Job description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
Fundamental Quantum Science Program (FQSP) aims to establish a world-class research center in the field of fundamental quantum science, build a research hub, and foster talent. Centered on four core fields —fundamental physics and chemistry, mathematics, quantum information, and non-equilibrium science— the program returns to the fundamentals of quantum science and conducts research from a medium- to long-term perspective.
In the theoretical field of quantum science, an environment where young researchers can tackle their own unique research themes from an early stage, transcending the boundaries of individual laboratories and principal investigators (PIs), is key to producing innovative results.
In light of this, the FQSP launched the “FQSP Distinguished Fellowships” in fiscal year 2026. This program aims to ensure an environment where emerging researchers can pursue their research with complete independence, with the goal of nurturing them into international researchers who will lead their fields in the future.
Please note that this program will be implemented on the basis of a recommendation received for an early-career researchers with outstanding research achievements and potential (below, the “candidate”) from an individual who can appropriately attest to the research abilities of the candidate, such as their current supervisor or advising professor (below, the “reference”).
Work content and job description
In the research fields of fundamental physics and chemistry, mathematics, quantum information, and non-equilibrium science —which are the focus of the FQSP— you will be expected to advance theoretical research that explores the fundamentals of quantum theory.
The job description may be changed during the contract period or upon contract renewal to the extent described above.
Assigned department
Existing departments
Fundamental Quantum Science Program, TRIP Headquarters
Job type
- Researcher/Postdoc level
Research field
- Natural Science - Mathematical physics and fundamental theory of condensed matter physics
- Natural Science - Basic mathematics
- Natural Science - Geometry
- Natural Science - Magnetism, superconductivity and strongly correlated systems
- Informatics - Theory of informatics
Wages
- Annual Salary : 12 million yen ~
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 1,000,000 JPY or more.
Working hours
- 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.
Application requirements
Qualifications
Education and Degree Requirements
Ph.D. / Doctor
Candidates who, as of November 13, 2026, have held a Ph.D. for four years or less (including those expected to receive their Ph.D. by the hiring date)
Description
*Periods during which research activities were interrupted due to maternity leave, paternity leave, or childcare leave following the award of the Ph.D. are excluded.
Eligible candidates should include details regarding the reason for and duration of any such interruptions in their resume.
Employment Type
- Contract employee
- Research Scientist
Contract period
- Nontenured - Non-tenure track
- A successful candidate will sign a multi-year employment contract as a Fixed-term Employee. This contract lasts from the date of hire until the end of the fiscal year (March 31) when they reach their third year of employment. After the initial contract period, the contract may be renewed for up to a maximum of four years from the date of hire.
Example: If hired on May 1, 2027
At the time of hiring, the employee will sign a multi-year employment contract from May 1, 2027 to March 31, 2031. On and after April 1, 2031, the contract may be renewed, with April 30, 2031 as the last possible date. - 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.
Probationary period present
In principle, the first two months of employment are considered a trial period.
There is no change of working conditions.
Work location
351-0198 Saitama , 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, RIKEN Wako Campus
RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary, in accordance with RIKEN regulations.
Compensation
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
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.
Application Considerations
Number of hired
1 person(s)
Description
Research Scientist, a few positions
Job content supplemental explanation
Start of Employment:
On or after April 1, 2027 (Negotiable)
Application period
2026/10/23~2026/11/13 Deadline for receipt
Recommendation Registration Deadline:
November 13, 2026
Application Submission Deadline:
December 14, 2026
Application method
Attached documents
Application Form : Online Submission
Please refer to "job Posting URL"
Achievements and Activities : Online Submission
Please refer to "job Posting URL"
Other online application forms
Please refer to "job Posting URL"
Return of application documents
Others
Application documents will not be returned.
Submitted documents including personal information will be used only for the purpose of applicant screening.
JREC-IN Portal web application
Not available
E-mail Application
Not available
Recruiting Institution's Web application system
Accept
Please refer to "job Posting URL"
URL of this job posting
https://www.riken.jp/en/careers/researchers/20261021_1/index.html
Selection / Notification of result
Selection
Application screening and interview for selected candidates
Notification of result
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.
Contact details
RIKEN
RIKEN
TRIP Promotion Division
fqsp_jimu(at)ml.riken.jp
- Please change (at) to @ and send it.
For inquiries, please send an email.
Notes
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.
・Selected researchers will be allocated research funds of up to 2 million yen per person per fiscal year.
