Seeking Postdoctoral Researchers or Research Associates (26-780) Full-time

Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Associate

Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (Laboratory head: Ichiro Hiratani)

The Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR) views the functions of molecules, cells, and organs that support all life stages of organisms as a dynamic system, and aims to elucidate developmental, growth and aging phenomena as well as apply their findings to develop regenerative medicine and diagnostics, thereby contributing to the extension of healthy life expectancies.

Laboratory for Developmental Epigenetics is recruiting Postdoctoral Researcher/Research Associate employees to carry out a new theme. The research overview of the laboratory is shown below.

In our laboratory, we focus on the three-dimensional organization of the genome and chromosomes, an emerging paradigm in epigenetics, and the mechanisms that regulate it. In particular, we are interested in the developmental regulation of megabase-scale chromosomal structures, including topologically associating domains (TADs) and A/B compartments. We are seeking highly motivated and independent researchers who are eager to uncover the principles governing the establishment and regulation of three-dimensional genome architecture.

Job title

Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Associate: 2 positions

Position-specific tasks are as follows:

Postdoctoral Researcher

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

Research Associate

Carry out the research in the laboratory under the direction of their supervisor.

Job Description

We are seeking highly motivated and independent researchers to join RIKEN's pioneering research project, “Transgenerational Biology,” and tackle fundamental questions concerning the establishment and regulation of three-dimensional genome organization. Applicants with backgrounds in molecular and cellular biology, developmental biology, or bioinformatics are particularly encouraged to apply. Research projects in the laboratory involve both experimental and computational approaches, including genome and chromatin analyses using technologies such as Hi-C, large-scale next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis, and investigation of genome DNA replication dynamics using scRepli-seq. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to integrate experimental work with data analysis, develop original research questions, and pursue independent research directions. We welcome creative and ambitious individuals who are willing to challenge existing paradigms, work across disciplinary boundaries, and bring new perspectives and ideas to our research group.

Research Project Title: Elucidating the Principles, Dynamics, and Biological Significance of Three-Dimensional Genome Organization

* Specific research responsibilities will be determined after hiring based on the successful candidate's experience, expertise, and interests.

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.

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.

Research Associate

A master's degree holder in the area related to the Job description or a person recognized as having equal ability. A person who also actively pursues PhD in his/her future, with clear intention and determination for advancing to a higher position, such as Research Scientist.

Work location

RIKEN Kobe Campus-East-West 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047 (Developmental Biology Buildings)

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, up to March 31, 2031.
• 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.
• For research associates, upon evaluation, whether or not the employee actively pursues PhD in his/her future, with clear intention and determination for advancing to a higher position, such as Research Scientist, will be judged.

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 annual salary at the time of employment:

The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 383,000 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher and 314,000 JPY or more for Research Associate.

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.

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 ).
• * The Kobe Campus has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe. For details, please send an email to the General Administration Section at kobe-kosei@ml.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. If multiple candidates are found to have the same aptitude following a fair assessment, active efforts will be made to recruit female candidates.