Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (25-509) – RIKEN, Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences

Position Description

【Title】    
Seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (25-509)

【Laboratory】    
Division of Fundamental Mathematical Science, RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (Division Director：Satoshi Iso)

【Outline of Laboratory】    
RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Sciences (iTHEMS) is an international research center at RIKEN. It facilitates close collaborations among researchers from different disciplines in theoretical, mathematical and computational sciences. On April 1, 2025, iTHEMS transitioned from a program to a center. The ultimate goal of iTHEMS is to unravel the mystery of the Universe, matter, and life, as well as to solve key problems in modern society through interdisciplinary approaches.
For more information, please refer to the following website:
RIKEN Center for Interdisciplinary Theoretical and Mathematical Science (iTHEMS)

【Job title and Job description 】　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　
Job title
Postdoctoral Researcher: 1 position

Job description
This call for applications is for a Postdoctoral Researcher in the field of theoretical physics or mathematical sciences who will work with Research Scientist  Sotaro Sugishita (Main affiliation: Faculty of Science, Kyoto University) , the principal investigator of the JST BOOST project “Construction of Random Network Representations of Quantum Spacetime and Gravitational Learning Models  (in Japanese only)”at the iTHEMS Division of Fundamental Mathematical Science.
We welcome applications from researchers with an interest in any of the following fields: quantum gravity, field theory, machine learning, statistical physics, random matrix theory, or complex networks.

The job description may be changed during the contract period or upon contract renewal to the extent described above.

【Qualification】
The candidate should possess a doctoral degree or be expected to obtain a doctoral degree by the date of hire.

【Work location】
The work location will be one of the following;
•    RIKEN Wako Branch (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama)
•    SUURI-COOL Kyoto, Kyoto University（Yoshida-honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto）
RIKEN has implemented a work-from-home system. Employees can work from home in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
RIKEN may order the employee to change work locations, if necessary.

【Salary and benefits】
1. A one-year fixed-term employment contract, renewable based on evaluation, up to March 31, 2030.
2. 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.
 
In principle, the first two months of employment is considered a trial period.
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. The monthly base salary is 327,200 JPY. The monthly base salary and variable salary are subject to change due to amendments to RIKEN regulations. Discretionary work, commuting and housing allowances will be provided. Social insurance will be applied.
The approximate amount of annual salary at the time of employment:
The monthly salary including discretionary work allowance at the time of employment will be more than 450,000 JPY.
Mandatory membership in the RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society (RIKEN Kyosaikai).
This position falls under the specialized duties discretionary work system; one working day will be calculated as 7 hours and 30 minutes.  
Days off include 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).
There are also additional leave systems such as maternity leave, childcare leave, and family nursing care leave.
Smoking is entirely prohibited on site   at RIKEN.No smoking indoors at Kyoto University.
These and other provisions are in accordance with RIKEN regulations.
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.

＊Also, eligible for an exemption from repayment for category 1 scholarship loans provided by the Japan Student Services Organization before fiscal year 2003, and eligible applying for the MEXT Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi).
The Wako Campus has an on-site daycare, RIKEN Kids Wako. For details, please send an email to kids@riken.jp.

【Application and required documents】
[Required documents]
1. A cover letter explaining your motivations to apply for this position. If there are special circumstances you would like the committee to consider, you may include them here.
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV)*
* In the notes section of your CV, include the job position number (25-509) next to the title of the job position. You may also include your research IDs (ORCID, Google Scholar, etc.).
3. List of publications (including preprints)
4. Research statement (summary of current and past research relevant to this position; 2 pages max)
5. Research proposal (describe your research objectives over the time scale of the position; 3 pages max)
6.Interdisciplinary statement (discuss your views and interest on interdisciplinarity, and how you see yourself interacting with iTHEMS members from other fields; 1 page max)
7. Contact information of two persons willing to provide a reference.
8.Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR
If you are a resident of the European Economic Area (EEA)or UK, you are required to submit the document, “Consent form for handling personal information based on GDPR and Regulation of the European Parliament and of the council of on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (UK General Data Protection Regulation)” with your signature.

 *You will find detailed information about General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on the following website:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/law-topic/data-protection_en
*You will find detailed information about Regulation of the European Parliament and of the council of on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (UK GDPR) on the following website: