Seeking Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (26-173) Full-time

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher Positions

Biofunctional Catalyst Research Team RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science (Team Leader: Ryuhei Nakamura)

We work on the development of biologically inspired catalysts as well as the application of biological systems towards energy conversion and material production. Specifically, we aim to understand nature's ingenuity towards catalysis, electron transport, ion transport, metabolic regulation, responsiveness to external stimuli, and energy management in deep sea environments to develop novel materials and systems necessary to effectively manage renewable energy sources.

For more information, please refer to the following link: Biofunctional Catalyst Research Team website

Studies on chemical energy conversion at water-solid and/or water-water interfaces based on electrochemistry and spectroscopy. Successful candidates will work on one of the following:

• Design and synthesis of electrocatalysts
• Mechanistic studies on electrochemical processes using operando spectroscopy
• Mechanistic studies on electrochemical processes using computational science
• Chemical energy conversion using microfluidic devices

In order to conduct the research above, we are seeking highly competent and experienced researchers with experience in electrochemistry, catalysis, spectroscopy, computational science, and/or microfluidics. There are no requirements on previous research topics. We are looking for members who can conduct research autonomously and independently, as well as stimulate our team.

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

The difference in positions is as follows:

Research Scientist

Conduct research projects and other activities in corresponding department.

Postdoctoral Researcher

Receive training and guidance from senior staff; conduct research projects and other activities for Programs or equivalent.

* 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.

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

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 salary at the time of employment:

Research Scientist The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 448,990 JPY or more. The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring for a candidate with 5 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course will be approximately 450,000-600,000 JPY.

Postdoctoral Researcher The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 382,610 JPY or more. The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring for a candidate with 1 year of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course will be approximately 380,000-480,000 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 (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.

[Research Scientist]

• 1. Complete CV
• 2. List of research achievements (Publications, Presentations, awards and others.)
• 3. Previous research and future research plan
• 4. A letter of recommendation from the PI of current laboratory
• 5. Certificate of graduation of the most recent education, or a copy of Diploma
• 6. Contact details of 2 to 3 references (name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address)
• 7. Agreement on handling of personal information

[Postdoctoral Researcher]

• 1. Complete CV
• 2. List of research achievements (Publications, Presentations, awards and others.)
• 3. Previous research and future research plan
• 4. A letter of recommendation from the PI of current laboratory
• 5. Certificate of graduation of the most recent education, or a copy of Diploma
• 6. Contact detail of one or two references (name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address)
• 7. Agreement on handling of personal information

The above documents except the letter of recommendation combined into a single ZIP file should be uploaded to the following link:

For Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher position, Biofunctional Catalyst Research Team, RIKEN CSRS

• The ZIP folder should have a name in the format of “Applicant Name.zip”.
• After you uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (nakamuralab-recruit@ml.riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

Letters of recommendation must be directly submitted from the referees to the following link with the file name “Applicant Name_Recommendation Letter.pdf”. Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the letter of recommendation.

For Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher position, Biofunctional Catalyst Research Team, RIKEN CSRS

• After the referees uploaded the letter of recommendation, please let us (nakamuralab-recruit@ml.riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.
• If the submission requirements are not met, your application will not be processed.
• Only those candidates who pass the document screening will be notified by email.

Open until the position is filled

* Note: None of the submitted documents will be returned.

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.

As early as possible (Negotiable)

Updated as of May 22, 2026: “Salary and benefits”

RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science Biofunctional Catalyst Research Team Email: nakamuralab-recruit@ml.riken.jp