Seeking a few Research Scientists or Postdoctoral Researchers (26-759)

Japanese Page

Laboratory

Advanced AI Device Development Unit
AI for Science Platform Division
RIKEN Center for Computational Science
(Unit Leader: Kentaro Sano)

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.

In order to explore advanced AI devices suitable for the "post-Moore era" in which Moore's law will stagnate in the near future, our research team is conducting research on new computer architectures and hardware systems, and on computational models, programming models, and system software for those systems. In particular, we conduct research on AI models and algorithms, new computer architectures and hardware designs, system software such as compilers and frameworks, applications and benchmarks, for advanced and high-performance AI training and inference in addition to HPC.

Job title and job descriptions

Job title

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher: A few positions

Position-specific tasks are as follows:

Research Scientist:: Conduct research projects and other activities in corresponding laboratories.
Postdoctoral Researcher: Receive training and guidance from senior staff; conduct research projects and other activities for corresponding laboratories.

Job description

Research and development will be conducted on any of the following for the advancement and high performance of AI as well as HPC.

AI models, algorithms, and high-performance computing methods of AI
Computational architectures for AI and HPC and their hardware design and implementation
System software such as compilers and frameworks for AI and HPC
Evaluation of software and hardware
AI-based applications

Not only in this research unit, collaborate with other research teams in this center and RIKEN, and other related organizations in Japan and overseas, as needed. In addition to the above, be responsible for various tasks in the research unit to which he/she is assigned and at this center.

In addition, the successful candidate will also engage in activities related to the JST Program on Research and Development of Next-Generation Edge AI Semiconductors.

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

Qualification

Common to all positions: 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.
Research Scientist: A PhD holder in the area related to the Job description.
Postdoctoral Researcher: A PhD holder who earned a doctorate within the past 5 years in the area related to the Job description. Including those who expect to obtain a doctoral degree before starting the position.

An applicant needs to be familiar with any of the following or related areas of the expected research and development:

Computer architecture
Circuit design, implementation, verification, and evaluation for FPGAs and ASICs
System software such as drivers and compilers
AI frameworks
Models and algorithms of AI or its mathematical science. Especially generative AI
Applications of AI
High-performance computing problems such as HPC, and high-performance programming using CPUs, GPUs, and parallel computers.

Experience in research and development related to the above job descriptions and skills in software programming, circuit design, architecture exploration and evaluation, and FPGA and ASIC hardware development required for the research you wish to work on are preferred, but not required if you are willing and able to learn in a new field.
The candidate should also possess the balance between collaboration and independent research, communication skills, and the positive attitude to explore and develop research topics on his/her own, which are necessary for conducting research. Preference will be given to applicants who are willing and able to work on research and development of computer architecture while pioneering new models and algorithms to advance HPC and AI for the near future, when semiconductor technology advancement slows down. Applicants who possess sufficient communication skills in English are also preferred.

Work location

RIKEN Kobe Campus – South
6-3-5, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, JAPAN (KCMI Building)
RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

Salary and benefits

1.(Research Scientist) A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, but not beyond the end of March, 2032.
2.(Postdoctoral Researcher) A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to a maximum of 5 years of employment, but not beyond the end of March, 2032 depending on the employment start date.
3.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 550,000 JPY or more for Research Scientist, and 400,000 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher.

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

Application and required documents

Required documents

Please prepare the following documents in English. Only the letter of recommendation may be either in English or in Japanese.

1.CV or CV
- *Email address, Application Number[26-759] and position to apply (e.g. : Research Scientist) are required.
- *Format is free. Or the format attached is available.
2.List of research 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 research development, future research development plans, and career goals: No format specified, approximately three to four A4 pages in total. It is desirable that a diagram describing research 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.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

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 AI Device Development Unit

The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “26-759, R-CCS Advanced AI Device Development Unit Team” 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 AI Device 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 for Research Scientist position and 1 interview for Postdoctoral Researcher position). 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 Team Principal by email:
Kentaro Sano
Advanced AI Device Development Unit
AI for Science Platform Division
RIKEN Center for Computational Science
Email: Kentaro.sano@riken.jp