Seeking a few Postdoctoral Researchers (26-1710)

Postdoctoral Researchers

RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute (Chief Scientist: Shintaro Iwasaki)

The central dogma of molecular biology, which represents information flow from DNA to RNA to protein, has been most basic principle in life. Recent quantitative and comprehensive analysis revealed that amount of RNA could not simply correlate with protein abundance in cells, suggesting that “translation control” significantly contributes to gene expression in more general than as we previously expected. Our laboratory tackles the unknown mechanism of translation control, by the combination of next-generation deep sequencing and classical biochemistry.

Postdoctoral Researcher: a few positions

This call for applications aims to advance research in areas such as those outlined below as part of the institute's internal research project “PRI-PJ/Mining Biological Diversity” (FY2026–FY2028).

• Large-scale Ribo-Seq analysis of natural yeast strains
• Development and application of technologies to track intracellular and intercellular RNA movement

The specific research projects will be determined through discussions with the successful candidate.

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

The candidate should possess a doctoral degree or is expected to obtain a doctoral degree by the starting date.

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

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

A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to March 31, 2029 from date of hire. 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.

RIKEN has a telecommuting system, but this position requires attendance at the work location. Therefore, the telecommuting system is not available for this position, in principle.

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 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 Wako Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Wako. For details, please send an email to kids@riken.jp.

Complete CV or CV

List of research achievement and publications (including ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID, if available)

Brief description of previous research and future research plans (within two pages/ A4-size)

Contact information for 2 referees who can evaluate your research

Agreement on handling of personal information (Handling of personal information based on the Hiring Privacy Policy and the Privacy Policy)

The above documents should be combined into a single ZIP file and uploaded to the following link:

RIKEN/ Pioneering Research Institute (PRI) file upload box

After you upload the file, please notify the file name to the email address at contact information below. If a confirmation email is not received within 7 days after submission, please contact to the same email address.

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.

March 1, 2027 or later (Negotiable)

RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute RNA Systems Biochemistry Laboratory Shintaro Iwasaki Email:shintaro.iwasaki@riken.jp For inquiries, please send an email.

Tagged as: Life Sciences