Call for Applications for FY 2027 RIKEN Research Engineer Fellow, Japan

Summary

RIKEN has established the RIKEN Research Engineer Fellow position to recruit early-career research personnel with proven research experience and advanced capabilities in mathematical science, computational science, and information technology. Through strategic initiatives like TRIP (Transformative Research Innovation Platform of RIKEN platforms) and AI for Science, Fellows will collaborate directly with RIKEN scientists to accelerate cutting-edge research across diverse scientific disciplines. In addition to contributing to a host laboratory, Fellows will be supported in expanding their computational expertise, mastering AI for research, and navigating data security.

Designation

• Position Title: RIKEN Research Engineer Fellow
• Affiliation: Research Engineer Enablement Office, RIKEN Information R&D and Strategy Headquarters (Main Affiliation), with concurrent affiliation at an assigned RIKEN Host Laboratory
• Employment Status: Fixed-term employee (annual single-year contract, renewable up to a maximum of 3 years based on evaluation)

Key Program Overview Table

Research Area

• Primary Focus: Mathematical science, computational science, and advanced information technology (e.g., generative AI, agentic AI, high-performance data analysis, scientific computing).
• Applied Fields: Multi-disciplinary scientific domains across RIKEN centers (including physical sciences, life sciences, materials science, quantum computing, brain science, and medical research) participating as designated host laboratories.

Location

• Primary Affiliation: RIKEN Wako Campus (Wako, Saitama)
• Concurrent Affiliation (Host Laboratory Locations):
  • RIKEN Wako Campus (Wako, Saitama)
  • RIKEN Tsukuba Campus (Tsukuba, Ibaraki)
  • RIKEN Tokyo Campus (Chuo-ku, Tokyo)
  • RIKEN Yokohama Campus (Yokohama, Kanagawa)
  • RIKEN Kobe Campus (Kobe, Hyogo)
  • RIKEN Harima Campus (Harima Science Garden City, Hyogo)

Eligibility / Qualifications

Applicants must satisfy all of the following requirements:

1. Doctoral Degree: Must have received a PhD on or after January 1, 2016 (or expect to obtain it before the start date of employment).
   • Exemption note: Those who obtained their PhD on or before December 31, 2015, may apply if documented career interruptions (e.g., maternity/childcare leave, non-research capacity work) bring the active period within an equivalent window.
2. Technical Competencies: Possess advanced skills in mathematical science, computational science, and/or IT tailored to the requirements of the chosen host laboratory.
3. AI & Mathematical Aptitude: Demonstrated interest in acquiring mathematical foundations for evaluating, utilizing, and interpreting AI-generated scientific results safely and rigorously.
4. Mission Alignment: Strong commitment and drive to support and collaborate with RIKEN researchers as a Research Engineer Fellow.
5. Availability: Able to start between April 1, 2027, and January 1, 2028.
6. Secondment: Applicants on secondment from private enterprise are accepted (must focus exclusively on Fellow duties during the contract).

Job Description

• Host Laboratory Collaboration: Utilize computational, mathematical, and data analysis skills to directly drive research projects in the designated host laboratory. As a rule, Fellows are expected to gain experience across multiple laboratories over their contract period.
• Enablement & Skill Enhancement: Engage with the Research Engineer Enablement Office to refine advanced data handling, information infrastructure, security practices, and AI utilization.
• Research & Development: Publish research outcomes, participate in academic conferences, and leverage competitive grants (e.g., KAKENHI-eligible).

How to Apply

1. Contact Prospective Host Laboratory:
   • Review the official Host Laboratories List to select a prospective lab.
   • Contact the laboratory head to verify availability and mutually formulate specific research/engineering duties.
2. Pre-Registration (Online):
   • After aligning with the laboratory head, complete the mandatory basic information pre-registration form before the initial deadline.
3. Application Dossier Submission:
   • Combine the following 7 items into a single PDF named RIKEN Research Engineer Fellow (Applicant Name) Application Documents and upload via RIKEN’s designated submission portal:
     1. Curriculum Vitae (RIKEN standard Excel template converted to PDF).
     2. Summary of major achievements (free format, max 1 page).
     3. List of research achievements emphasizing computational/mathematical outputs.
     4. Proposed work description at the host laboratory (free format, max 4 pages).
     5. Career development plans & aspirations (free format, max 2 pages).
     6. Reprints of up to 3 representative publications.
     7. Signed Consent Form for Handling Personal Information.
4. Letters of Reference:
   • Arrange for 2 reference letters (one preferably from a current supervisor) addressed to the President of RIKEN, signed, and uploaded directly by the referees to the dedicated Reference Letter submission folder.

Last Date for Apply

• Pre-Registration Deadline:Friday, October 23, 2026, at 5:00 PM (JST)
• Document & Reference Letters Upload Deadline:Friday, October 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM (JST)

For inquiries, contact the RIKEN Research Engineer Fellow Desk via email at research-engineer@ml.riken.jp with the email subject formatted as RIKEN Research Engineer Fellow Inquiry: 26-MMDD.

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