Seeking Postdoctoral Researchers or Research Scientists (26-1881) Part-time

Postdoctoral Researchers or Research Scientists

The High Performance Artificial Intelligence Systems Research Team at RIKEN Center for Computational Science is recruiting Research Scientists and Postdoctoral Researchers to carry out a new theme. The research overview of the laboratory is shown below.

The RIKEN Center for Computational Science advances the science of computing and its use in addressing scientific challenges. The High Performance Artificial Intelligence Systems Research Team develops algorithms, software, and computational methods for efficient AI on large-scale computing systems. Our research combines AI methodology with high-performance computing to enable the analysis of complex scientific data. This call recruits three Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers for two JST ARiSE projects, focusing on AI methods and scalable workflows for high-resolution scientific imaging and materials research. Researchers will collaborate with scientists working on synchrotron imaging and multimodal materials foundation models.

Successful candidates will conduct research on one or more of the following topics, according to their expertise and assigned project:

• AI models for high-resolution scientific images, including direct processing of three-dimensional data, segmentation, feature extraction, and defect detection.
• Tokenization and representation learning that preserve physical information and fine-scale microstructure, including integration of image representations into multimodal foundation models.
• Efficient training and inference for large scientific images, including block-wise processing, model adaptation with limited training data, and scalable computation on GPU and supercomputing systems.
• Integration and evaluation of reproducible imaging workflows, with attention to accuracy, computational cost, and usefulness for scientific analysis and measurement decisions.

Two positions will be funded by JST ARiSE Strategic Target T3, “SPARK: Synchrotron Platform for AI-empowered Research and Knowledge,” for imaging AI and digital-twin analysis pipelines. One position will be funded by Strategic Target T1-1, “Development of a Materials AI Platform to Realize AI for Materials,” for scientific image representations integrated into Material-Omni. The project funding period is 30 October 2026–31 March 2029. This is one common open call. Applicants may indicate their preferred research direction, but separate applications for the two projects are not required. Project assignments will reflect expertise and project needs.

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

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.

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

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.

RIKEN Tokyo Campus Nihonbashi 1-chome Mitsui Building, 15th floor, 1-4-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0027, Japan

RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary, in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, but not beyond the end of March, 2029. 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.

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 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. Our laboratory actively utilizes the telecommuting system. The post currently being offered may be carried out through telecommuting (full-remote work) within Japan for the entire specified work period, provided that the required procedures are completed and approval is obtained from RIKEN. For more information, please get in touch with the hiring staff at kobe-jobs@riken.jp.

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.

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

• CV or CV
• List of research achievements (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
• Copies of up to five most important publications
• 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.
• Description of previous research development, future research development plans, and career goals
• At least one letter of recommendation from a person who can evaluate your work
• Agreement on handling of personal information

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 High Performance Artificial Intelligence Systems Research Team

The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “26-1881, R-CCS High Performance Artificial Intelligence Systems Research Team” 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 High Performance Artificial Intelligence Systems Research Team”. 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.

Open until the positions are filled

Submitted documents are strictly protected under the RIKEN Privacy Policy and will be used only for the purpose of applicant screening at RIKEN. Personal information will not be disclosed, transferred or loaned to a third party under any circumstances without just cause.

To ensure a safe and proper environment throughout our recruitment process, RIKEN has established the Guidelines for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Job Seekers and strictly enforces compliance among all staff members.

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.

The notification of hiring decision (conditional offer of employment) regarding this selection shall be carried out through the presentation of an Employment Contract or