Seeking a Technical Scientist (26-166) Part-time

Technical Scientist Position

The RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP) is seeking a Technical Scientist for the research project “Development and Social Implementation of AI Platform Technologies Supporting Life in a Super-Aged Society” under the Programs for Bridging the Gap between R&D and the Ideal Society (Society 5.0) and Generating Economic and Social Value. The goal of the project is to build and validate a GeoAI-based disaster response agent system that integrates satellite remote sensing data, machine learning models, and geospatial analysis workflows to support rapid assessment of disaster impacts.

The successful candidate will work in close collaboration with researchers in AI agents and remote sensing at The University of Tokyo and RIKEN to help translate research outputs into a deployable operational prototype.

Main responsibilities include:

• Design and implement backend systems for geospatial data processing and analysis
• Develop map visualization, layer management, spatiotemporal retrieval, and AOI interaction functions
• Build web-based user interfaces for visualizing and interacting with geospatial analysis results
• Design and implement system architectures that support multi-user operation and operational testing
• Collaborate with researchers to convert research algorithms into robust software components
• Contribute to the evolution of the system from a research prototype to a deployable operational prototype for disaster response support

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

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science, software engineering, information science, or a related field
• Strong programming skills in Python
• Experience in full-stack software development, including both backend and frontend development
• Experience with modern web frameworks such as FastAPI, Flask, Node.js, React, or Vue
• Experience with Git-based software development workflows
• Ability to design and implement software systems collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research project

Preferred qualifications include:

• Familiarity with one or more geospatial web libraries such as OpenLayers or MapLibre
• Practical experience with PostgreSQL and PostGIS
• Experience working with geospatial data or GIS tools
• Ability to independently design frontend/backend interfaces and database schemas
• Interest in AI applications for geospatial analysis or disaster response

Work location: RIKEN Tokyo Campus (1-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo, Tokyo)

RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

Salary and benefits include:

• A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to March 31, 2029 at the latest.
• 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 500,000 JPY or more. The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment for a candidate with 5 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course will be approximately 600,000 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 (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 Wako Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Wako. For details, please send an email to kids@riken.jp.

Required documents include:

• List of publications (including Researcher ID or Google Scholar ID, if available): Circle titles of three major papers in the list
• Photocopies of three major research papers. (if possible)
• A letter of recommendation including one by the current supervisor
• Research in the past and research plan (3 pages in A4 size)
• Agreement on handling of personal information

How to apply:

• A) Please access “HR Inquiry for public recruitment” and enter your contact information, the Open call ID (26-166) and so on.
• B) Our HR staff will send you an email with instructions on how to submit your application.

Note: Application documents will not be returned. We cannot answer any inquiry about information regarding application status or evaluation details prior to, during, or after the evaluation process.

Selection will be made based on application screening and interviews.

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 Advanced Intelligence Project Email: aip-hr@ml.riken.jp For inquiries, please send an email.