Laboratory / Division

Fundamental Quantum Science Program,
TRIP Headquarters
(Program Director: Naoto Nagaosa)

Outline of Laboratory / Division

Fundamental Quantum Science Program (FQSP) aims to establish a world-class research center in the field of fundamental quantum science, build a research hub, and foster talent. Centered on four core fields —fundamental physics and chemistry, mathematics, quantum information, and non-equilibrium science— the program returns to the fundamentals of quantum science and conducts research from a medium- to long-term perspective.

In the theoretical field of quantum science, an environment where young researchers can tackle their own unique research themes from an early stage, transcending the boundaries of individual laboratories and principal investigators (PIs), is key to producing innovative results.

In light of this, the FQSP launched the “FQSP Distinguished Fellowships” in fiscal year 2026. This program aims to ensure an environment where emerging researchers can pursue their research with complete independence, with the goal of nurturing them into international researchers who will lead their fields in the future.

Please note that this program will be implemented on the basis of a recommendation received for an early-career researchers with outstanding research achievements and potential (below, the “candidate”) from an individual who can appropriately attest to the research abilities of the candidate, such as their current supervisor or advising professor (below, the “reference”).

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist, a few positions

Job description

In the research fields of fundamental physics and chemistry, mathematics, quantum information, and non-equilibrium science —which are the focus of the FQSP— you will be expected to advance theoretical research that explores the fundamentals of quantum theory.

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

Qualification

Candidates who, as of November 13, 2026, have held a Ph.D. for four years or less (including those expected to receive their Ph.D. by the hiring date)

*Periods during which research activities were interrupted due to maternity leave, paternity leave, or childcare leave following the award of the Ph.D. are excluded.
Eligible candidates should include details regarding the reason for and duration of any such interruptions in their resume.

Work location

RIKEN Wako Campus (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198)
RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary, in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

Salary and benefits

• 1.A successful candidate will sign a multi-year employment contract as a Fixed-term Employee. This contract lasts from the date of hire until the end of the fiscal year (March 31) when they reach their third year of employment. After the initial contract period, the contract may be renewed for up to a maximum of four years from the date of hire.
  Example: If hired on May 1, 2027
  At the time of hiring, the employee will sign a multi-year employment contract from May 1, 2027 to March 31, 2031. On and after April 1, 2031, the contract may be renewed, with April 30, 2031 as the last possible date.
• 2.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.

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 1,000,000 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 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

How to apply

Step1

Each reference should register their respective candidate’s information in the form linked below.

• *Each reference may register only 1 candidate
• *If a reference registers multiple candidates, or registers incomplete or incorrect information, this will prevent the candidate’s application from being received. Please take care when registering.

FQSP Distinguished Fellowships Registration form for references

Information registered

• The candidate’s: Name, affiliated institution and department, date their PhD was obtained, and contact info (address, phone number, and email address
• The reference’s: Name, affiliated institution and department, job title, and contact info (address, phone number, and email address

Recommendation Registration Deadline

November 13, 2026

Step2

After the reference registers this information, the secretariat at RIKEN will send an email to the candidate with the link for submitting application documents.
The candidate should compile all documents listed below under “Required documents” (except “7. 2 letters of recommendation”) into a single PDF file and upload it to the submission link.

“7. 2 letters of recommendation” will be submitted directly by references. Candidates should ask their references (of which there should be at least 2) to upload their letters of recommendation directly to the submission link.

Note: None of the submitted documents will be returned.

Application Submission Deadline

December 14, 2026

Required documents

Please prepare all documents in English.

• 1.Complete CV or CV
  • *Write the RIKEN job ad number “26-1294”, 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 achievements and publications
  (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
• 3.List of competitive research funds received, awards received, and other achievements (including contributions to society, such as scientific society activities)
• 4.Outlines of your research to date (approximately 2 pages, A4 size)
• 5.Your future research plan if you are accepted for the position (approximately 3 pages, A4 size)
• 6.Up to 5 principal original publications
• 7.2 letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the candidate's qualifications (this usually includes the current supervisor)
  • *Please specify the reference’s contact information (name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address)
  • *One letter must be from a nominator who has pre-registered, and at least one additional letter must be from a researcher affiliated with an institution other than RIKEN.
• 8.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.:
  • *Hiring Privacy Policy
  • *Privacy Policy

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 candidates

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

On or after April 1, 2027 (Negotiable)

Remarks

Selected researchers will be allocated research funds of up to 2 million yen per person per fiscal year.

Contact Information

RIKEN TRIP Promotion Division
Email: fqsp_jimu@ml.riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.