Seeking Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher (K24068) Full-time

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher

Laboratory for multimodal AI framework, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (Team Director: Ryosuke Kojima)

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.

The Laboratory for multimodal AI framework is conducting research on multimodal molecular-based foundation models and AI platform technologies for them in order to promote “AI for Science” research in the Advanced General Intelligence for Science Program: TRIP-AGIS. As part of the TRIP-AGIS project, this project aims to use AI in the field of life sciences by building a multimodal molecular-based foundation model that can handle a variety of molecules such as proteins, drugs, RNA, and DNA. In order to handle these multiple modalities and hierarchical data, we are developing AI technology to handle a variety of data such as images, natural language, time-series data, and structured data in a complex manner, and are conducting research on applying it to various applications in life sciences.

Specifically, we will conduct the following research and development:

• Technology development and method/theoretical research for large-scale models for each modality
• Technology development and method/theoretical research for large-scale multimodal models
• Data compression and high-speed technology for large-scale molecular models
• Research and development of tools and platforms for the use of large-scale models in the field
• Other AI-based technology development and applications

Job title

Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Scientist: 2 positions

Research Scientist

Carry out research and other work in accordance with research themes of the laboratory.

Postdoctoral Researcher

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

Job description

We are now recruiting a person who will work exclusively for “the TRIP-AGIS project project”. As part of the TRIP-AGIS project, we are looking for someone who can build a multimodal infrastructure model, especially research and development of infrastructure models related to images and videos. In addition, this position will include writing papers to carry out the project, conducting research, developing, implementing and verifying software, sorting and analyzing research data, providing research guidance, writing technical documents and reports, and other administrative tasks.

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. Candidates must have knowledge and experience of programming in a programming language (such as Python) in a Linux environment. Candidates must also have experience in researching real data analysis related to video image or natural language processing. It is also desirable for candidates to have programming experience using libraries such as OpenCV and Pytorch.

Research Scientist

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

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.

Work location

RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (Kobe Campus-East-West) 6-7-1 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047 (Integrated Innovation Building)

RIKEN has implemented a work-from-home system. Employees can work from home in accordance with the prescribed procedures. RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

Salary and benefits

Research Scientist:

• A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, to a maximum of the end of 2032 (March 31).
• 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.

Postdoctoral Researcher:

• A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, to a maximum of the end of the fiscal year (March 31) in which the employee completes 5 years of employment.
• 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.

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. As of April 1, 2024, the monthly base salary is 361,000 JPY for Research Scientist, 305,100 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 406,000 JPY for Research Scientist, and 343,000 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher.

Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai).

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.

The Kobe Branch has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe. For details, please send an email to the HR at kobe-kosei [at] 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.

Also, eligible for an exemption from repayment for category 1 scholarship loans provided by the Japan Student Services Organization before the fiscal year 2003, and eligible for applying for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi).

Our laboratory actively utilizes a 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 at kobe-jobs [at] riken.jp.

Application and required documents

Required documents

• Complete CV
• List of research achievement and publications (Please categorize: Original article, Review article, Book, Conference presentation, Others)
• Summary of past research and the result (about 2 pages of A4 paper)
• Plans for the future research once appointed (about 1