Seeking Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (26-173) Part-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.

The candidate must have substantial work experience in the job description, be able to carry out research autonomously and independently, and be able to communicate in English.

The candidate must be able to communicate smoothly with collaborators both inside and outside the research team, and work in cooperation and collaboration with them.

Research Scientist: A person who has obtained a PhD 5 or more years ago, or, someone with similar qualifications.

Postdoctoral Researcher: A person who has obtained a PhD within the past 5 years, or, one who is able to obtain a degree by the start of their post.

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

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 3 years of employment. 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 448,990 JPY or more for Research Scientist, and 382,610 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher.

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 (Handling of personal information based on the Hiring Privacy Policy, the General Data Protection Regulation, and the UK General Data Protection Regulation) Please review the following web page before submitting the consent form.:

[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 (Handling of personal information based on the Hiring Privacy Policy, the General Data Protection Regulation, and the UK General Data Protection Regulation) Please review the following web page before submitting the consent form.:

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)

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