• CareersCareers

    Open Faculty Position
    (Brain science in general)

  • CareersCareers

    Open Faculty Position
    (Brain science in general)

  • CareersCareers

    Open Faculty Position
    (Brain science in general)

  • CareersCareers

    Open Faculty Position
    (Brain science in general)

  • CareersCareers

    Open Faculty Position
    (Brain science in general)

Sep. 4, 2024

OPEN FACULTY POSITIONS (Brain science in general)


The RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) was launched in April 2018 following the strong 20-year foundation of its predecessor, the Brain Science Institute (BSI). CBS aims to meet society’s ever-growing expectations for brain research. (For the four main goals of CBS, please visit, https://cbs.riken.jp/en/about/)

What makes us uniquely human Harnessing the universal biological principles of life Collecting and applying big data Tackling global challenges

We are currently seeking outstanding neuroscientists for Team Leader positions (junior principal investigators). However, applications from internationally established neuroscientists may be considered. To promote diversity, a strength of CBS, we proactively recruit women when the candidate's research skills are deemed equal.

At RIKEN CBS, Team Leaders have full intellectual independence, generous internal funds including a highly competitive start-up package and access to ample communal facilities in a collaborative environment. Successful candidates for the Team Leader position must have demonstrated the ability to develop an original, independent and internationally competitive research program.

We encourage applications from all disciplines of neuroscience, particularly in (1) research areas of neurological/psychiatric disorders and (2) theoretical and computational neuroscience. Successful candidates will hold a research management position, and as the head of a laboratory, they will provide leadership and guidance to laboratory members to conduct research.

For details, please refer to the following website.
https://cbs.riken.jp/en/careers/20240904_w24139_pi.html


Application and letters of recommendation must arrive by 5 pm on November 15, 2024 (JST).

Applicants should submit electronic files of a cover letter with a brief summary of their research program and future plans, curriculum vitae, list of research achievements and publications, list of acquired research funding, current research and achievements to date, future research plans, and reprints of five major publications maximum, through the application form. Three letters of recommendation must be directly submitted from the referees. Please see the website above for more details.


Application Form




  • “I chose RIKEN CBS based on the strength of the multi-disciplinary neuroscience research going on at the center. The diverse, accomplished community and science-focused culture at CBS make it an ideal place to answer critical challenging questions using innovative approaches.”

    Lukas Ian Schmitt, Ph.D.
    Laboratory for Distributed Cognitive Processing

    Ian Schmitt, Ph.D.
  • “CBS is one of the best places to study neuroscience because it offers the freedom to concentrate on one’s research and to collaborate with many excellent labs. Understanding neuropsychiatric diseases and developmental disorders remains a big challenge, but I think this is possible at CBS.”

    Aya Ito-Ishida, M.D., Ph.D.
    Laboratory for Brain Development and Disorders

    Aya Ito-Ishida, M.D., Ph.D.
  • “RIKEN CBS offers an environment where researchers can concentrate on their studies and engage with neuroscientists across a wide spectrum of disciplines, from theoretical frameworks to experimental approaches. Witnessing how this collaborative atmosphere fosters new ideas for research is a true pleasure.”

    Takahiko Koike, Ph.D.
    Inter-Individual Brain Dynamics Collaboration Unit

    Takahiko Koike, Ph.D.
  • “As a researcher in computational social science, brain science may not initially seem directly related to my work. However, the open, friendly, inclusive, and international atmosphere at RIKEN has facilitated numerous academic collaborations. I believe that RIKEN CBS is one of the rare research centres capable of making world-leading contributions to both natural and social sciences.”

    Wataru Toyokawa, Ph.D.
    Computational Group Dynamics Collaboration Unit

    Wataru Toyokawa, Ph.D.
  • "I value scientific freedom and excellence. RIKEN CBS is a great place to run your research lab. There are plenty of opportunities to interact with outstanding colleagues, exposure to a wide range of Neuroscience disciplines, and the freedom to pursue questions that fascinate you."

    Aya Takeoka, Ph.D.
    Laboratory for Motor Circuit Plasticity

    Aya Takeoka, Ph.D.
  • "RIKEN CBS is a unique place where experts from diverse disciplines are brought together with an aim to understand the brain. Working in this vibrant and collaborative community gives me new ideas and perspectives for pursuing our own research."

    Fumi Kubo, Ph.D.
    Laboratory for Sensorimotor Integration

    Fumi Kubo, Ph.D.
  • "RIKEN CBS promotes comprehensive neuroscience research by building a global network of leading researchers from diverse backgrounds. As a computational neuroscientist, I develop mathematical models and simulate the dynamics of neural circuits to understand the underlying mechanisms of the brain. The Center is one of the best environments in the world for me to ensure that our theories are consistent with experimental data. With broad insights from talented scientists and generous support, I can deepen my own research."

    Toshitake Asabuki, Ph.D.
    Hierarchical Neural Computation RIKEN ECL Research Unit

    Toshitake Asabuki, Ph.D.

RIKEN CBS is located just outside of the international metropolis of Tokyo. English is the primary language used in activities at CBS, including seminars and administration. Institutional support is available to help non-Japanese speaking scientists, whom we particularly encourage to apply. RIKEN Center for Brain Science is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.


For further inquiries please contact the RIKEN CBS Search Committee.


Email: cbs-search@ml.riken.jp
Search Committee, RIKEN Center for Brain Science
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
*Applications are not accepted from this e-mail address.