Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher in the Laboratory for Transcriptional Regulation

RIKEN, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences is now inviting applications for a Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher in the Laboratory for Transcriptional Regulation on RIKEN Yokohama campus.

Outline of Laboratory

Our laboratory is dedicated to elucidating the molecular mechanisms that govern immune cell differentiation, with a particular emphasis on transcription factor–mediated gene regulation. Our ultimate goal is to uncover the molecular basis of disease development. Specifically, we are developing novel methods to detect biomolecular interactions and investigating the mechanisms that establish immune tolerance. Through these efforts, we aim to introduce new concepts in immune system regulation and contribute to advancing human health by enabling innovative therapeutic strategies.

Recent major publications:

1. Ogawa C, Okuyama K, Kojo S, Nishino K, Machiyama H, Padhi AK, Takahashi H, Ebihara T, Tenno M, Zhizhen Q, Muroi M, Ito K, Sawasaki T, Zhang KYJ, Xue H-H, Yokosuka T, Kosako H, Taniuchi I. Phosphorylation of Runx protein controls CD4-helper versus CD8-cytotoxic lineage choice. Nat. Immunol. in press.
2. Yamashita M, Ogawa C, Zhang B, Kobayashi T, Nomura A, Barker C, Zou C, Yamanaka S, Hayashi KI, Shinkai Y, Moro K, Fargarasan S, Imami K, Seita J, Shirai F, Sawasaki T, Kanemaki MT, Taniuchi I. (2024) Cell-type specific, inducible and acute degradation of targeted protein in mice by two degron systems. Nat. Commun. 15:10129
3. Okuyama K, Yamashita M, Koumoundourou A, Wiegreffe C, Ohno-Oishi M, Murphy S, Zhao X, Yoshida H, EbiharaT, Satoh-Takayama N, Kojo S, Ohno H, Morio T, Wu Y, Puck J, Xue H-H, Britsch S, Taniuchi I. (2024) A mutant Bcl11bN440K protein interferes with Bcl11a function during T lymphocyte and neuronal development. Nat. Immunol. 25:2284-2296.
4. Yamashita M, Kuehn HS, Okuyama K, Okada S, Inoue Y, Mitsuiki N, Imai K, Takagi M, Kanegane H, Takeuchi M, Shimojo N, Tsumura M, Padhi AK, Zhang KYJ, Boisson B, Casanova JL, Ohara O, Rosenzweig SD, Taniuchi I*, Morio T*. (2021) A variant in human AIOLOS impairs adaptive immunity by interfering with IKAROS. Nat. Immunol. 22:893-903. *Corresponding authors.
5. Seo W, Shimizu K, Kojo S, Okeke A, Kowhi-Shigematsu T, Fujii SI, Taniuchi I.(2020) Runx-mediated regulation of CCL5 via antagonizing two enhancers influences immune cell function and anti-tumor immunity. Nat Commun. 11:1562.
6. Liu M, Kuo F, Capistrano KJ, Kang D, Nixon BG, Shi W, Chou C, Do MH, Stamatiades EG, Gao S, Li S, Chen Y, Hsieh JJ, Hakimi AA, Taniuchi I, Chan TA, Li MO. (2020) TGFβ Suppresses Type 2 Immunity to Cancer. Nature587:115-120.
7. Tenno M, Shiroguchi K, Muroi S, Kawakami E, Koseki K, Kryukov K, Imanishi T, Ginhoux F, Taniuchi I. (2017) Cbfb2-deficiency preserves Langerhans cell precursors by lack of selective TGFb receptor signaling. J. Exp. Med.214:2933-2946.

Job title and Job description

Job title

Research Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher: 1 position

Job description

The successful candidate will engage in research aimed at elucidating the molecular mechanisms that regulate immune cell development. This work includes developing and applying novel technologies to detect biomolecular interactions, advancing in vivo gene correction methods, and establishing strategies to control immune tolerance to exogenous antigens. These activities will be carried out in close collaboration with surrounding researchers. We offer a dynamic research environment, access to cutting-edge technologies, and opportunities for collaboration with leading experts in immunology and molecular biology.

Please note that the job description may be modified during the contract period or upon renewal, within the scope described above.

The difference in positions is as follows:

• Research Scientist: Carries out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes.
• Postdoctoral Researcher: Carries out research and other work in accordance with laboratory research themes under the mentorship and training of supervisors.

Requirements and expectations

Common to all positions

• Ability to dedicate oneself to the role by communicating, coordinating, and collaborating effectively with colleagues both inside and outside the laboratory. Proficiency in English is required; Japanese language skills are highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in multicolor flow cytometry analysis.
• Knowledge and technical skills in basic omics analysis methods using NGS (e.g., RNA-seq, ChIP-seq, scRNA-seq).

Research Scientist

A doctoral degree awarded at least 3 years ago in a field related to the Job Description.

Postdoctoral Researcher

A doctoral degree awarded less than 3 years ago in a field related to the Job Description.

Work location

RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences (Yokohama Campus)

1-7-22 Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa 230-0045 Japan

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 March 31, 2029.

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:

Research Scientist

The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment will be 431,000 JPY or more.

For a candidate who finished their PhD approximately 5 years ago and has the appropriate experience, skills and track record, the monthly pay at hire (including the Discretionary Work Allowance) will be approximately 510,000 JPY/month.

Postdoctoral Researcher

The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment will be 367,000 JPY or more.

For a candidate who joins RIKEN immediately after finishing their PhD, the monthly pay at hire (including the Discretionary Work Allowance) will be approximately 400,000 JPY/month.

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 (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.

The Yokohama Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Yokohama. For details, please send an email to kids-yk-hr@ml.riken.jp

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.

Application and required documents

Required documents

Prepare the documents below as PDF files and follow the instructions in [How to Apply] to submit them at the web site,

https://www.riken.jp/en/careers/researchers/20251017_2/index.html

• 1. Complete CV (using RIKEN format) with email address (Also indicate the desired position (e.g., Research Scientist) and the open call ID [25-1577] in the upper right corner of the CV.)
• 2. List of research achievement and publications (articles, reviews and books), presentations, etc. in the past 5 years (including Researcher ID or Google Scholar ID, if available)
• 3. Brief description of previous research and achievements, and future research plans (maximum of two A4-size pages).
• 4. Recommendation Letter (1)
• 5. PhD/ degree diploma
• 6. List of competitive external funds obtained
• 7. Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR (if applicable)

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to apply

The above documents except the recommendation letter should be converted to PDF and uploaded to the following website after these files are combined into a single ZIP file:

RIKEN/IMS Application Box

• Zip file name: 25-1577_Position Title_Applicant’s name

Notes on recommendation letters and upload instructions...

Deadline

Until the position is filled.

Selection process

Selection will be made based on application screening and interviews.(Face-to-Face or Remote)

RIKEN does not cover the travel expense for the interview.

Start of Employment

April 1, 2026 (negotiable)

Contact Information

Recruiting staff for RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences

Research Personnel Affairs Section, Human Resources Strategy Division

Human Resources Group

Email: IMS-recruit@riken.jp

Inquiry for research-related:

RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences

Laboratory for Transcriptional Regulation

Team Director: Ichiro Taniuchi

Email: ichiro.taniuchi@riken.jp