Careers

Special Postdoctoral Researchers Program

Apply to SPDR

Objective


There is a pressing need to make the most of creative and basic research potential if we are to pioneer new frontiers in science and technology on a global scale. And for this our greatest hope lies with the work of talented and free-thinking young scientists. RIKEN's program for Special Postdoctoral Researchers (SPDR) was instituted to provide young and creative scientists the opportunity to be involved in autonomous and independent research that is in line with RIKEN objectives and research fields.

Features

  1. RIKEN's program for Special Postdoctoral Researchers was instituted to provide young and creative scientists the opportunity to be involved in autonomous and independent research that is in line with RIKEN objectives and research fields.
  2. To the extent possible, the Special Postdoctoral Researcher will have free access to various RIKEN facilities and equipment.
  3. Qualifications are as follows:
    • In principle, candidates must have acquired or expect to acquire a doctoral degree on or after April 1, 2007.
    • Candidates must have a doctoral degree in natural sciences (including those who are expected to get their doctorate).
    • Non-Japanese applicants who are not permanent residents of Japan must, in addition to the above requirements, have completed a doctoral program at a Japanese graduate school (or must be preparing to complete such a program) and must have a doctoral degree (or expecting to secure a doctoral degree).
  4. This is a fixed term contract position that must be renewed each year, but contract renewal can be repeated up to a maximum of three years. Should the Special Postdoctoral Researcher take maternity and/or childcare leave during the contracted period, the contract duration can be extended.

Research fields

All areas of physics, chemistry, biology, medical science, and scientific and technological engineering that relate to research being conducted at RIKEN.

Selection process

Applications are publicly solicited each year. A committee comprised of scientists working in the relevant fields both inside and outside RIKEN, carefully screens each applicant on the basis of submitted documents and an interview.

Please refer to the FY2013 Call for SPDR Applicants for detailed information on application deadlines and schedule.

Contact

Special Postdoctoral Researcher Desk
Global Relations Office
RIKEN, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198
Email: wakate [at] riken.jp
Fax: +81-(0)48-463-3687