Offer Description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
We aim to elucidate the origins of nucleon spin and mass by conducting theoretical studies of high-energy quantum chromodynamics (QCD) with various experiments, including the Electron Ion Collider (EIC). We also seek to pioneer research into multiscale quantum dynamics across different physical scales, generating significant spillover effects in fields such as condensed matter physics and computational science.
Details of the business
RIKEN is Japan's largest and most comprehensive research organization for basic and applied science.
Work content and job description
You will conduct theoretical research on the various dynamical properties of QCD, providing a unified overview of the theory across all energy scales — from the low-energy non-perturbative regime analyzed in lattice QCD to the high-energy regime described by perturbative QCD. In addition, by integrating these theoretical insights with experimental data, you will deepen the understanding of the unique dynamical properties of QCD and uncover fundamental mysteries regarding the nature of matter.
Additionally, you will work closely with the Principal Investigator (PI) to establish a research team and promote collaboration with the QCD research community in Japan.
Research Scientist
The successful candidate is expected to conduct research and development on topics specified above and to contribute to the management of the laboratory.
Senior Research Scientist
The successful candidate is expected to conduct research and development on topics specified above and to contribute to the management of the laboratory and is also expected to assist the team director.
Assigned department
Newly established departments
Date of new establishment: Installed on September 1, 2026
Work location
Address
351-0198 Saitama, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, RIKEN Wako Campus
RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.
Potential sites of relocation: Any campus, branch, or office as ordered by RIKEN.
Number of hired
1 person(s)
Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist: 1 position
The position at the time of hiring will be determined through the selection process.
Job content supplemental explanation: Start of Employment
RIKEN expects that the successful candidate will be able to take up this position at the earliest opportunity after February 1, 2027.
Other conditions at the time of appointment will be negotiable.
Additional Information
Benefits
Compensation
Annual salary: 7 million yen
Wages description: 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 670,000 JPY or more for Senior Research Scientist, and 640,000 JPY or more for Research Scientist.
Working hours: 09:00-17:20
Break time: 12:00-12:50
Holidays: 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).
Overtime and other explanations: This position falls under the specialized duties discretionary work system; one working day will be calculated as 7 hours and 30 minutes.
Employment type: Regular employee
Employment type description: Research Scientist or Senior Research Scientist
Contract period: Tenured
Contract period description: This post is an indefinite-term employment position. Mandatory retirement age for FY 2025 and FY 2026 is 62 years old.
Note: RIKEN has been increasing the mandatory retirement age by one year every two years from FY 2023. There is a Special Temporary Employment Program that allows employees to be rehired and continue working until age 65.
Probationary period: Present
Probationary period description: In principle, the first two months of employment is considered a trial period. There is no change of working conditions.
Various systems
Pay increase system: 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.
Transportation expenses: available
Retirement age: available
Others: Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai). There are also additional leave systems such as maternity leave, childcare leave, and family nursing care leave.
Insurance
Employees' Health Insurance: available
Employees' Pension Insurance: available
Worker's accident insurance: available
Employment insurance: available
Others: available
Measures for preventing passive smoking at the workplace
Smoking is entirely prohibited on site.
Supplementary explanation of compensation
RIKEN has implemented a telecommuting system that allows employees to work from home or other locations permitted by RIKEN.
- 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.
Additional comments
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.