26 Sep 2026
Job Information
- Organisation/Company: Renaissance Philanthropy
- Research Field: All; Other
- Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2); Leading Researcher (R4); First Stage Researcher (R1); Established Researcher (R3)
Offer Description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
Japan ASCENT Program Context
Japan is a global leader in science and engineering, with world-class universities and significant investment in research and development (R&D). Yet its innovation ecosystem faces a persistent challenge: translating research excellence into startups, industries, and global impact. Limited pathways to commercialization can constrain the ambitions of Japanese researchers, contribute to talent leakage, and slow economic renewal.
The Government of Japan launched the Global Startup Campus (GSC) Initiative to transform this dynamic by attracting world-class researchers, startups, and investors, and by piloting ambitious programs in international research, venture building, and fellowships.
Renaissance Philanthropy's flagship contribution to this effort is ASCENT (Accelerating Science, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship through New Technologies), a formal R&D partnership with the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) under the Cabinet Office's Global Startup Campus Initiative. ASCENT is designed to identify, fund, and accelerate high-impact technology development while strengthening Japan's capacity to translate ambitious research into real-world applications and commercial impact.
Through ASCENT, Renaissance Philanthropy has already deployed the first Japan-based cohort of its Big if True Science (BiTS) Accelerator to train Venture Directors (VDs)—science leaders capable of designing and implementing ambitious R&D programs. Building on this foundation, ASCENT will develop and deliver high-impact research programs spanning advanced manufacturing, intelligent systems, and other areas of deep technology; accelerate their translation into real-world applications and new ventures; and cultivate a pipeline of next-generation science leaders through the BRIDGE fellowship. Together, these efforts will equip participants with the skills, networks, and institutional support to advance transformative ideas in Japan and internationally.
Work content and job description
Role Overview
The Technical Scientific, Engineering & Technical Assistant (Tech SETA) will support ASCENT's program operations in Japan. Serving as a trusted technical resource to the ASCENT Program Director and Venture Directors, the Tech SETA will provide domain expertise, conduct technical due diligence, and engage with performers across the program portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct technical due diligence on proposals and venture candidates in AI, machine vision, and robotics
- Monitor milestone progress for funded performers and flag technical risk to the Program Director
- Provide domain expertise to support portfolio design, Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) development, and evaluation criteria
- Participate in site visits, demo days, and peer reviews, and facilitate knowledge exchange across the portfolio
- Support ecosystem mapping, including competitive and IP landscapes and opportunities for new spinouts
- Serve as a liaison between Japanese academic and industry stakeholders and the ASCENT leadership team
- Prepare clear, decision-ready technical summaries and briefing materials in both Japanese and English
Assigned department: Existing departments
Work location
150-0031 Tokyo 1-2 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Sakura Deeptech Shibuya. We have an office at Sakura Deeptech Shibuya.
The position is primarily remote, with in-person attendance required as needed.
Number of hired: 1 person(s)
Job content supplemental explanation: The start date is negotiable.
Additional Information
Benefits
Compensation
Annual salary: 10 million yen - 12 million yen
Wages description: Compensation will be commensurate with experience. This is a contractor position, and further details will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview process.
Working hours: 09:30-18:30
Holidays: Five-day workweek
Overtime and other explanations: Fully flexible schedule
Employment type: Outsourced Worker
Contract period: Nontenured
Contract period description: This is a contractor position, and further details will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview process. (The engagement is expected to continue through March 2029 at the latest and will not be subject to renewal.)
Probationary period: Probationary period absent
Additional comments
Compensation
Compensation will be commensurate with experience. This is a contractor position, and further details will be discussed with qualified candidates during the interview process.
Diversity
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification. The strongest candidates will bring unique perspectives and experiences that complement our mission. Renaissance Philanthropy is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all team members.
Work Location(s)
- Number of offers available: 1
- Company/Institute: Renaissance Philanthropy
- Country: Japan
- City: Tokyo
Contact
City: Tokyo