Laboratory

Advanced HPC Technologies Development Unit,
Next-Generation HPC Infrastructure Development Division,
RIKEN Center for Computational Science
(Unit Leader: Kento Sato)

Outline of Laboratory

The RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS), led by Center Director Satoshi Matsuoka, are threefold, centered around supercomputing: one is to target high performance computation itself as a scientific objective, or namely, the "Science of Computing"; another is to apply the enormous computational power thus obtained to solve difficult scientific problems, or namely the "Science by Computing"; finally, to collaborate with other scientific disciplines that contribute to advances in both sciences, or namely, the "Science for Computing." Our goal is to be recognized as one of the global leadership research centers to advance high-end computational science in this regard.

To promote science, technology, and various innovations, including generative AI, as well as strengthen industrial competitiveness, the importance of computing infrastructure continues to grow. As demand for computing resources rises and their required functionalities evolve and diversify, providing world-class computing resources to researchers across academia, industry, and government is crucial. This necessitates the continuous development and deployment of flagship supercomputers. In this division, we will lead the development and deployment of the next-generation flagship system while also conducting research and development of advanced foundational technologies essential to its realization, in collaboration with domestic and international researchers and industry.

In order to promote the project, the division offers a hub function to collaborate with research organizations both within and outside RIKEN. For this purpose, the following four units are established to promote the development of the system and applications as well as to continuously develop the technologies necessary for the next-generation computing infrastructure.

• Next-Generation HPC Infrastructure System Development Unit (Unit Leader: Kentaro Sano)
• Next-Generation HPC Application Development Unit (Unit Leader: Yasumichi Aoki)
• Next-Generation HPC Operation Technologies Unit (Unit Leader: Keiji Yamamoto)
• Advanced HPC Technologies Development Unit (Unit Leader: Kento Sato)

In addition, the Next-Generation HPC Management Office (Office Director: Yoji Shimada) is established within this division to manage the promotion and development related to the next-generation computing infrastructure.

The Advanced HPC Technologies Development Unit conducts research and development on essential technologies for building advanced computing infrastructure, including feasibility studies. On the architectural side, we aim to develop massively-parallel and highly scalable computing architectures by integrating cutting-edge technologies such as high-density 3D-stacked memory, optical communication between chips by silicon photonics, and quantum-HPC hybrid computing. On the system software side, our focus is on pioneering system software technologies that leverage AI across a broad range of fields to enhance usability, optimize performance, and enable AI-driven operations (e.g., resource management and data utilization platforms). Additionally, we promote co-design with applications to fully leverage the potential of advanced computing infrastructure.
Furthermore, in collaboration with industry and international research institutions, we advance feasibility studies on versatile and sustainable advanced computing infrastructure, laying the foundation for the computing platforms that will support future society.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Senior Technical Scientist or Technical Scientist: A few positions

Position-specific tasks are as follows:

Senior Technical Scientist

Assist Unit Leader; provide guidance to technicians and other personnel at corresponding laboratories; autonomously develop and advance technologies needed to conduct research projects and other activities. Also be involved in developing, enhancing, and maintaining technic/technology required for the research.

Technical Scientist

Develop and advance technologies needed to conduct research projects and other activities in corresponding Division. Also be involved in developing, enhancing, and maintaining technic/technology required for the research.

Job description

You will be responsible for the development and investigation (feasibility study) of elemental technologies required for building advanced computing infrastructure systems, as well as necessary administrative tasks.

• Conduct research and investigation on one or more of the following areas related to advanced computing infrastructure systems: architecture, system software, and advanced application development.
• Assist the leaders of each area and perform management-related tasks to support the progress of research projects concerning advanced computing infrastructure systems.

In addition, if you are hired as a senior technical scientist, you will be required to conduct development and provide instructions to technical scientists, technical staff and other staff in addition to your own technical duties.

*The applicant will be assigned to an appropriate position based on his/her ability, aptitude, and other relevant factors.

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

Qualification

Common to all positions

The candidate should be able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with colleagues both inside and outside the laboratory. In addition to meeting the requirements for the relevant position, the candidate must possess passion, strong communication skills, and the ability to take initiative and act proactively in the development and establishment of next-generation computing infrastructure. The candidate should be highly motivated to work as a member of R-CCS, as well as the Next-Generation Computing Infrastructure Development Division and its units. The candidate is also expected to have sufficient English proficiency to participate in meetings with overseas companies involved in this project. It is desirable to have the ability to read English research papers and technical documents in related fields, and to prepare written reports and other documentation in English.

Senior Technical Scientist

A holder of bachelor’s or higher degree, with a great deal of expertise and skills related to Job description. Or, a person recognized as having equal ability with more than 5 years of experience in the related area, and is able to provide direction to other members.

Technical Scientist

A holder of Bachelor’s or higher degree, with a great deal of expertise and skills related to Job description. Or, a person recognized as having equal ability with more than 5 years of experience in the related area.

Work location

RIKEN Kobe Campus – South
7-1-26, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, JAPAN
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 a maximum of 7 years of employment.
• 2.RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on a) the employee’s abilities, workload 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.

RIKEN has indefinite-term positions. Any scientists, including fixed-term employees who have been hired through this open call, are eligible to apply to open calls for indefinite-term positions.

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 hiring:
The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 572,457 JPY or more for Senior Technical Scientist, 515,575 JPY or more for Technical Scientist.

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 (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).

The Kobe Campus has an on-site daycare, PO-I Kids Kobe. For details, please send an email to kobe-kosei@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.

• *Eligible to apply for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi).

Application and required documents

Required documents

Please prepare the following documents either in English or in Japanese.

• 1.Complete CV or CV
  • *Email address, Application Number [25-2515] and position to apply (e.g.: Technical Scientist) are required.
  • *Format is free. Or the format attached is available.
• 2.List of technological achievements (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
  Include not only peer-reviewed papers but also a list of patents, a list of invited lectures. Also include quantitative measures for evaluation such as the Google Scholar citation index, whenever possible.
• 3.Copies of up to five most important publications (Please mark the papers on the list of publications.)
  When the original publications are not in PDF format, scan the papers and save them as PDF documents prior to submission.
• 4.List of competitive funds acquired, awards received, and other achievements including, contributions to university/institution operations, contribution to society through activities in academic societies, joint research projects, technology transfers, etc.
• 5.Description of previous technological development, future technological development plans, and career goals: No format specified, approximately three to four A4 pages in total. It is desirable that a diagram describing the technological development is provided.
• 6.At least one letter of recommendation from a person who can evaluate your work
  • *In principle, the letter of recommendation should be from the applicant’s current supervisor. When it is difficult to do so, a letter of recommendation written by a third party may be accepted.
    If your current affiliation is the laboratory you apply for, the referee should be a person who does not belong to the laboratory you apply for including the supervisor.
  • *The letter of recommendation must be sent directly by the referees.
  • *The letter of recommendation should be addressed to R-CCS Director. Digital signature image can be embedded in the letter of recommendation within the PDF file. Or please specify the referee’s contact information (name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address) in the letter. Please make sure to write the date.
• 7.Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR/UK GDPR
  If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA) or the UK, you are required to sign and submit the document, “Consent form for handling personal information based on Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation) and the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation.”
  • *For residents of the EEA, you will find detailed information about the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on the following website:
    Data protection | European Commission
  • *For residents of the UK, you will find detailed information about Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation) on the following website:
    The UK GDPR | Information Commissioner’s Office

How to apply

• Combine the above documents except the letter of recommendation into a single PDF file and upload them to the following link:
  Applications for R-CCS Advanced HPC Technologies Development Unit
• The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “25-2515, R-CCS Advanced HPC Technologies Development Unit” and the applicant’s name.
• Please write the job ad number and the name of the position that you apply for if there is an “Add additional information” box on the website.
• After you uploaded the PDF file, please let us (kobe-jobs@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.
  When you send us an email, please write your name, Job Ad number and the name of the position that you apply for.

The letter of recommendation must be directly submitted from the referees to the link mentioned above with the subject line "Letter of recommendation for [applicant’s name], [name of the position], R-CCS Advanced HPC Technologies Development Unit”. Please tell them to email us (kobe-jobs@riken.jp) that they have uploaded the PDF file and to specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the body of the email.
If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: kobe-jobs@riken.jp.

Note: None of the submitted documents will be returned.

Deadline

Applications will be accepted until the positions are 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 (2 interviews). No inquiries on the selection process and results will be answered.

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

At the earliest opportunity (subject to negotiation)

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding this open position, please contact below by email:
Research Personnel Affairs Section, Human Resources Strategy Division, Human Resources Group, RIKEN
kobe-jobs@riken.jp

For inquiries on research conducted by the team, please contact the Unit Leader by email:
Kento Sato
Advanced HPC Technologies Development Unit
Next-Generation HPC Infrastructure Development Division,
RIKEN Center for Computational Science
Email: keno.sato@riken.jp