Careers

Feb. 3, 2023

Seeking a Research Part-time Worker (W22303)
Laboratory for Neural Circuits and Behavior
Center for Brain Science

Laboratory

Laboratory for Neural Circuits and Behavior, Center for Brain Science (Laboratory head：Andrea Benucci)

Research Area

Biology

Keyword

Neuroscience, visual perception, decision-making, optical imaging, optogenetics, artificial neural networks

Research Field

Our lab studies the neural basis of visual perception in mice trained to perform in behavioral tasks.
Using a combination of electrophysiological, fluorescence imaging, and optogenetic tools, we aim to understand how activations of population of neurons in the visual cortex give rise to a visual percept.

Job Title and Job Description

Job title

Research Part-time worker I or II: 1 position

The job requires to perform:

  • in-vivo two photon and widefield imaging experiments to record neural activations from the mouse cortex.
  • animal behavioral training in visual discrimination tasks.
  • analysis of animal-videography data using convolutional neural networks.
  • synthesis of naturalistic visual stimuli using artificial neural networks
  • analysis of visual and neural data using linear and non-linear modeling approaches

Qualifications

The selected candidate must fulfill the following criteria:

  1. Advanced skills in two-photon and widefiled brain recordings in mice.
  2. Expert in mouse behavioral training in visual tasks.
  3. Demonstrated skills in artificial neural network simulations.
  4. Advanced programming skills in Python and Matlab.
  5. Advanced knowledge in statistics and linear algebra.
  6. Fluent in English.

Research Part-time Worker I

A person who is engaged in supporting research activities in order to effectively advance research projects, and who meets either of the following criteria:
A. Enrolled in a doctoral program and if a non-Japanese citizen, fulfills all of the following conditions:
(1) Can verify having Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted
(2) Does not have a concurrent position outside of RIKEN
(3) Works no more than 28 hours per week
B. Has knowledge or experience equivalent to that of a person with a doctoral degree

Research Part-time Worker II

A person who is engaged in assisting research activities in order to effectively advance research projects, and who meets either of the following criteria:
A. Enrolled in a master’s program and if a non-Japanese citizen, fulfills all of the following conditions:
(1) Can verify having Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted
(2) Does not have a concurrent position outside of RIKEN
(3) Works no more than 28 hours per week
B. Has a high level of specialized knowledge or skills

Work Location

Branch and address
RIKEN Wako　(2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198）

Salary and Benefits

Hourly wages

1,150-1,350JPY (Research Part-time Worker II)
1,450-1,650JPY (Research Part-time Worker I )
(Hourly salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.)

Commuting allowance

Provided (within a pre-determined range.)

Terms of contract

The initial contract will be until August 31, 2023.

Working days

4-5 days per week

Working hours

The work hours shall be one of the following, with the total time not to exceed 35 hours/week.
1. 9 a.m.–5:20 p.m. (four times or less per week)
2. Set hours between 9 a.m. and 5:20 p.m., in one-hour units.
(Working days and hours are negotiable. However, daily working hours cannot be shifted for different days.)

Holidays

Saturdays and Sundays, Japanese national holidays, New Year holidays (Dec.29-Jan.3), and RIKEN Foundation Day (4th Monday in October).

Other provisions

  • Worker’s accident compensation insurance applies. Social insurance will be applied depending on the working conditions
  • RIKEN has introduced telework as a temporary and special measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. You may be asked to work from home according to the instructions of the institute. You can also choose to work from home with the permission of your supervisor.
  • No smoking on site (designated smoking areas available)
  • Other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

Application and Required Documents

Required Documents

  1. Complete CV
    WORD(56KB) or EXCEL(159KB)
  2. Reason for applying for the post (personal strengths, motivation, etc.)
  3. A letter of recommendation by current supervisor

Note: Application documents will not be returned.

How to apply

Send application materials by email to andrea.benucci[at]riken.jp.

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. 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

Start of Employment

April 1st, 2023

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for Brain Science
Laboratory for Neural Circuits and Behavior
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198
Email: andrea.benucci[at] riken.jp (Replace [at] with @ )
For inquiries, please send an email.