Seeking a Research Scientist (26-402)

Laboratory

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

Outline of Laboratory

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 research employees to carry out a new theme. The research overview of the laboratory is shown below.

Our lab focuses on the mechanistic understanding of molecular and mechanical processes that shape cells and tissue structures during development.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist: 1 position

Position-specific tasks are as follows:
Research Scientist: Carry out research and other work in accordance with the research themes of the laboratory

Job description

We are recruiting a researcher to complete an on-going project on cellular hydraulics in blood vessel morphogenesis. This position is short-term (3 months) and will conclude upon the termination of external funding (LeDucq ReVAMP).

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

Qualification

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.
A PhD holder in the area related to the Job description.
He or she should have extensive experience in zebrafish genetics, developmental biology and live imaging of zebrafish. The individual must be able to work independently and have published at least 2 to 3 first-author papers.

Work location

RIKEN Kobe Campus-East-West
2-2-3 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047 (Developmental Biology Buildings)

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

Salary and benefits

A fixed-term employment contract, up to December 31st, 2026 when the LeDucq REVAMP funding terminates.

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:: The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 448,990 JPY or more.

RIKEN has implemented a telecommuting system that allows employees to work from home or other locations permitted by RIKEN.

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).
*The Kobe Campus has an on-site daycare, Po-I Kids Kobe. For details, please send an email to the General Administrative Section at kobe-kosei@ml.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.

Application and required documents

Required documents

1.Complete CV or CV
- *Email address is required.
- *Application Number [26-402] and position to apply (Research Scientist) should be clearly written at top-right in the margin.
- *Format is free. Or the format attached is available.
2.List of research achievement and publications (Please categorize : Original article, Review article, Book, Conference presentation, Others)
(including Researcher ID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
3.One letter of recommendation (including one from the current supervisor, If available)
- *The letter of recommendation should be addressed to “Center Director, Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research”.
- *Please specify the referee’s contact information (name, affiliation, job title, phone number and email address)
- *If it is difficult to obtain a letter of recommendation from the immediate manager or current supervisor, please obtain one from a third party.
- *The referee should not be a person who belongs to the laboratory you apply for.
4.Agreement on handling of personal information (Handling of personal information based on the Hiring Privacy Policy, the General Data Protection Regulation, and the UK General Data Protection Regulation)
Please review the following web page before submitting the consent form.:

How to apply

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

(26-402) Application for Research Scientist of Laboratory for Epithelial Morphogenesis

The uploaded file name should contain the job ad number “26-402” 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@riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

The letter of recommendation must be directly submitted from the referees to the following link with the file name "Laboratory for Epithelial Morphogenesis [applicant’s name] (Letter of recommendation)". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the letter of recommendation.

(26-402) Application for Research Scientist of Laboratory for Epithelial Morphogenesis

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

Note: All the submitted documents will not 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. 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

October 1, 2026

Contact information

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

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