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Seeking a Research Scientist or a Postdoctoral Researcher (26-1237)

Laboratory / Division

Computational Physics Machine Learning Team
Domain Intelligence Group
RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project
(Team Director: Takaharu Yaguchi)

Outline of Laboratory / Division

The RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project (AIP) is a leading international hub for state-of-the-art AI research. Centered around three core research groups—the Mathematical Intelligence Group, the Domain Intelligence Group, and the Physical Intelligence Group—AIP is dedicated to establishing the mathematical foundations of trustworthy AI, advancing AI technologies integrated with diverse scientific domains, and developing embodied intelligence for the real world.

Computational Physics Machine Learning Team focuses on scientific machine learning, which is a new research field that combines machine learning and scientific computing. The scientific machine learning methods are expected to enable the simulation of phenomena for which the governing equations are unknown, and to accelerate physical simulations greatly. This team develops, particularly, methods that respect laws of physics such as the energy conservation law and also performs theoretical analysis, in order to develop reliable scientific machine learning methods.

For more information, please refer to the following link:
Computational Physics Machine Learning Team | RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project

Job title and job description

Job title

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher 1 position

Research Scientist
Conduct research projects and other activities in corresponding department.
Basically defined as those with a doctoral degree more than 5 years.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Receive training and guidance from senior staff; conduct research projects and other activities for Programs or equivalent.
Basically defined as those with a doctoral degree of 5 years or less.

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

Job description

The candidate will conduct research related to the theory, algorithms, and model development in machine learning, which are relevant to the team's research topics. They are also expected to conduct research and present the results at top conferences in machine learning and related fields. In addition, the candidate will contribute to the operation of the research group and provide guidance to intern students and technical staff.

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

Qualifications

  • Candidates who have earned a Ph.D. in machine learning, mathematics, or a related field, or who are expected to earn one by the hiring date.
  • Experience in the development and theoretical analysis of methods in Scientific Machine Learning. The candidate should be experienced in both applied mathematics and machine learning, with experience in areas such as physics informed deep learning, numerical analysis of differential equations, and uncertainty modelling. Additionally, experience in the development and theoretical analysis of methods for generative models, and analysis of complex geometries in physical and data focused domains is desirable.
  • Proactive, cooperative, and flexible, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate and coordinate with stakeholders both within and outside the laboratory.

Work location

RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, Ito Campus, Kyushu University (744 Motooka, Nishi-Ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan)

RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary, in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

Salary and benefits

  • 1.A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to the end of the fiscal year (March 31) in which the employee completes 7 years of employment. (Maximum employment duration for a Postdoctoral Researcher is 5 years).
  • 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:
Research Scientist: The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 448,990JPY or more
Postdoctoral Researcher: The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 382,610JPY 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 Saturdays and Sundays, 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.List of publications (including Researcher ID or Google Scholar ID, if available): Circle titles of three major papers in the list
  • 2.Photocopies of three major research papers.
  • 3.Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's qualifications (this usually includes the current supervisor)
    Note:
    • Please specify the referee’s contact information (name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address)
    • Letters of recommendation must be addressed to: Director of RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project
    • Letters of recommendation must be submitted directly by the recommender, not by the applicant. We will contact the recommender with the URL to which the letter of recommendation should be submitted.
  • 4.Research in the past and research plan (3 pages in A4 size)
    Your research plan must include outcome expected within a few years from your appointment.
  • 5.Agreement on handling of personal information (Handling of personal information based on the Hiring Privacy Policy and the Privacy Policy)
    Please review the following web page before submitting the consent form.:

How to apply

  • A)Please access " [HR] Inquiry for public recruitment" and enter your contact information, the Open call ID (26-1237) and so on.
  • B)Our HR staff will send you an email with instructions on how to submit your application.

Note: None of the submitted documents will be returned.
We cannot answer any inquiry about information regarding application status or evaluation details prior to, during, or after the evaluation process.

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

As early as possible

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project
Email: aip-hr@ml.riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

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