[Careers, Training, Awards and Funding] Faculty and Other positions

Unit Leader:
Support Unit for Bio-Material Analysis, Research Resources
Division (RRD), RIKEN Center for Brain Science(CBS)

■ URL:
RIKEN's research is based on synthesis and interdisciplinarity, and with free thinking as its basic philosophy, RIKEN promotes research that goes beyond the boundaries of conventional research fields while at the same time responding to the needs of society from a strategic perspective.
RIKEN invites applications for the position of Unit Leader (indefinite-term employment position) to serve in a leadership position in the following research field. The successful candidate will be responsible for directing research and development projects from a medium-to-long-term perspective.
[Open Positions]
Unit Leader: 1 position
[Research Field and Overview]
Field: Biotechnology support for brain science research
The RIKEN Center for Brain Science (CBS) performs basic research and develops innovative technologies that contribute to our understanding of the brain and mind, by focusing on the following four areas: research on high-level cognitive functions of the human brain, multi-layered studies based on animal models, data-driven research led by theoretical and technological advances, and development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods for neuropsychiatric disorders. In order to efficiently carry out these activities, CBS operates general-purpose and/or state-of-the-art equipment that meets the needs of individual laboratories. These facilities are managed by the Support Unit for Bio-Material Analysis (BMA), Research Resources Division. CBS provides a wide range of technical support using these research instruments, as well as centralized maintenance and management of shared equipment for efficient operation.
BMA, which has 14 full-time technical staff and 3 part-time staff as of June 16, 2022, is primarily responsible for providing technical support related to molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, and analytical/synthetic chemistry. In addition to technical support, this unit also provides the following services:
  • BMA has more than 150 pieces of equipment ranging from general-purpose instruments essential for life science experiments to state-of-the-art instruments such as super-resolution microscopes, arranged in 14 rooms (including radiation controlled areas) according to their intended use. BMA manages these shared experimental facilities and explains their operation to users.
  • BMA has established a Technical Personnel Support Section to provide customized support for specialized or routine experiments, e.g. virus vector production, histology, bio-imaging, molecular biology, for which not all laboratories are prepared with the technology.
  • BMA is responsible for hosting educational seminars for technology dissemination and in-house exhibitions of new research equipment, as well as maintaining freezer space and ice machines as part of its administrative duties.
BMA aims to realize cutting-edge support services in line with advances in life science through the development of new technical support and the reorganization of support systems.
This position is for an individual who will supervise the aforementioned duties centering on technical support to laboratories within and outside of CBS, and who will head BMA under the supervision of the Director of the CBS Research Resources Division.
[Qualifications]
  • Candidates must have Ph.D. or a record of achievements equivalent to a Ph.D.
  • Knowledge and skills in a wide range of technology in life sciences, as well as outstanding achievements in research and development (Experience in neuroscience research is a plus.)
  • Enthusiasm for technical support activities
  • Leadership, management skills, and the ability to lead the aforementioned activities
  • Any nationality, but must be able to smoothly perform the above duties and communicate with administrative departments in writing and orally in both English and Japanese
[Work Location]
RIKEN Wako Campus (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198)
[Start of Employment]
RIKEN expects that the successful candidate will be able to take up this position at the earliest opportunity on or after April 1, 2023.
[Application and Required Documents]
Please check the URL above.
[How to apply]
Please check the URL above.
[Deadline]
All the required documents must arrive no later than noon, September 15, 2022 (Japan Standard Time)
[Contact Information]
For research-related inquiries:
Email: m23w03[at] ml.riken.jp
Dr. Hiroyuki Kamiguchi, Chair of the Selection Committee
Deputy Director, RIKEN Center for Brain Science
Email: m23w03[at] ml.riken.jp
For other inquiries:
Email: kjk-desk[at]riken.jp
Research Personnel Affairs Section, Human Resources Division, RIKEN
Contact by phone will not be accepted.
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