Seeking postdoctoral researchers (25-2123) Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher Positions

Catalytic Utilization of Carbon Resources Research Team RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (Laboratory head: Kyoko Nozaki)

We conduct both fundamental and applied research aimed at achieving nonlinear breakthroughs in catalysis and polymer science, with the goal of enabling the effective use of underutilized carbon resources such as carbon dioxide, non-edible biomass, and plastic waste. Through this work, we seek to contribute to solving global environmental challenges.

Postdoctoral Researcher, 2 positions

The successful candidate will engage in one or both of the following research themes in the JST–ERATO Nozaki Resin Decomposition Catalyst Project:

• Development of Hydrogenolysis Catalysts for Refractory Resins Utilizing expertise in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and polymer chemistry, the researcher will develop homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysts for the decomposition of hardly degradable resins. The study will also involve identifying the active species and elucidating the reaction mechanism of those catalysis.
• Development of Polyolefins with Readily Degradable Functional Groups Utilizing expertise in organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and polymer chemistry, the researcher will design, synthesize, and evaluate degradable olefin-based polymers.

The project is expected to end on March 31, 2028.

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

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

A person who has obtained a PhD in a scientific field relevant to the job description 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.

The applicant must have research capabilities, technical skills, and achievements necessary to carry out our research.

The applicant can proactively and enthusiastically engage in research activities related to the job description

The applicant must be able to communicate and work together with collaborators both inside and outside our research team.

RIKEN Wako Campus 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako City, Saitama 351-0198, Japan RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to maximum March 31, 2028. 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.

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 382,610 JPY or more.

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.

Complete CV or CV

List of research achievements (Publications, Presentations, awards and others.)

Previous research and future research plan

A letter of recommendation from the PI of current laboratory

Certificate of graduation of the most recent education, or a copy of Diploma

Contact detail of one or two reference (name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address)

Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR/UK GDPR If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA) or the UK, you are required to sign and submit the document, ” Consent form for handling personal information based on Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) and the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation. “

Open until the position is filled.

Application screening and interview for selected applicants (face-to-face or remote).

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.

May 1, 2026 (Negotiable)

Updated as of Feb 19, 2026: “Salary and benefits” and “Start of Employment”

RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Catalytic Utilization of Carbon Resources Research Team Email: akiko.irie@riken.jp