Seeking a few Senior Research Scientists, Research Scientists, Postdoctoral Researchers in Theoretical Physics

Position Description

【Title】

Seeking a few Senior Research Scientists, Research Scientists, Postdoctoral Researchers
(26-1583)

【Laboratory / Division】

Division of Fundamental Mathematical Science, RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences
(Division Director：Satoshi Iso)

【Outline of Laboratory / Division】

RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS) is an international research center at RIKEN. It facilitates close collaborations among researchers from different disciplines in theoretical, mathematical and computational sciences. On April 1, 2025, iTHEMS transitioned from a program to a center. The ultimate goal of iTHEMS is to unravel the mystery of the Universe, matter, and life, as well as to solve key problems in modern society through interdisciplinary approaches.

Division of Fundamental Mathematical Science conducts mathematical basic research through interdisciplinary initiatives centered on mathematics (mathematics, materials, life, space, computing, and information).

We are recruiting several talented researchers in the area of theoretical physics interested in collaborating with researchers from iTHEMS, RIKEN, and beyond.

For more information, please refer to the following website:

RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Science (iTHEMS)

【Job title and Job description 】
Job title

Senior Research Scientist or Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher, a few positions

Senior Research Scientist

While independently conducting research, they will contribute to the development of interdisciplinary activities in line with iTHEMS’ philosophy and play a central role in planning and coordinating research projects. Also expected to actively mentor and support early-career researchers.
Research Scientist

While independently conducting research, they will contribute to the development of interdisciplinary activities in line with iTHEMS’ philosophy.
Postdoctoral Researcher
While conducting their independent research program, they will also engage in collaborative research projects with other iTHEMS researchers, and participate in iTHEMS' activities outside their discipline.

The applicant will be assigned to an appropriate position based on his/her ability, aptitude, etc.

Job description
Successful candidates are expected to promote research in theoretical physics in a broad sense and its related fields, to understand the philosophy of iTHEMS, and to be strongly motivated to proactively engage in research that transcends the boundaries of existing disciplines such as mathematics, physics, and biology.

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

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

【Work location】
RIKEN Wako Campus (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198)

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

【Salary and benefits】
1. A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, to a maximum of the 7 years (Senior Research Scientist) or 5 years (Research Scientist) or 3 years (Postdoctoral Researcher) from the date of hire.

2. RIKEN may adjust the above maximum period of renewability based on a) the employee’s abilities, workload 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 approximate amount of salary at the time of employment:

The total amount of monthly discretionary work allowance and monthly salary at the time of hiring will be 600,000JPY or more for Senior Research Scientist, 550,000JPY or more for Research Scientist, 480,000 or more for Postdoctoral Researcher.

RIKEN has implemented a telecommuting system that allows employees to work from home or other locations permitted by RIKEN.

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.

【Application and required documents】
[Required documents]

1. A cover letter explaining your motivations to apply for this position. If there are special circumstances you would like the committee to consider, you may include them here.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)*

*In the notes section of your CV, include the job position number （26-1583） next to the title of the job position. You may also include your research IDs (ORCID, Google Scholar, etc.).

3. List of publications (including preprints)

4. Research statement (summary of current and past research relevant to this position; 2 pages max)

5. Research proposal (describe your research objectives over the time scale of the position [3-5 years]; 3 pages max)

6. Interdisciplinary statement (discuss your views and interest on interdisciplinarity, and how you see yourself interacting with iTHEMS members from other fields; 1 page max)

7. Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant's qualifications.
8. Agreement on handling of personal information (Handling of personal information based on the Hiring Privacy Policy and the Privacy Policy)

Please review the following web page before submitting the consent form.:

• Hiring Privacy Policy
• Privacy Policy

[How to apply]
Application documents should be uploaded through this page.

Note: None of the submitted documents will be returned.

[Deadline]
Application must arrive by December 18, 2026 (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.

[Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Job Seekers]

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 process】
Application screening and interview for selected applicants

[Notification of hiring decision]

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.

【Start of Employment】
On or after May 1, 2027 (Negotiable)

【Contact Information】
Mathematical, Computational and Information Science Promotion Division (iTHEMS)

For inquiry, send an email to ithems_saiyou@ml.riken.jp with Subject: iTHEMS Job opening (26-1583).