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Seeking a Research Scientist or a Postdoctoral Researcher (25-1697)

Laboratory

Quantum Energy Conversion RIKEN ECL Research Team (to be established on April 1, 2026)
RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute
(RIKEN ECL Team Leader: Miyabi Imai)

Outline of Laboratory

The structure and properties (functions) of materials are closely related, yet investigating both aspects at the atomic scale has remained a significant challenge. Our laboratory advances atomic-scale spectroscopy based on photon scanning tunneling microscopy (Photon-STM) to directly correlate the local structure and energy conversion properties of single molecules. Furthermore, we strive to develop novel energy conversion functionalities by precisely controlling local molecular structures.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher: 1 position

In principle, Postdoctoral Researcher is defined as those with a doctoral degree of 5 years or less.
Research Scientist is defined as those with a doctoral degree more than 5 years.
The applicant will be assigned to an appropriate position based on his/her ability, aptitude, etc.

The difference in positions is as follows:

Research Scientist
Carries out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Carries out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes under the mentorship and training of supervisors.

Job description

This position involves experimental research focused on the development and advancement of Photon-STM. The project aims to investigate and control the local structure, conductive properties, and optical responses of single molecules and thin films at the atomic scale. Through this work, we seek to uncover the correlation between local structures and energy conversion functionalities, ultimately establishing the fundamental principles of a new field in nanoscale energy conversion science.

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

Qualification

  • Applicants should possess strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with both internal and external research partners.
  • Postdoctoral researchers must have obtained a Ph.D. in a relevant field within the past five years, or be expected to obtain the degree by the start date.
  • Research scientists should have obtained a Ph.D. in a relevant field more than five years prior to the start date.

Work Location

RIKEN Wako Campus (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198)

RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

Salary and benefits

  • 1.A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, within a period of 3 years from date of hire.
  • 2.RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on a) the employee’s abilities, work load 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 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 approximate amount of salary at the time of employment:
The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 431,790JPY or more for Research Scientist and 367,925JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher.

RIKEN has a telecommuting system, but this position requires attendance at the work location. Therefore, the telecommuting system is not available for this position, in principle.

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 (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.

The Wako Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Wako. For details, please send an email to kids@riken.jp.

Application and required documents

Required documents

How to apply

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

RIKEN/PRI file upload box

After you upload the file, please notify the file name to the email address at contact information below.

Letter of recommendation must be directly submitted from the referees to the link above with the file name "25-1697_applicant’s name (Letter of recommendation)". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the letter of recommendation.
After the referees upload the letter of recommendation, please notify the file name to the email address at contact information below.
If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact to the same email address.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

Open until 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

After application documents are screened, only the successful candidates will be asked to have an interview.

Notification of hiring decision

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.

Start of Employment

As early as possible after April 1, 2026 (Negotiable)

Contact Information

RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute
Quantum Energy Conversion RIKEN ECL Research Team
Miyabi Imai
Email:miyabi@a.riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

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