Careers

Sep. 4, 2024

Faculty Position in research of brain science
Center for Brain Science (W24139)

Laboratory

RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS)

Research area

Mathematical and Information Science, Biology, Medical Science, Interdisciplinary

Keywords

Brain science

Research field

The RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) is Japan’s premier neuroscience research center. Taking advantage of the multidisciplinarity of the neuroscience field which encompasses medicine, biology, chemistry, engineering, mathematical sciences, and psychology, our aim is to advance basic research and develop innovative technologies for elucidating the functions of the brain at multiple levels from genes, molecules, cells to whole organisms and societal systems. We also endeavor to solutions to major issues facing contemporary society. This includes how we grapple with the psychological ramifications of our own inventions such as artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, and how we ameliorate psychiatric and neurological disorders such as dementia.
For details, please refer to the RIKEN CBS website. https://cbs.riken.jp/en/

Job title and job description

Job title, available positions

Team Leader (Principal Investigator): 2 positions

Job description

We are currently seeking outstanding neuroscientists for Team Leader positions (junior principal investigators). However, exceptional applications from internationally established neuroscientists may be considered. The new Team Leader will manage a laboratory including researchers and support staff. We are seeking a broad range of applicants in the fields of brain science and related fields, but researchers in the following research areas are particularly encouraged to apply.

Research Area (1): Research that contributes to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms of neurological/psychiatric disorders and/or to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
Research Area (2): Neuroscience research with a focus on theoretical areas, including but not limited to elucidating the neural basis of human sociality and/or its AI applications.

In order to further promote diversity, which is one of CBS's strengths, we proactively recruit women when the candidate's research skills are otherwise deemed equal.

The goal of CBS is to understand the neuroscientific basis of the "mind" (encompassing the brain mechanisms of intelligence, emotion, and sociality) and its pathology through research that integrates multiple levels from genes to behavior. We focus on research involving animal models using multi-level brain measurement techniques and human research combining non-invasive brain imaging with psychology and behavioral science, with an emphasis on understanding fundamental brain mechanisms that are common to humans and animals. We seek to transform brain science by harnessing data and advanced computational methods, including AI and quantum technology. In addition, as a part of a Japan-wide brain initiative (Brain/MINDS 2.0), we will promote the understanding of brain function and disease pathology through the development and use of advanced computational brain models ("digital brain").

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

Qualification

  • University graduates with a PhD, MD or equivalent degree
  • Ability to conduct world-class research by taking advantage of the excellent research environments of CBS and RIKEN
  • Possess exceptional scientific leadership skills and laboratory management ability

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 9 years of employment.
  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 is 720,000 JPY as of April 1, 2025. The monthly base salary and variable salary are subject to change due to amendments to RIKEN regulations.

Commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied.
The approximate amount of annual salary at the time of employment:
Although we will prioritize the recruitment of junior researchers in the hope of significant future development, we will also consider established investigators who have already made outstanding achievements. A model case of the annual salary for the junior principal investigator will be approximately 10,000,000 JPY at the start of employment which is a sum of the base salary and variable salary. The variable salary will be increased depending on experience and/or ability.

Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai).
Work hours: 9:00 to 17:20 (lunch break 12:00 to 12:50) in principle. However, employee may change starting and ending times at their own discretion if it does not interfere with work performance.

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 is entirely prohibited on site.
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.

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

(All documents, including letters of recommendation, should be written in English)

  1. A cover letter with a brief summary of the current research program and future plans
  2. Complete CV (with photo, home and office address, telephone number, email address, work history, academic degrees, current affiliation and position, certifications, etc.)
    *Please write the RIKEN job ad number “W24139”, indicated in the parentheses next to the job title, in the upper right corner of your CV.
  3. List of research achievements and publications (separate by category: research papers, review papers, patents, etc.)
    *Please highlight the titles of major research papers you will submit for item 7 below.
  4. List of acquired research funding
  5. Current research and achievements to date
  6. Future research plans
  7. Reprints of major research papers you authored (maximum five papers)
  8. Three letters of recommendation (including one from the current supervisor, if available.)
    Please ask three referees for their support and provide the necessary information about each referee (name, e-mail address, and relationship with the applicant) in the online application form. A recommendation request will be sent automatically to the referees. Please ask them to upload the letter by November 15th to the link provided in the email. Please see the application form for more details.
    • If a current supervisor’s recommendation is unavailable, a letter from a substitute reference is acceptable.
    • Letters of recommendation from two persons outside of RIKEN are necessary in principle.
    • Letters should be addressed to “Dr. Makoto Gonokami, President of RIKEN.”
    • Please specify the referee’s contact information (Name, affiliation, job title, phone number, and email address) in the letter.

  9. 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 submit the required documents in a PDF file by registering at
https://cbs.riken.jp/career-brain-science-2024/index.html (application form URL: https://riken-cbs.form.kintoneapp.com/public/search2024).
Recommendation letters must be directly submitted from the referees. Please make your request well in advance of the application deadline (at least a month in advance) by using the application form.
Note: All the submitted documents will not be returned.

Deadline

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

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.

Selection process

Short-listed candidates will be invited to RIKEN CBS for an in-person interview, which will include a seminar, an interview with the Search Committee, and laboratory visits to meet with CBS faculty members.

Start of employment

April 1, 2025 or later (Negotiable)

Contact information

Search Committee Administrative Office, RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS)
Email: cbs-search [at] ml.riken.jp
For inquiries, please send an email.