Junior Research Associate program
Program summary
The Junior Research Associate (JRA) program, launched in 1996, was revised in FY 2009 to focus on graduate students working on their PhDs at Japanese universities with collaborative agreements with RIKEN. We are now calling for applications for the FY 2013 JRA program.
This program provides part-time positions at RIKEN for young researchers enrolled in Japanese university PhD programs to give them the opportunity to carry out research alongside RIKEN scientists and to enhance RIKEN's creative and basic research capabilities.
To strengthen RIKEN's ties with Japanese universities, the JRA program is intended for applicants attending Japanese graduate schools that have collaborative agreements for education and research with RIKEN or that are involved in joint research with RIKEN.
NOTE: From FY 2011, RIKEN will be making special efforts to foster the development of basic research in medical fields, and recent graduates of medical and dental schools who have acquired their medical or dental licenses are welcome to apply.
Program features
The JRA will be employed on a part-time basis by RIKEN to conduct research under the instruction of RIKEN scientists.
JRA Program FAQ
- JRA research fields
Physics, chemistry, engineering, biology and medicine, in which RIKEN is prepared to provide instruction and supervision.
- Qualifications
Candidates must be enrolled (or scheduled to be enrolled) in a doctorate course at a Japanese graduate school at the time of employment. The graduate school must have a collaborative agreement with RIKEN or be involved in joint research with RIKEN scientists, and must be willing to give permission for the JRA to undertake research instruction at RIKEN.
NOTE: Those whose time at the university has exceeded the standard term of study for a PhD or who are participating in a similar program at another institution are ineligible to apply.
- Contract duration & work conditions
The JRA contract is for one year. If, however, the candidate acquires a PhD or quits the university during the program, the contract will terminate at such time regardless of whether a full year has passed.
The contract may be renewed for up to a maximum of three consecutive years (four years if the standard term of study is for four years). Employment is on a part-time basis for 5 hours per day, 5 days per week.
- Remuneration
Salary : JPY 164,000 per month (tax included)
Commuting allowance : At cost up to a maximum of JPY 45,000 per month in accordance with RIKEN regulations
- Application and screening schedule
Applications accepted : From October to the end of November 2012
Screening of application documents : Early to mid-December 2012
Contract : Late March 2013
Program start : April 1, 2013
Please refer to FY2013 JRA Program for details.
Contact
JRA Desk, Research Personnel Support Section
Global Relations Office, RIKEN
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198 Japan
Fax: +81-(0)48-463-3687
Email: jra [at] riken.jp