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Home > Career opportunities > The RIKEN Initiative Research Unit Program Unit Leader
FY2009
The RIKEN Initiative Research Unit Program
Unit Leader
Recruitment goal The call has been closed.
RIKEN is seeking an Initiative Research Unit Leader for FY2009. The Initiative Research Unit Leader Program was established in FY2008 to afford opportunities to outstanding non-Japanese young scientists to pursue independent research, further develop fields advanced at RIKEN, and to promote internationalization of the research environment. The unit leader will select research associates and technicians to independently assemble a research unit and further his or her research objectives.
Research Areas We are recruiting candidates with research proposals in environment & energy science or bio-engineering research which can be condcuted at RIKEN.
Research Location The laboratory will be established at a RIKEN campus in Japan which is judged most appropriate. The work area will include about 150 m2 of laboratory and office space.
Desired Qualifications Applicants should be young non-Japanese scientists who possess both a doctoral degree in a natural science or engineering and a record of outstanding achievement, and will be able, as unit leader, to carry out research based on an independent plan within the above described fields. They should be able to proactively manage a research unit and devote their full energy to this research on a full-time basis.
Number of Positions Available One
Starting Date The term of employment is planned to begin on 1 March 2010. Details will be decided at the interview.
Contract Period The term of employment is for one year, renewable annually up to a maximum of 5 years.
Characteristics of this Program
(1) RIKEN will nominate up to two advisors to provide advice and support to build and manage the research unit.
(2) The Initiative Research Unit leader will, in consultation with the advisor(s), independently select around three research associates to form a group to conduct research. Staff salaries and other expenses will be paid for out of the research budget.
(3) An evaluation of the unit will be conducted by a committee including members from outside RIKEN three years and six months after the start of the initial contract (midterm evaluation), and again at the conclusion of the employment term (final evaluation).
(4) In the event of an exceptionally good midterm evaluation, the unit leader will be recommended, upon completion of the initial five-year term, for a limited term PI position, or a permanent PI position as Associate Chief Scientist, allowing continuation of research, if desired.
(5) The unit is encouraged to take maximum advantage of the RIKEN research environment, including common equipment and facilities, hosting Special Postdoctoral Researchers, Foreign Postdoctoral Researchers and International Program Associates, applying for competitive grants, etc.
(6) The unit will be assigned an office staff member who is proficient in English.
Remuneration, Allowances and Research Budget.
(1) Salary: 10.9 million yen/year (pre-tax) and commuting and housing allowances as per RIKEN regulations.
(2) Research budget: Approximately 38.5 million yen/year, from which the unit leader is expected to recruit and hire several research and technical staff persons. Depending on the circumstances, the first year budget may be supplemented with 10 million yen as startup funds.
Application Procedures and Deadlines 1. Documents to be submitted: Application information (in doc or PDF format)
First go to the RIKEN homepage, download the files specified below, and fill them out as instructed. Applicants may propose only one project plan, though in-depth treatment of that plan is encouraged. Included among the files is a checklist to be used as a tool in preparing the application package. Check off each item as you accomplish it to show it has been completed. When this is done assemble the entire package, including the completed checklist, and mail it via registered mail or express delivery service to the address given below, allowing sufficient time to arrive before the deadline. Application materials should be sent in a manner that can be tracked, such as registered mail or by courier.

Necessary documents:
a. Forms 1-5 should be submitted as originals, form 6 as a copy, and form 7 as a reprint and form 8. Documents should be assembled in order and fastened with a paper clip. (1 set)
b. Forms 1-4 and 7 (copies and/or reprints) should be assembled in order and fastened with a paper clip. (4 sets)
Prepare a total of 5 sets
1. Form 1: Initiative Research Unit Leader Application provided in doc or PDF format with photo attached (photo must be a color photograph of the head and upper body taken within the last three months, 5x4 cm)
One original and four copies
2. Form 2: Research Plan, original (in doc or PDF format)
One original and four copies
3. Form 3: Presentations, papers, research, and achievements, (in doc or PDF format)
One original and four copies
4. Form 4: Synopses of representative publications (in doc or PDF format)
One original and four copies
5. Form 5: Letter of recommendation from supervisor or mentor, in original (in doc or PDF format). The letter may be forwarded separately, but must arrive no later than 5 pm, 30 October 2009 (Japan Standard Time).
One original
6. Form 6: Proof of Doctorate (A4 if possible, or letter-sized, copy of transcripts or graduation certificate)
One copy
7. Form 7: Reprints of up to three of your most significant published articles
One original and four copies
* Application Documentation Checklist[doc] [PDF]

2. Deadline for submission
Application materials must be received by October 30, 2009, 5 pm Japan Standard Time. Prior to the above deadline we will accept electronic files as an interim measure, so please send the essential files as noted below.
Applicants should send the above forms 1-4 as electronic files to 連絡
IRU Desk will respond by email.
Applicants should send documents to the designated address by the submission deadline.

Please keep in mind that electronic files do not equate formal application. Evaluations from research advisors and others will be handled in the same fashion.

3. Method of submission

Please write your return address on the application envelope and send the requested documentation by registered mail or express delivery service to:

IRU Desk, Research Personnel Section
Advanced Research Promotion Division, RIKEN
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
Email: 連絡
When electronic files are sent, please follow up by sending the documents described in the above outline straight away by registered mail or courier. Electronic files unaccompanied by hard copy will not be considered to be a formal application.

Notification of selection for further consideration The first stage of screening will be an evaluation of submitted documents. Successful applicants will then be interviewed. Examination of documents and interviews may be conducted in Japanese or English. Final decisions will be based on the ingenuity of the research proposal and feasibility of the research plan.

(1) Stage 1 results are expected to be available and successful applicants notified of interview details by mid November 2009. Please be certain to provide contact information valid for that period in the field provided on the relevant form.
(2) Interviews for those selected for further consideration are currently scheduled for December 2009. Applicants will be notified of the day and time of interview. Applicants who do not show up for their scheduled interview will be treated as withdrawn. Travel expenses for the interview will be borne by RIKEN.
(3) Interviewees are scheduled to be contacted with the results of their interview in early February 2010.
Other Items
(1) Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
(2) Regardless of the circumstances, documents will not be returned.
(3) Application expenses will be the responsibility of the applicant, but travel and lodging expenses incurred by applicants invited to interview will be reimbursed according to RIKEN policy.
(4) Research results will be treated in accordance with the employment contract.
(5) No information will be released concerning application status or evaluation details.
(6) Contact Information
For further information, please contact us by e-mail or fax. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.
IRU Desk, Research Personnel Section
Advanced Research Promotion Division, RIKEN
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
E-mail: 連絡 Fax: +81-48-463-3687

(7) RIKEN Website
(8) All private data sent to RIKEN in application for employment is handled in strict confidentiality, and such data is not utilized for any other purpose or disclosed to any third party.