Seeking a Research Scientist (26-1689) Part-time

Research Scientist

We investigate how plants integrate developmental and environmental cues to maximize organ growth under the changing environment. We also explore how plants establish and maintain cellular differentiation status and how various stress stimuli override the developmental commitments to undergo cellular reprogramming. These strategies should allow us to identify key modulators of organ growth and reprogramming, thus providing molecular basis for crop improvement.

The successful candidate will investigate the molecular basis of plant regeneration and cellular plasticity by integrating the state-of-the-art genetic, epigenetic, genomic and single-cell technologies. The job description may be changed during the contract period or upon contract renewal to the extent described above. Research Scientist: Conduct research projects and other activities in corresponding department.

We welcome applicants with:

• A person who has obtained a PhD 5 or more years ago, or, someone with similar qualifications.
• A Ph.D. in plant biology, molecular biology, genetics, genomics, or related fields
• Strong publication record
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Plant molecular genetics
• Chromatin biology and epigenetics
• Transcriptomics (including single-cell approaches)
• Bioinformatics and computational analysis
• Imaging and developmental biology

Highly motivated candidates with complementary expertise are strongly encouraged to apply.

Work location: RIKEN Yokohama Campus (1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa). RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary, in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

Salary and benefits: A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, to a maximum of March 31, 2028. 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 total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 448,990 JPY or more.

Days off include Saturdays and Sundays, 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 Yokohama Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Yokohama. For details, please send an email to the General Administrative Section at kids-yk-hr@ml.riken.jp.

Required documents

• Complete CV or CV
• List of research achievements (Publications, Presentations, awards and others.)
• Previous research and future research plan
• A letter of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's qualifications
• Certificate of graduation of the most recent education, or a copy of Diploma
• Agreement on handling of personal information

How to apply

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

For Research Scientist position, Cell Function Research Team, RIKEN CSRS

The file name of the ZIP should contain your contact email address. After you uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (takako.furukawa@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 “Cell Function Research Team, XYZ [applicant's name] (Letters of recommendation)”. Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the letter of recommendation.

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

Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Job Seekers

To ensure a safe and proper environment throughout our recruitment process, RIKEN has established the Guidelines for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Job Seekers and strictly enforces compliance among all staff members.

Selection process

Application screening, interview and oral presentation by selected applicants (face-to-face or remote). Travel and accommodation expenses incurred during the interview process shall be borne by the applicant.

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

As early as possible

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Cell Function Research Team Email: keiko.sugimoto@riken.jp For inquiries, please send an email.