Seeking a Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher (26-1964) Part-time NEW

Research Scientist Or Postdoctoral Researcher

The RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS), led by Center Director Satoshi Matsuoka, is focused on advancing high-end computational science through three main objectives: the “Science of Computing,” the “Science by Computing,” and the “Science for Computing.”

The Materials Science Application Interface Platform Development Unit is recruiting research employees to carry out a new theme. The research overview of the laboratory is shown below. Our main target is as follows:

• Development of Molecular Software and Theory through Foundation Models
• 1) Engineering of systems based on large language models to automatically generate quantum chemistry software components for use on FugakuNEXT. Creation of methods for automatic software documentation, validation, and optimization specifically for high-performance computing.
• 2) Use of multimodal models to generate hypotheses for new quantum chemistry methods or studies. Development of an Artificial Intelligence agent driven loop of hypotheses formulation, code generation, deployment, analysis, and visualization for molecular science.

Job title: Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher: 1 position

Position-specific tasks are as follows:

Research Scientist

Conduct research projects and other activities in corresponding laboratories.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Receive training and guidance from senior staff; conduct research projects and other activities for corresponding laboratories.

The recruited researcher will carry out a project supported by JST ARiSE projects. Their assigned work directly contributes to the Materials Science Application Interface Platform Development Unit's research on integrating Large Language Models and Agentic AI into materials science research.

The overall goal of the ARiSE project is to develop a foundation model for materials science. To this end, the creation of large datasets of high-quality materials simulations is essential. However, typical high throughput simulation work treats electronic structure methods as a black box, leading to datasets of uneven or even questionable quality. The primary purpose of this subtheme will be to develop agents able to automatically utilize multiple simulation codes and theories, while making the dynamic decisions required for high fidelity results. The researcher will also collaborate with members of the larger project towards the development of practical datasets and models. The researcher will further build and optimize the software components required for high-quality results to be generated efficiently on HPC platforms.

External Fund: JST ARiSE “Development of Materials-AI Platform for 'AI for Materials'” The project funding period is 30 October 2026–31 March 2029.

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

Qualification: Common to all positions: A person who is able to dedicate themselves to the job by communicating, coordinating and collaborating smoothly with people in and out of the laboratory.

Research Scientist

A PhD holder in the area related to the Job description.

Postdoctoral Researcher

A PhD holder who earned a doctorate within the past 5 years in the area related to the Job description. Including those who expect to obtain a doctoral degree before starting the position.

Work location: RIKEN Kobe Campus – South 7-1-26, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, JAPAN

Salary and benefits: A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, but not beyond the end of March, 2029. 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 382,610 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher, and 536,065 JPY or more for Research Scientist.

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 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 (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 Kobe Campus has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe. For details, please send an email to kobe-kosei@ml.riken.jp.

Application and required documents: Please prepare the following documents in English. Only the letter of recommendation may be either in English or in Japanese.

• 1. Complete CV or CV
• 2. List of research achievements (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
• 3. Copies of up to five most important publications
• 4. List of competitive funds acquired, awards received, and other achievements including, contributions to university/institution operations, contribution to society through activities in academic societies, joint research projects, technology transfers, etc.
• 5. Description of previous research development, future research development plans, and career goals: No format specified, approximately three to four A4 pages in total. It is desirable that a diagram describing the research development is provided.
• 6. At least one letter of recommendation from a person who can evaluate your work
• 7. Agreement on handling of personal information

How to apply: Combine the above documents except the letter of recommendation into a single PDF file and upload them to the following link:

Applications for R-CCS Materials Science Application Interface Platform Development Unit

• The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “26-1964, R-CCS Materials Science Application Interface Platform Development Unit” and the applicant's name.
• Please write the job ad number and the name of the position that you apply for if there is an “Add additional information” box on the website.
• After you uploaded the PDF file, please let us (r-ccs-recruit@ml.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.

The letter of recommendation must be directly submitted from the referees to the link mentioned above with the subject line “Letter of recommendation for [applicant's name], [name of the position], R-CCS Materials Science Application Interface Platform Development Unit”. Please tell them to email us (r-ccs-recruit@ml.riken.jp) that they have uploaded the PDF file and to specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the body of the email. If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: r-ccs-recruit@ml.riken.jp.

Note: None of the submitted documents will be returned.

Selection process: Selection will be made based on application screening and interview. After documents screening, only successful applicants will be invited for interview (2 interviews for Research Scientist position and 1 interview for Postdoctoral Researcher position). No inquiries on the selection process and results will be answered.

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: January 1, 2027 (Negotiable)