Call for applications for Associate Chief Scientist, RIKEN, Japan

RIKEN is now accepting applications for the position of Associate Chief Scientist. This is a position introduced at RIKEN in April 2006 with the long-term objective of fostering the development of young and talented scientists who will take the lead in pioneering the next generation of scientific research.

RIKEN is now accepting applications for the position of Associate Chief Scientist. This is a position introduced at RIKEN in April 2006 with the long-term objective of fostering the development of young and talented scientists who will take the lead in pioneering the next generation of scientific research. Please refer to the FAQ link below for more detailed information.

1.RESEARCH FIELDS
This position is open to all research fields, but priority will be given to those areas which can be expected to make the best use of RIKEN's resources and achieve remarkable progress.

2. QUALIFICATIONS
Young and talented scientists with a long-term vision of the next generation of scientific endeavor, and with the proven ability to preside over their own autonomous laboratories will be considered as candidates for this new position. Open to all nationalities.

3. LABORATORY & BUDGET
(1) The Associate Chief Scientist shall have the authority to make recommendations for the appointment of Fixed-Term Contract Employees, Special Postdoctoral Researchers, and Junior Research Associates. The Associate Chief Scientists shall also have the authority to purchase supplies, and apply for research funds and laboratory space. The Associate Chief Scientist does not have the right to hire tenured researchers. (However, a scientist who is already a tenured researcher at RIKEN can transfer to a laboratory headed by an Associate Chief Scientist.)

(2) The Associate Chief Scientist is responsible for overseeing the work of all laboratory members; managing the laboratory budget; and managing the maintenance and use of all laboratory equipment and instruments.

(3) The Associate Chief Scientist will be given priority in the allocation of around 20 million yen to start a new laboratory (those who already have a research base in RIKEN will be allocated around 10 million yen).

(4) The Associate Chief Scientist will be expected to apply for competitive funds within and outside of RIKEN for the regular financing of the laboratory.

(5) Please refer to the following Website for more detailed information on the position and what it entails. http://www.riken.jp/engn/r-world/info/recruit/070831/gaiyou.html

4. NUMBER OF OPENINGS. There are currently several openings.

5. APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
(1) Application form with photo (Form 1) - 1 original
(2) Research proposal (Form 2) - 1 original
(3) Papers, presentations (Form 3) - 1 original
(4) Summary of major achievements to date (Form 4) - 1 original
(5) List of competitive funding secured to date (Form 5) - 1 original
(6) Recommendations from two persons qualified to evaluate your work
There is no required form. Recommendation letters should be addressed to the RIKEN President. Be sure to list the names and contact information for the two people writing your recommendations. If the recommendations are sent separately from the application documents, your name should be written on the envelopes. Recommendations must be sent to arrive at RIKEN by 17:00 on Friday, August 31, 2007
(Japan Standard Time). Send to the address given below. - 1 each original
(7) Up to 5 of your major papers - 4 copies each
(8) A4 size copies of items (1) through (5) above
Compile in order of (1) through (5) and secure each set with a clip at top left - 3 sets

Personal information
Submitted documents will be handled in accordance with the RIKEN rules concerning personal information, and only used for screening applications for this position. Personal information will not be disclosed, transferred, or lent to any third party without a justifiable reason.

6. SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates selected in an initial screening of submitted documents will be asked to make a presentation sometime in late November, 2007.
All candidates will be notified of pass-fail results for the initial screening.

7. STARTING DATE OF EMPLOYMENT
On April 1, 2008, or as soon as possible thereafter.

8. TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT AND LOCATION
The position is tenured, subject to RIKEN's mandatory retirement age of 60. The Associate Chief Scientist laboratory will be located at either RIKEN's Wako campus in Saitama or at the Harima Institute in Hyogo. Contact RIKEN for further information.

9. REMUNERATION
Annual salary (with a bonus system)
A commuting allowance and a housing allowance are available. Social insurance is applicable. Days off are Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, New Year period (29 Dec-3 Jan) and RIKEN Foundation Day.
Other points are as described in RIKEN regulations.
JASSO scholarship loan recipients will be eligible to have their loan repayment waived. Eligible to apply for external funding (KAKEN funding and the like).

10. APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications must be received at RIKEN by 17:00 on Friday, August 31, 2007(Japan Standard Time).

11. To submit documents and for inquiries, contact:
Associate Chief Scientist Desk
Research General Affairs Section
DRI/FRS Research Promotion Division
2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198
(3rd floor of the RIKEN Gallery building)
Fax 048-462-4608
E-mail: [email protected]

Telephone calls cannot be accepted. All application documents should be sent by post mail or hand-delivered directly to the Research General Affairs Section. Submission as an e-mail attachment will not be accepted.

12. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
refer to the RIKEN Web site: http://www.riken.jp