Seeking a few Postdoctoral Researchers (26-1630)

Postdoctoral Researcher

The RIKEN Center for Computational Science (R-CCS), led by Center Director Satoshi Matsuoka, is focused on advancing high-end computational science. Within the TRIP-AGIS project, our unit develops technologies that integrate biomolecular simulation with AI for Science. Our main themes are: (1) AI agents that support planning from scientific questions, structure preparation, simulation execution, analysis, and result-driven reruns or branching; (2) Molecular dynamics (MD) surrogates that efficiently generate or predict structural ensembles and transition candidates from MD data, together with methods for evaluating physical validity and state-space coverage; and (3) generative AI and integrative modeling that connect simulations with experimental data from High-Speed AFM, Cryo-EM/ET, and related techniques. We aim to establish a reproducible next-generation platform that iterates between AI-generated hypotheses and validation by physics-based simulation.

To advance AI for Science within the TRIP-AGIS project, the successful candidate will pursue one or more of the following themes according to their interests and expertise:

• (1) AI agents and reproducible workflows that plan biomolecular simulations from scientific questions and support structure preparation, execution, analysis, and evidence-based reruns or branching
• (2) MD surrogates that efficiently generate or predict biomolecular structural ensembles and transition candidates from MD data, and methods that benchmark their physical validity, structural distributions, and state-space coverage against conventional MD
• (3) Generative AI and integrative modeling that connect simulations with experimental data from High-Speed AFM, Cryo-EM/ET, and related techniques, including validation and refinement of AI-generated hypotheses by physics-based simulation

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

A person who is able to dedicate themselves to the job by communicating, coordinating and collaborating smoothly with people in and out of the laboratory. A PhD holder who earned a doctorate within the past 5 years in the area related to the job description. Including those who expect to obtain a doctoral degree before starting the position.

RIKEN Kobe Campus – South 7-1-26, Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0047, JAPAN

RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary, in accordance with RIKEN regulations.

A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation up to a maximum of 5 years of employment, but not beyond the end of March, 2032 depending on the employment start date. 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 are 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. Discretionary work, commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied.

The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 382,610 JPY or more.

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 Saturdays and Sundays, public holidays, New Year's holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan 3), and RIKEN Foundation Day. Paid leave includes annual paid leave (up to 20 days per year depending on the month of employment), special paid leave (caring for a sick child, 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.

Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai).

• Eligible to apply for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research ( Kakenhi ).
• 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.
• The Kobe Campus has an on-site daycare, PO-I Kids Kobe. For details, please send an email to kobe-kosei@ml.riken.jp.

Please prepare the following documents in English. Only recommendation letters may be either in English or in Japanese.

• 1. CV or CV
• 2. List of research achievements (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
• 3. Copies of up to five most important publications
• 4. List of competitive funds acquired, awards received, and other achievements including, contributions to university/institution operations, contribution to society through activities in academic societies, joint research projects, technology transfers, etc.
• 5. Description of previous research development, future research plans, and career goals
• 6. At least one letter of recommendation from a person who can evaluate your work
• 7. Agreement on handling of personal information

Combine the above documents except the letter of recommendation into a single PDF file and upload them to the following link: Applications for Life and Medical Science Application Interface Platform Development Unit. The file name of the PDF should contain the job ad number “26-1630, R-CCS Life and Medical Science Application Interface Platform Development Unit” and the applicant's name. Please write the job ad number and the name of the position that you apply for in the “Add additional information” box. After you uploaded the PDF file, please let us (r-ccs-recruit@ml.riken.jp) know the file name of the uploaded file. When you send us an email, please write your name, Job Ad number and the name of the position that you apply for.

The letter of Recommendation must be directly submitted from the referees to the link mentioned above with the subject line “Recommendation letter for [applicant's name], [name of the position], R-CCS Life and Medical Science Application Interface Platform Development Unit”. Please tell them to email us (r-ccs-recruit@ml.riken.jp) that they have uploaded the PDF file and to specify the applicant's name, referee's name and contact information in the body of the email. If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact: r-ccs-recruit@ml.riken.jp.

Note: None of the submitted documents will be returned.

Open until the position is filled.

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.

To ensure a safe and proper environment throughout our recruitment process, RIKEN has established the Guidelines for the Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Job Seekers and strictly enforces compliance among all staff members.

Selection will be made based on application screening and interview. After documents screening, only successful applicants will be invited for interview (1 interview for Postdoctoral Researcher position). No inquiries on the selection process and results will be answered.

The notification of hiring decision (conditional offer of employment) regarding this selection shall be carried out through the presentation of an Employment Contract or a Conditional Offer of Employment issued by RIKEN.

As early as possible.

For inquiries regarding this open position, please contact below by email: Computational Science Promotion Division, RIKEN Email: r-ccs-recruit@ml.riken.jp

For inquiries on research conducted by the unit, please contact the Unit Leader by email: Yasuhiro Matsunaga Life and Medical Science Application Interface Platform Development Unit AI for Science Platform Division RIKEN Center for Computational Science Email: ymatsunaga@riken.jp

Tagged as: Life Sciences