Seeking Research Scientists, Postdoctoral Researchers or Research Associates (K24056) Full-time

Research Scientist, Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Associate Positions Available

Laboratory for Epithelial Morphogenesis at RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (Team Director: Yu-Chiun Wang)

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 Epithelial Morphogenesis is recruiting scientists in the rank of Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Associate to work on projects related to epithelial out-of-plane deformation in the Drosophila embryo.

Job title: Research Associate, Postdoctoral Researcher or Research Scientist: A few positions

Position-specific tasks are as follows:

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.

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

Job description: To work on projects related to epithelial out-of-plane deformation in the Drosophila embryo. Projects will be co-conceived with the candidates and tailored to take into account of their scientific interests. Research Scientists are to assist PI in the training and education of junior researchers and student trainees in the lab. Postdoctoral Researchers and Research Associates are to carry out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes under the mentorship and training of supervisors.

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

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.

Research Scientist: A PhD holder in the area related to the job description with excellent track record as a postdoctoral researcher.

Postdoctoral Researcher: A PhD holder who earned a doctorate within the past 5 years in the area related to the job description, or a person scheduled to receive their PhD degree prior to the start of the employment.

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 Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (Kobe Campus-East-West) 2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047 (Developmental Biology Buildings)

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: 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 the Research Scientist, 305,100 JPY for the Postdoctoral Researcher and 248,700 JPY for the Research Associate. 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 the Research Scientist, 343,000 JPY for the Postdoctoral Researcher and 280,000 JPY for the Research Associate.

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).

Required documents:

1. Complete CV

2. List of research achievement and publications (Please categorize: Original article, Review article, Book, Conference presentation, Others)

3. Summary of general interest and past research (about 2 pages of A4 paper)

4. Plans for the future research once appointed (about 1 page of A4 paper)

5. Three letters of recommendation (including one from the current supervisor, If available)

6. Certificate of degree awarded or PhD diploma (copy), Certificate of graduation from the last school or graduation certificate from the last school (copy)

7. Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR

How to apply: The above documents except the recommendation letters combined into a single PDF or ZIP file should be uploaded to the following link:

(K24056) Application for Research Associate or Postdoctoral Researcher of Laboratory for Epithelial Morphogenesis

The uploaded file name should contain the job ad number “K24056” and the applicant's name.

When you upload the file, your contact email address is required.

After you uploaded the file, please let us (kobe-jobs[at]riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline: We will examine application documents as they are accepted. Application will be closed as soon as the position is filled.

Handling Personal Data: 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.

Selection process: Selection will be made based on application screening and interview. After documents screening, only successful applicants will be invited for interview. No inquiries on the selection process and results will be answered.

Start of Employment: As soon as possible (Negotiable)

Contact information: For inquiries on this open position, please contact below by email: Human Resources Section, Kobe Administrative Division, Kobe Branch, RIKEN Email: kobe-jobs [at] riken.jp

If you have any research-related questions, please contact yu-chiun.wang [at] riken.jp (Laboratory for Epithelial Morphogenesis, Dr. Yu-Chiun Wang)