Careers

Feb. 24, 2023

Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher
Neural Circuit of Multisensory Integration RIKEN Hakubi Research Team
Center for Brain Science (W22316)

Laboratory

Neural Circuit of Multisensory Integration RIKEN Hakubi Research Team, Center for Brain Science (RIKEN Hakubi Team Leader: Asuka Takeishi)

Research Area

Biology

Keywords

Molecular biology, genetics, behavior assay, calcium imaging, C. elegans

Research Field

We are interested in how animals make behavioral decisions. Animals are exposed to continuously changing environmental stimuli, such as temperature, odor, light and sound. We sense and integrate these environmental cues in the nervous system in order to choose appropriate behavioral responses. We are currently investigating the mechanism of multi-sensory integration in the nervous system by analyzing behavior strategies and neural circuits of C. elegans that are exposed to multiple stimuli, such as temperature, odor and touch. In addition to biological approach, we incorporate mathematical and computational models to reveal the evolutionally-conserved fundamental mechanism of behavioral decision.

Job title and job description

Job title, available positions

Postdoctoral Researcher, 1 position
Postdoctoral Researcher is defined as those with a doctoral degree of 5 years or less.

Job description

We use C. elegans and take approaches of behavior analysis (thermotaxis and chemotaxis), in vivo calcium imaging, molecular biology and genetics to understand the neural and molecular mechanism of behavioral decisions. We are looking for highly motivated researchers who have abilities to conduct experiments, analysis and build a good relationship in a team. Skills in bioinformatics and/or mathematical modeling would be an advantage. Experience using C. elegans is not essential.

Qualification

The candidate should possess a doctoral degree or be expected to complete a PhD in the relevant field by the start of employment.

Work location

Branch and address

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

Salary and benefits

  1. A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up until June 30, 2026.
  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 65 years.

In principle, the first two months of employment is considered a trial period.
Salary will be a monthly 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. The monthly base salary is 295,100 JPY as of April 1st 2023. The monthly base salary and variable salary are subject to change due to amendments to RIKEN regulations.

Discretionary work, commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied.

The approximate amount of annual salary at the time of employment:
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment will be 335,000 JPY or more.

Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai).
This position falls under the specialized duties discretionary work system; one working day will be calculated as 7 hours and 30 minutes.

Paid leave includes annual paid leave (up to 20 days depending on the month of employment), special paid leave (childcare, 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.
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.
Smoking is not permitted on site except in designated smoking areas. Smoking will be entirely prohibited on site from April 2024.
These and other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.
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.

Also, eligible for an exemption from repayment for category 1 scholarship loans provided by the Japan Student Services Organization before fiscal year 2003, and eligible applying for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi).
The Wako Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Wako. For details, please send an email to the HR at kids [at] riken.jp.

Application and required documents

Required documents

  1. Complete CV (RIKEN CV: WORD(56KB) or EXCEL(159KB) , with photo and email address)
    (RIKEN CV) *Write the RIKEN job ad number “W22316”, 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. W22316).
  2. List of research achievement
  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. A letter of recommendation from the current supervisor (If unavailable, a letter from a substitute reference will be acceptable.）
    *Please specify the referee’s contact information (Name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address)
  7. Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR
    If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA), you are required to submit the document, “Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR” with your signature.

    *You will find detailed information about General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on the following website:
    https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/law-topic/data-protection_en

How to apply

The above documents except the recommendation letters combined into a single ZIP file should be uploaded to the following website: https://riken-share.ent.box.com/f/db70c0045ffe4f8293c79a6bdcae45d2 (For Postdoctoral Researcher position, Laboratory for neural circuit of multisensory integration RIKEN Hakubi team)
The file name of the ZIP should contain your contact email address.
After you uploaded the ZIP file, please let us (asuka.takeishi [at] riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees to the following website with the file name"CBS Postdoctoral Researcher [applicant’s name] (Recommendation letter)".
https://riken-share.ent.box.com/f/db70c0045ffe4f8293c79a6bdcae45d2 (For Postdoctoral Researcher position, Laboratory for neural circuit of multisensory integration RIKEN Hakubi team)
Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the recommendation letter.
After the referees uploaded the recommendation letter, please let us (asuka.takeishi [at] riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file.

If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: asuka.takeishi [at] riken.jp.

Note: All the submitted documents will not 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. Personal information will not be disclosed, transferred or loaned to a third party under any circumstances without just cause.

Selection process

Application screening, interview and oral presentation by selected applicants

Start of Employment

May 1st, 2023 (Negotiable)

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for brain science,
Laboratory for neural circuit of multisensory integration RIKEN Hakubi team
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198
Tel: +81 (0)48 467-4953 (Ext. 6828) / FAX: +81 (0)48 467-4954
Email: asuka.takeishi [at] riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.