Special Postdoctoral Researcher (SPDR): RIKEN invites applications for the FY 2025 Special Postdoctoral Researcher (SPDR) Program. This program seeks young, creative, and independent researchers to contribute significantly to RIKEN’s research activities. If you are an aspiring researcher, this is an opportunity to engage in autonomous and independent research aligned with RIKEN’s objectives and research fields.
- 🌐 RIKEN is inviting applications for the FY 2025 Special Postdoctoral Researcher (SPDR) Program, aimed at nurturing independent young researchers in various scientific fields.
- Research Opportunities:SPDR Program allows researchers to pursue autonomous research aligned with RIKEN’s objectives in diverse fields such as Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Medical Science, and Engineering.
- Eligibility Criteria:Applicants need a post-2019 Ph.D., the ability to start work in FY 2025, and a commitment to independently pursue a research topic. Past participation in SPDR and FPR programs disqualifies applicants.
- Number of Openings:Around 70 positions are available, subject to budget considerations.
- Duration and Salary:The contract is for three years from April 1, 2025, with a monthly salary of 550,000 yen. Additional benefits include commuting allowance, housing allowance, and a research budget of 1,000,000 yen per year.
- Autonomous Research:The program emphasizes the importance of researchers independently contributing to academic journals and conferences.
- Diversity and Gender Equality:RIKEN actively promotes gender equality and diversity, making efforts to recruit female candidates with similar aptitude.
- Application Process:Applicants must select a hosting laboratory, propose a research topic, and submit required documents by the specified deadlines.
Summary Table:
| Program | Special Postdoctoral Researcher (SPDR) for FY 2025 |
|---|---|
| Application Deadline | April 9, 2024 (Basic Information Registration), April 16, 2024 (Document Submission) |
| Number of Openings | Around 70 (Subject to change based on budget) |
| Contract Duration | Three years from date of hire (April 1, 2025, in principle) |
| Monthly Salary | 550,000 yen (Social insurance premiums and taxes included) |
Study Area: Research fields include Mathematical Sciences, Physics (particle, nuclear, astrophysics), Chemistry, Biology, Medical Science, and Engineering, aligning with RIKEN’s ongoing research.
Scholarship Description: The SPDR Program aims to foster the development of researchers who will be internationally active in the future. Successful candidates will receive research funds for autonomous research and are expected to publish outcomes independently in academic journals and conferences.
Eligibility:
- Prepared to pursue a research topic independently.
- Hold a Ph.D. awarded on or after January 1, 2019, or expect to be awarded by the date of hire.
- Able to start work in FY 2025 (April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026).
- Individuals who have previously participated in the SPDR and FPR programs are not eligible.
Required Documents:
- ID Photo (JPG format)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Research Achievements
- Publication and Presentation List
- Research Proposal
- Reprints of up to three representative papers (if applicable)
- Reference from 1 or 2 individuals qualified to evaluate research achievements
- Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR (for residents of the European Economic Area)
How to Apply:
- Contact a RIKEN laboratory willing to host SPDRs and confirm availability.
- Discuss the research topic with the laboratory head.
- Register basic information online from February 15 to April 9, 2024.
- Download and prepare required application documents.
- Upload documents online by the deadline (April 16, 2024).
- Interview stage to follow based on document-based selection.
Last Date: The application deadline for basic information registration is April 9, 2024, and the deadline for document submission is April 16, 2024.
For inquiries, contact the SPDR Desk, Research Personnel Affairs Section, Human Resources Division, RIKEN, via email at wakate[at]riken.jp.
Join RIKEN in advancing science and technology and be part of an international research community. RIKEN promotes gender equality and diversity and encourages applications from all eligible candidates.
