Junior Research Associate (JRA): RIKEN invites energetic and open-minded graduate students enrolled in Japanese PhD programs to apply for the Junior Research Associate (JRA) program. This part-time position allows students to conduct research alongside accomplished scientists at RIKEN, thereby fostering their scientific capabilities and enhancing the institution’s basic research.
Title: Junior Research Associate (JRA) for FY2026
Designation:
Junior Research Associate (JRA)
Research Area:
- Mathematical Sciences (Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Science, Artificial Intelligence, etc.)
- Physics (Particle, Nuclear, Astrophysics, Condensed Matter, etc.)
- Chemistry
- Biology (Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Structural Biology, Microbiology, etc.)
- Medical Science (Immunology, Oncology, Genome Science, etc.)
- Engineering
Location:
RIKEN Laboratories, Japan (specific locations may vary).
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Must be enrolled in a doctorate program at a Japanese graduate school as of April 1, 2026 (or October 1, 2026, for specific hires).
- Must meet one of the following conditions:
- Enrolled in a graduate school with a joint graduate school program agreement with RIKEN.
- Enrolled in a graduate school involved in joint research with RIKEN.
- Enrolled in a graduate school with a research collaboration agreement with RIKEN.
- Individuals whose PhD study term has exceeded the standard term are not eligible.
Job Description:
The Junior Research Associate will conduct research in various fields while receiving guidance from RIKEN scientists. The position is designed to enhance research skills and foster connections between RIKEN and Japanese universities.
Salary and Benefits:
- Monthly Salary: JPY 250,000 (tax included)
- Commuting allowance in accordance with RIKEN regulations (up to JPY 150,000 per month)
- Holidays: Weekends, national holidays, and a special leave entitlement of 20 days per year (with additional student leave).
How to Apply:
- Complete the application through the RIKEN JRA Recruitment and Selection online system by uploading required documents.
- Ensure that your research supervisor submits a letter of recommendation through the same system.
- See attached application procedures on the RIKEN JRA Recruitment and Selection page for detailed instructions.
Last Date to Apply:
- For JRA Candidates: 13:00, Friday, October 24, 2025
- For Principal Investigators: 1 pm on Friday, November 7, 2025
For inquiries, please contact the Junior Research Associate Desk at jra@ml.riken.jp.
RIKEN promotes equality and diversity, encouraging applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
