Seeking a Senior Research Scientist, a Research Scientist or a Postdoctoral Researcher (25-926) Full-time

Senior Research Scientist, Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher

The RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS) is seeking a Senior Research Scientist, Research Scientist, or Postdoctoral Researcher. The team is led by Center Director Satoshi Matsuoka and 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 utilizes its expertise to operate the supercomputer “Fugaku,” developed as Japan's national project, in accordance with relevant ordinances.

Field Theory Research Team performs research and development to utilize state-of-the-art computational resources including the supercomputer Fugaku and to perform large scale numerical simulations aiming to solve microscopic physical phenomena through field theory simulations. Furthermore, based on knowledge gained from the research and development in field theory simulations, the team promotes studies that will lead to scientific achievements in elementary particle and nuclear physics.

Job Title

Senior Research Scientist, Research Scientist, or Postdoctoral Researcher: 1 position

Position-specific tasks are as follows:

Senior Research Scientist

Assists the higher-level personnel, provides guidance to lab members and carries out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes.

Research Scientist

Carries out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Carries out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes under the mentorship of supervisors.

Job Description

Among the following five projects, Senior Research Scientist or Research Scientist will perform at least two projects, Postdoctoral Researcher will engage at least in one project:

• Lattice QCD research and development Research and development of new technologies for large-scale Lattice QCD numerical simulations, development and release of corresponding supercomputer code, and building practical examples of effective use of AI not only in algorithms but also at development stage.
• Chiral fermion computation technique This involves R&D for lattice methods that highly achieve chiral symmetry, along with building use cases for applying these methods to generate scientific outputs.
• New algorithm R&D for computational quantum field theory Research and development of algorithms that go beyond the conventional methods used in large-scale numerical simulations for particle and nuclear physics. This includes tensor networks, highly efficient path utilization in path integrals, machine learning, and quantum computing.
• Co-design for next generation computers Contributing co-design by research and development of field theory applications for next-generation computing infrastructure in particular for FugakuNEXT.
• Large-scale numerical computation using chiral fermions Through demonstrating large-scale numerical simulations using chiral fermions, results from stress test of algorithms, codes, and computers are accumulated, and further advancements and improvements based on these findings are proposed.

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

Qualifications

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.

Senior Research Scientist

A PhD holder in a field related to the “Job Description” with advanced research capabilities and achievements. At the time of appointment, at least five years have passed since the acquisition of doctoral degree.

Research Scientist

A PhD holder in a field related to the “Job Description”.

Postdoctoral Researcher

A PhD holder in a field related to the “Job Description” (including those who expect to obtain a doctoral degree before starting the position) and within 5 years after obtaining the doctoral degree.

Work Location

RIKEN Kobe Campus – South (7-1-26, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-0047, 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 a maximum of seven years since the initial date of hire for Senior Research Scientist and Research Scientist.
• A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, to a maximum of five years since the initial date of hire for Postdoctoral Researcher.
• RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on a) the employee's abilities, work load 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.

RIKEN has indefinite-term positions. 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 509,100 JPY for Senior Research Scientist, 458,500 JPY for Research Scientist, and 327,200 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher. 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 620,000 JPY for Senior Research Scientist, 520,000 JPY for Research Scientist, and 400,000 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher.

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 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. 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).

The Kobe Campus has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe. For details, please send an email to the General Administrative Section at kobe-kosei@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.

• Eligible for an exemption from repayment for category 1 scholarship loans provided by the Japan Student Services Organization before fiscal year 2003
• Eligible to apply for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi)

Application and Required Documents

Required Documents

Please prepare the following documents in English. Only recommendation letters may be either in English or in Japanese.

• CV or CV No format specified. Please make sure to include applicant's name, date of birth, nationality, academic background, work history including the applicant's current affiliation, and email address. The attached format is available for your convenience.
• List of research achievements (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available) Include not only peer-reviewed papers but also a list of patents, a list of invited lectures. Also include quantitative measures for evaluation such as the Google Scholar citation index, whenever possible.
• Copies of up to five most important publications (Please mark the papers on the list of publications.) When the original publications are not in PDF format, scan the papers and save them as PDF documents prior to submission.
• List of