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Seeking Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher (26-1676)

Laboratory

Laboratory for Neural Computation and Adaptation
RIKEN Center for Brain Science
(Team Director: Taro Toyoizumi)

Outline of Laboratory

Our research is within the field of Computational Neuroscience. We utilize computer models to explore how information is processed in the brain and how the brain circuits adapt to the environment. Drawing on analytical techniques from statistical physics and information theory, we probe the key functional properties of neural circuits. We apply these techniques to distill diverse experimental findings into a few core concepts. We hold a particular interest in activity-dependent forms of plasticity in the brain, which exert significant influences on learning, memory, and development. Leveraging mathematical models, we aim to formulate a theory that bridges cellular-level plasticity rules and computation. The capacity of neurons to represent and retain information is gauged from the structure and behavior of resulting circuits.

For additional details, refer to Toyoizumi Lab

Job title and Job description

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Job title

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher 1 position
Research Scientist is defined as those with a doctoral degree more than 5 years.
Postdoctoral Researcher is defined as those with a doctoral degree of 5 years or less.

Job description

Engaging in computational neuroscience research.
The successful applicant will take the lead on the CREST BioDX project, which focuses on “Understanding sleep function in the brain through multiscale approaches.” This project will be undertaken in partnership with Drs. Kaoru Inokuchi (U. Toyama) and Tatsuya Haga (CiNet).

*The scheduled completion date of this project is March 31, 2029.

Relevant references are

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

Qualification

Applicants should have a PhD or are expected to obtain a PhD by the date of employment in physics, neuroscience, mathematics, computer science, engineering, or a related area. We seek highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with a strong analytical background and interest in neuroscience. Candidates who want to bridge theory and experiment are also encouraged to apply.

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 one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to a maximum of the end of March 31, 2029.
  • 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 448,990 JPY or more for Research Scientist, and 382,610 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher.

RIKEN has a telecommuting system, but this position requires attendance at the work location. Therefore, the telecommuting system is not available for this position, in principle.

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.Complete CV or CV
    • *(RIKEN CV) Write the RIKEN job ad number “26-1676”, indicated in the parentheses next to the job title, in the RIKEN job ad number section in the upper right corner of your CV.
    • *(Original CV) Write down in the notes section of your CV the number written next to the title of the job position (e.g. 26-1676)
  • 2.List of research achievement and publications
    (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
  • 3.External funding awarded
  • 4.Summary of research experience to date
  • 5.Reason for applying for the post (personal strengths, motivation, future research plans, career aspirations, etc.)
  • 6.One or two letter(s) of recommendation; one by current supervisor (If a letter by current supervisor is not possible, a letter by a third party)
    • *Please specify the referee’s contact information (name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address)
  • 7.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

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

For Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher position, Laboratory for Neural Computation and Adaptation

The file name of the ZIP should contain your contact email address.
After you upload the ZIP file, please let us (toyoizumilab@ml.riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

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

For Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher position, Laboratory for Neural Computation and Adaptation

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

Note: None of the submitted documents will be returned.

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.

Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Job Seekers

To ensure a safe and proper environment throughout our recruitment process, RIKEN has established the Guidelines for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Job Seekers and strictly enforces compliance among all staff members.

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

April 1, 2027 or later (Negotiable)

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for Brain Science
Laboratory for Neural Computation and Adaptation
Email: toyoizumilab@ml.riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.

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