Careers

Apr. 23, 2024

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher Position
Laboratory for Neurodiversity（W24024)

Laboratory

Laboratory for Neurodiversity, Center for Brain Science (Team Leader: Adrian Moore)

Research Area

Biology, Medical Science

Research Field

Molecular Neuroscience / Cellular and Developmental Biology

Job Title and Job Description

Job Title, Available Positions

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

Job Description

In our laboratory, we study the regulatory control of neuron differentiation. Neurons form among the most complex and diverse structures of any cell type, and this has critical relevance due to its disruption causing neurodevelopmental disorders. We use state-of-the-art combinations of genetics, molecular cell biology, in vivo imaging of cell differentiation, and machine learning-based image analyses to explore and test our hypotheses. We are recruiting postdoctoral researchers or research scientists with strong backgrounds in genomics, bioinformatics, protein biochemistry, in vivo imaging, and computational image analysis for the following two projects:

Project 1) This project uses the development of Drosophila peripheral sensory circuits as a model. This position requires the relevant skills and experience in Drosophila genetics and molecular biology to take over and assume responsibility for finalizing a close-to-completion, large project examining the role of transcription controls and the in vivo imaging and biochemistry of microtubule nucleation pathways that act in da neuron growth.

Project 2) This project uses human cortical neural precursor and neuron culture as models. In this project, we manipulate the signaling pathways that initiate and control the neuron differentiation process. It uses a combination of genomics, molecular biology, and live imaging to understand molecular mechanisms of human cortical neuron differentiation.

Our laboratory is diverse and multicultural. We value open communication, collaboration, teamwork, and efficient productivity. The scientific language of our laboratory is English, and Japanese language proficiency is not necessary. Additionally, staff who speak Japanese as a primary language are comfortable with Japanese conversations happening at various levels.
The job description may be changed during the contract period or upon contract renewal to the extent described above.

Qualifications

  • The candidate should possess a doctoral degree in a related field and research, techniques described in the job description.
  • A preexisting publication record, and history of attaining competitive funding will be advantageous.
  • The candidates should have good communication skills (both in English and Japanese),and be able to cooperate with the relevant personnel to fulfill the tasks.

Work Location

RIKEN Center for Brain Science (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198)
RIKEN has implemented a work-from-home system. Employees can work from home in accordance with the prescribed procedures.

RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

Salary and Benefits

  1. A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, to a maximum of the end of the fiscal year (March 31) in which the employee completes 7 years of employment. (Maximum employment duration for a Postdoctoral Researcher is 5 years)
  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 70 years.

In principle, the first two months of employment is 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. The monthly base salary will be 308,200 JPY for Postdoctoral Researcher, and 364,600 JPY for Research Scientist, as of April 1, 2024. 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 380,000 JPY or more for Postdoctoral Researcher, and 410,000 JPY or more for Research Scientist.

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.

Days off include 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 (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. 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).

RIKEN has a work-from-home system, but this position requires attendance at the work location. Therefore, the work-from-home system is not available for this position.

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

  1. Complete CV (with photo and email address)
    WORD(56KB) or EXCEL(159KB)
    *Write the RIKEN job ad number “W24024”, 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 achievement and publications
  3. External funding awarded
  4. Summary of research experience to date
  5. Reason for applying for the post
  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)or UK, you are required to submit the document, “Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR and Regulation of the European Parliament and of the council of on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (UK General Data Protection Regulation)” 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

    You will find detailed information about Regulation of the European Parliament and of the council of on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (UK GDPR) on the following website:
    https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-and-the-eu/

How to apply

Please email your documents as a PDF file to gcna.cbs[at]ml.riken.jp.
Note:
(1) All the submitted documents will not be returned.
(2) Only candidates who pass document screening will be contacted via email.

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

As early as possible

Contact Information

RIKEN Center for Brain Science Laboratory for Neurodiversity
Email: gcna.cbs[at] ml.riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.