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Seeking a few Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (25-2262)

Laboratory

Molecule Creation Laboratory
RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute
(Chief Scientist: Kenichiro Itami)

Outline of Laboratory

The goal of our laboratory is to create one-of-a-kind molecules that combine structural beauty and unprecedented functionality, to make molecules active in the boundary areas between various fields, and to explore unexplored areas. Focusing mainly on molecular nanocarbons, we are promoting integrated material creation research based on three pillars: the development of innovative molecular editing and manipulation methods, the creation of novel material functions, and the deployment to biology and drug discovery.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher: a few positions

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

We are seeking a researcher to contribute to the JST-ASPIRE project “Carbon-based material-biology interface science (CoMBiS)”, launched in December 2025.
The aim of CoMBiS is to pioneer a new scientific field by controlling the interfaces formed between “biomolecules” or “materials” such as metals, carbon, and inorganic substances, and carbon-based molecules (“carbon molecules”) through interactions unique to carbon molecules. By achieving a molecular-level understanding of each interface, we will design carbon molecules that bridge the otherwise incompatible worlds of biomolecules and materials, ultimately creating a new class of unconventional substances with transformative potential in both materials science and the life sciences. This research seeks to seamlessly “connect” the interfaces of materials science—from biology-related fields to materials engineering—through carbon molecules, delivering major breakthroughs in both fundamental and applied research. CoMBiS aims to open an unprecedented new research domain by promoting international collaborative research led by world-class experts in molecular nanocarbon science, supramolecular chemistry, structural biology, and gold–carbene interface chemistry. Through this effort, we will build a global research network and foster the next generation of leading researchers. During the employment period, the successful candidate will spend approximately one year conducting collaborative research at either the University of Münster (Germany) or Queen’s University (Canada).

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

Qualifications

Doctoral degree (or equivalent research ability and background) in the relevant research field

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, up to March 31, 2031 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 annual 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 431,790JPY or more.
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment for a candidate with 5 years of experience, ability, and achievement after completion of the doctoral course will be approximately 520,000 JPY.
Postdoctoral Researcher
The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 400,000 JPY or more.

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 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.

If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact the contact information below.

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

April 1, 2026 or later (Negotiable)

Contact information

RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute
Molecule Creation Laboratory
Kenichiro Itami
Email:kenichiro.itami@riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

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