Seeking a few of Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (26-714)

Japanese Page

Laboratory

Division of Fundamental Mathematical Science,
RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences
(Division Director：Satoshi Iso)

Outline of Laboratory

RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS) is an international research center at RIKEN. It facilitates close collaborations among researchers from different disciplines in theoretical, mathematical and computational sciences. The ultimate goal of iTHEMS is to unravel the mystery of the Universe, matter, and life, as well as to solve key problems in modern society through interdisciplinary approaches.

The RIKEN Pioneering Project “Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Information” (Lead researcher: Yasuyuki Kawahigashi, iTHEMS) has recently launched with iTHEMS serving as the hub.
This project integrates three fields: mathematics related to quantum theory (in the broad sense), such as operator algebra theory; quantum physics, including quantum gravity and topological matter; and quantum information theory, including quantum error-correcting codes and quantum resource theory to advance research on the mathematical foundations of quantum information in collaboration with researchers both within and outside RIKEN.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher, a few positions

Research Scientist: In addition to independently conducting their own research, they contribute to the development of interdisciplinary activities towards unified theory of quantum information.
Postdoctoral Researcher: In addition to conducting their own research projects, they will contribute to interdisciplinary activities by collaborating with researchers both within and outside iTHEMS towards unified theory of quantum information.

*The applicant will be assigned to an appropriate position based on his/her ability, aptitude, etc.

Job description

This call for applications seeks to recruit researchers to join the Division of Fundamental Mathematical Science. Successful candidates will conduct research on quantum information in collaboration with one of the laboratories listed below (and may hold concurrent appointments as necessary). The “Mathematical Foundation of Quantum Information” project aims to elucidate the fundamental structure of quantum information under noise and to construct a unified language that bridges mathematics, physics, and information theory.

The laboratories currently participating in this project are listed below.

If you wish to apply, please first contact at least one of the laboratories to discuss your research content.
(Please refer to the contact information at the bottom of this page.)

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

Mathematical studies of quantum information through quantum systems: RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences, Division of Fundamental Mathematical Science (Associate Division Director: Yasuyuki Kawahigashi)
Quantum resources and quantum communication through new mathematical approaches: RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing Mathematical Quantum Information RIKEN Hakubi Research Team (RIKEN Hakubi Team Leader: Bartosz Regula)
Physical principles for low-overhead fault-tolerant quantum computing: RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science Quantum Matter Theory Research Group (Group Director: Akira Furusaki)

Qualification

The candidate should possess or is expected to obtain a doctoral degree by the starting 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, up to 3 years (Postdoctoral Researcher) or up to March 31, 2031(Research Scientist) from initial 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 480,000 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher, 550,000JPY or more for Research 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).

*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.A cover letter explaining your motivations to apply for this position. If there are special circumstances you would like the committee to consider, you may include them here.
2.Curriculum Vitae (CV)*
- *In the notes section of your CV, include the job position number (26-714) next to the title of the job position. You may also include your research IDs (ORCID, Google Scholar, etc.).
3.List of laboratory name(s) in which you wish to participate.
4.List of publications (including preprints)
5.Research statement (summary of current and past research relevant to this position; 2 pages max)
6.Research proposal (describe your research objectives over the time scale of the position [3-5 years]; 3 pages max)
7.Two or more letters of recommendation (references), including one from your current supervisor if available.
- *If your current affiliation is the laboratory to which you are applying, the referee should be someone who does not belong to that laboratory, including your supervisor.
8.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

Application documents should be uploaded through Academic Jobs Online.

Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

Open until the position is filled
We will first select the application documents that have arrived by August 16, 2026 (JST).

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

As early as possible

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences, Division of Fundamental Mathematical Science, Yasuyuki Kawahigashi,
Email: yasuyuki.kawahigashi@riken.jp
RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing, Mathematical Quantum Information RIKEN Hakubi Research Team, Bartosz Regula,
Email: bartosz.regula@riken.jp
RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science, Quantum Matter Theory Research Group, Akira Furusaki,
Emai: furusaki@riken.jp