Careers

Nov. 1, 2024

Seeking a Research Associate
Laboratory for Neural Circuitry of Learning and Memory（W24230)

Laboratory

Laboratory for Neural Circuitry of Learning and Memory (Laboratory Head: Joshua Johansen)

Research Area

Biology

Research Field

Learning & Memory, Emotion

Outline of Laboratory

Our goals are to define the circuits that trigger aversive memory formation and elucidate the mechanisms by which aversive experiences trigger neural plasticity in memory storage areas. In addition, we aim to determine the computations performed by neurons in different parts of these circuits and establish how circuit processes give rise to these neural computations during behavioral learning and memory. Using this strategy we ultimately seek to discover general principles of neural circuit function, neural coding and plasticity as they relate to adaptive behavior.

Job title and Job description

Job title, available positions

1 Research Associate position

Job description

Perform independent experiments to elucidate the circuit and neural coding mechanisms of emotional learning and memory using computational neural data analysis, in-vivo optogenetics, viral tracing, in-vivo electrophysiology and photometry.
The job description may be changed during the contract period or upon contract renewal to the extent described above.

Qualification

A master’s degree holder in the area related to the Job description or a person recognized as having equal ability.
A person who also actively pursues PhD in his/her future, with clear intention and determination for advancing to a higher position, such as Research Scientist.
Candidates should have expertise in computational analysis, in-vivo optogenetics, behavioral assays, viral tracing approaches and fiber photometry.

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 5 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 253,700 JPY as of April 1st 2025. 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 288,000 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.

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.

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 kids [at] riken.jp

Application and required documents

1. Complete CV Word (55.4KB) or Excel(56KB)
   (*Write down in the notes section of your CV the number written next to the title of the job position (e.g. W24230)
2. List of achievements
3. External funding awarded
4. Summary of research experience to date
5. Reason for applying for the post (personal strengths, motivation, 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)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

The above documents except the recommendation letters combined into a single ZIP file should be sent to joshua.johansen [at]riken.jp
The file name of the ZIP should contain your contact email address.

Recommendation letters must be directly sent from the referees to joshua.johansen [at]riken.jp with the file name " [applicant’s name] (Recommendation letter)". Please specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the recommendation letter.

If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: joshua.johansen [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 at RIKEN. Personal information will not be disclosed, transferred or loaned to a third party under any circumstances without just cause.

Selection process

Selection will be made based on application screening

Start of employment

April 1st, 2025

Contact information

RIKEN Center for Brain Science
Laboratory for Neural Circuitry of Learning and Memory
Email: joshua.johansen [at] riken.jp (Replace [at] with @ )
For inquiries, please send an email.