Policy, the General Data Protection Regulation, and the UK General Data Protection Regulation) Please review the following web page before submitting the consent form.: Hiring Privacy Policy The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation)

The above documents except the recommendation letter combined into a single ZIP file should be uploaded to the following link: Application: Strong Correlation Quantum Phase RIKEN ECL Research Unit. The uploaded file name should contain your name. After you have uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (miho.okada@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

A recommendation letter must be directly submitted from the referees to the following link with the subject line “Center for Emergent Matter Science, Position Name [Applicant's Name] (Recommendation Letter)”. Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name, and contact information in the recommendation letter.

Application: Strong Correlation Quantum Phase RIKEN ECL Research Unit. If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: miho.okada@riken.jp

Open until the position is 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 screening and interview for selected applicants.

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

As early as possible (Negotiable).

Updated as of Apr. 1, 2026: “Laboratory”, “Required Documents”, “Start of Employment” and “Contact Informationan”. Updated as of May 11, 2026: “How to apply” and “Contact Informationan”.

Strong Correlation Quantum Phase, Cross-Divisional Materials Research Program, RIKEN ECL Research Unit, RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science Email: miho.okada@riken.jp For inquiries, please send an email.