Laboratory

Computational Group Dynamics Collaboration Unit
RIKEN CBS-TOYOTA Collaboration Center
RIKEN Center for Brain Science
(Unit Leader: Wataru Toyokawa)

Outline of Laboratory

The Computational Group Dynamics Collaboration Unit (COGNAC) focuses on the computational underpinnings and eco-evolutionary implications of human collective behaviour and cultural evolution. Using mathematical and agent-based modelling, coupled with large-scale, online real-time behavioural experimentation, we are quantitatively studying principles of collective behaviour and its implications to the modern human societies.

Job title and Job description

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Job title

Postdoctoral Researcher: 3 positions

Postdoctoral Researcher is defined as those with a doctoral degree of 5 years or less.

Job description

The successful candidate will be a part of an interdisciplinary collaboration team studying the foundations of human social phenomena and will conduct research both theoretically and empirically. We are looking for someone who are enthusiastic in testing quantitative, theory-based hypotheses through large-scale, online behavioural experimentation. The topics we are interested include (but not limited to) collective intelligence, herding, group decision making, human-machine interactions, social network dynamics, and cultural evolution. The successful candidate will be encouraged to propose research projects they would like to engage in if the topic will match well with the project’s agenda. Advanced knowledge in quantitative methods such as mathematical analysis, computational cognitive modelling, agent-based model simulation, or hierarchical Bayesian statistical methods, would be highly valued. Previous experiences in developing and conducting online behavioural experiments would be a plus, but not necessary if the candidate is passionate in learning the new skills. The PI (Wataru Toyokawa) can provide the basics of building online experiments from scratch (e.g., developing a server- and client-side programs using Node.js + socket.io, with some tips useful in group synchronous experiments).

Main duties and accountabilities are as follows:

• 1.To undertake research as appropriate to the field of study including:
  • A)Writing up research work for publication;
  • B)Developing research objectives and proposals for own or joint research;
  • C)Developing and analysing theoretical models and simulations;
  • D)Developing experimental tasks to test hypotheses and to explore phenomena;
  • E)Making presentations at academic conferences and similar events;
  • F)Dealing with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines;
  • G)Analysing and interpreting the results of own research and generating original ideas based on outcomes;
  • H)Seeking to obtain new research techniques and skills;
  • I)Using initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, developing new research methods and extending the research portfolio;
  • J)Using creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
• 2.To work in collaboration with other team members and colleagues
• 3.To communicate complex information and specialist knowledge orally, in writing, and electrically, in English. No knowledge of the Japanese language is required.
  • A)Contributing to collaborative decision making within the research group;
  • B)Contributing to the production of collaborative research reports and publications;
• 4.To contribute to the planning of research projects.
• 5.To use research resources, lab spaces and offices as appropriate and to take responsibility for conducting risk assessments, reducing hazards and for the health and safety of others.
• 6.Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
• 7.Undertake other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of Institute and/or PI.

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

Qualification

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience

• Essential Criteria
  • 1.Applicants should have a PhD or are expected to obtain a PhD by the date of employment in behavioural science or any other related fields, with strong background in quantitative research either on human social behaviour, collective behaviour, group dynamics, or cultural evolution
  • 2.Sufficient skills and knowledge of agent-based modelling and human behavioural studies.
  • 3.Experience in collating experimental data and conducting statistical tests on those data to test hypotheses
• Desirable Criteria
  • oKnowledge or experience with simulation modelling of human behaviour
  • oKnowledge or experience with conducting online behavioural experiments
  • oBasic knowledge and understanding of Bayesian statistics
  • o*For Research Scientist: Experiences in applying for external grants or research fellowships or both.

Planning and organising

• Essential Criteria
  • oAbility to organise own research activities to deadline and quality standards

Problem solving and initiative

• Essential Criteria
  • oAbility to develop understanding of complex problems and apply in-depth knowledge to address them
  • oAbility to develop original techniques and methods of analysis

Management and teamwork

• Essential Criteria
  • 1.Ability to work effectively in a team, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of others to help teamwork development.
  • 2.*For Research Scientist: Ability to take a leadership role in collaborating with earlier career members in the lab.

Communicating and influencing

• Essential Criteria
  • oExcellent written and verbal communication skills
  • oAbility to present research results at group meetings and conferences
  • oAbility to write up research results for publication in leading peer-reviewed journals
  • oExperience with working proactively with colleagues in other work areas / institutions, contributing specialist knowledge to achieve outcomes
  • oAble to build contacts and participate in internal and external networks for the exchange of information and collaboration
• Desirable Criteria
  • oAbility to communicate new and complex information effectively, both verbally and in writing, engaging the interest and enthusiasm of the target audience including a wider public

Other skills and behaviours

• Essential Criteria
  • oAwareness of ethical issues surrounding conducting research with humans
  • oUnderstanding equal opportunity issues and able to contribute to build a highly inclusive working environment
  • oPositive attitude to colleagues and other staff members
  • oInterest in addressing contemporary social and scientific challenges

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, to a maximum of the end of the fiscal year of 2028 (March 31, 2029)
• 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 367,925 JPY or more.

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).

*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

• 1.Complete CV or CV
  • *(RIKEN CV) Write the RIKEN job ad number “25-2600”, indicated in the parentheses next to the job title, in the RIKEN job ad number section in the upper right corner of your CV.
• 2.List of research achievement and publications
  (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
• 3.Awards and External Funding, etc.
• 4.Summary of research experience to date
• 5.Reason for applying for the post (personal strengths, motivation, future research plans, career aspirations, etc.)
• 6.A letter of recommendation from the current supervisor (If unavailable, a letter from a substitute reference will be acceptable.)
  • *Please specify the referee’s contact information (Name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address)
• 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

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

  For Researcher position, Computational Group Dynamics Collaboration Unit, BTCC, RIKEN CBS

  The uploaded file name should contain your name.
  After you upload the ZIP file, please let us (wataru.toyokawa@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 "COGNAC, position name [applicant’s name] Recommendation letter". Please specify the applicant's name, and referee's name and contact information in the letter of recommendation.

  For Researcher position, Computational Group Dynamics Collaboration Unit, BTCC, RIKEN CBS

  After the referees upload the letter of recommendation, please let us (wataru.toyokawa@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file. If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: wataru.toyokawa@riken.jp.

  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

  Application screening and interview for selected applicants

  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 Center for Brain Science
  RIKEN CBS-TOYOTA Collaboration Center
  Computational Group Dynamics Collaboration Unit
  Email: wataru.toyokawa@riken.jp
  For inquiries, please send an email.