Seeking a Research Scientist or a Postdoctoral Researcher (25-1655) Part-time

Research Scientist Or Postdoctoral Researcher

Environment-Oriented Metabolism RIKEN ECL Research Unit (to be established on April 1, 2026) RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (RIKEN ECL Unit Leader: Yoko Chiba)

Our research unit aims to elucidate the principles for metabolic design through comparison of metabolisms and enzymes in diverse organisms. Specifically, we identify novel central metabolic pathways in non-model organisms. We then rationalize the differences by considering the habitats, intracellular physicochemical conditions, and metabolic context. This approach will clarify the mechanisms that have sustained life for 4 billion years, and contribute to sustainable human societal activities.

We welcome lab visit and informal contact prior to the formal application.

We are seeking a Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher who will advance research aimed at elucidating the principles of metabolic design, specifically through the biochemical and physiological identification of novel metabolic pathways and enzymes, and/or through the investigation of factors driving metabolic and enzymatic diversity. Specifically, a person who will engage in tasks such as microbial cultivation, protein purification, enzyme activity measurement (including automated system development), creation of metabolically engineered microorganisms, metabolic flux analysis, structural and physicochemical characterization of proteins, and theoretical analysis of metabolism and enzymes. Additionally, you will be involved in the laboratory maintenance in cooperation with other laboratory members.

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

The difference in positions is as follows:

Research Scientist: Conducts laboratory research programs and others.

Postdoctoral Researcher: Receives developmental guidance from supervisor and conducts laboratory research programs.

Qualifications:

A person who can maintain smooth communication with collaborators and colleagues, and value cooperation.

Individuals who are eager to acquire new technologies and knowledge and possess flexible thinking skills

The successful candidate will have experience in any of the following research areas. While theoretical researchers are also welcome to apply, this laboratory requires participation in wet lab experiments.

Molecular biology experiments

Biochemistry experiments

Computer-based metabolic and enzyme design

Machine learning related to metabolism and enzymes

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.

RIKEN Wako Campus 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, 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, to maximum of 5 years from the date of hire for Research Scientist, to maximum of 3 years from the date of hire for Postdoctoral Researcher. For the postdoctoral researcher position, however, the maximum term allowed at CSRS is 5 years. If the five-year period ends before the above maximum contract date, the five-year deadline takes precedence. In case an applicant for the postdoctoral position is currently working, or has previously worked, as a postdoctoral researcher at RIKEN, the total period of that employment as a postdoctoral researcher will be 5-year maximum in total.

RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on a) the employee's abilities, workload 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.

Those who wish to continue working at RIKEN beyond this point may apply for open positions.

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 431,790 JPY or more for Research Scientist, and 367,925 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher. For a Research Scientist, the total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring for a candidate with 8 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course will be approximately 490,000 JPY. For a Postdoctoral Researcher, the total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring for a candidate with 3 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course will be approximately 390,000 JPY.

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.