Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (R-CCS2315) Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher

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 is utilizing its expertise to operate the supercomputer “Fugaku” which was developed as a national project in accordance with Japanese laws and regulations.

Field Theory Research Team performs research and development to utilize state-of-the-art computational resources including supercomputer Fugaku and to perform large scale numerical simulations aiming to solve microscopic physical phenomena through field theory simulations. In particular, the team conducts the following research agenda in the elementary particle and nuclear physics and related fields:

• Research and development of simulation methods and codes for field theories
• Solving physical phenomena by numerical computation on supercomputers
• Publishing and promoting the developed codes and numerical methods

Job title: Postdoctoral Researcher: 1 position

Job description:

• Study of QCD thermodynamics at physical point with large scale numerical computation using chiral fermions
• Study of acceleration method based on machine learning for lattice QCD simulations
• Basic research and development related with 1 and 2 above. The successful candidate will perform all 1-3 above. The projects 1 and 2 are performed by joining the Program for Promoting Researches on the Supercomputer Fugaku: “Simulation for basic science: approaching the new quantum era” (PI: Shoji Hashimoto) – subprogram “MCMC simulation for Quantum Chromodynamics and particle experiments” (Subprogram Rep. Yasumichi Aoki).

Qualifications: 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. Experience on lattice QCD or related area. Successful candidate needs to show willingness to perform large scale numerical computations and related research on the machine learning.

Work location: RIKEN Center for Computational Science 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.

Salary and benefits: One-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, but not beyond the end of March, 2026. RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on the employee's abilities, work load at the time of contract completion, performance and work attitude and 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 65 years. RIKEN has indefinite-term positions, which are subject to the mandatory retirement age of 60. There is a subsequent re-employment program allowing hiring until the age of 65. Any scientists, including fixed-term employees who have been hired through this open call, are eligible to apply to open calls for indefinite-term positions.

In principle, the first two months of employment is 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. The monthly base salary is 295,100 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher as of April 1, 2023. 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 336,625 JPY. 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. No smoking on site. These and other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

The Kobe Branch has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe. For details, please send an email to the HR at kobe-kosei [at] 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.

Also, 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).

Application and required documents:

• CV or CV
• List of research achievements
• Copies of up to five most important publications
• List of external funds acquired, awards received, competitive funds received, and other achievements
• Description of previous research, future research plans, and career goals
• Recommendation letters in English from one or two persons who can evaluate your work
• Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR

How to apply:

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

Applications for R-CCS Field Theory Research Team

The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “R-CCS2315 Field Theory 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[at]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. When the recommendation letter is directly submitted from the referees, please ask them to send it to (kobe-jobs [at] riken.jp) by attaching it to the email. Please write “R-CCS Field Theory Research Team, [name of the position], [applicant's name] (Recommendation letter)” in the subject line and specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the email.

If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: kobe-jobs [at] riken.jp.

Deadline: Selection starts from July 21. Applications will be accepted until the positions are 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. Personal information will not be disclosed, transferred or loaned to a third party under any circumstances without just cause.