We are a young research group (started in April 2023) at RIKEN, the leading research institute in Japan. Officially called the Mathematical Quantum Information RIKEN Hakubi Research Team, the group is part of RIKEN’s rapidly growing Center for Quantum Computing. We enjoy the generous funding provided by the RIKEN Hakubi Fellowship.
Our group studies the mathematical underpinnings of quantum information theory, with a particular focus on the investigation of the mathematical structure of quantum resources — physical phenomena that underlie practical advantages of quantum technologies in areas such as communication and computation. We aim to develop technical frameworks that help address the fundamental questions of how to quantify, manipulate, and take advantage of physical resources in quantum information and communication tasks. Our approach is to establish a solid and rigorous mathematical foundation which can be directly used to study a variety of physical concepts and settings.
Some of our key research topics are:
Our offices are on the main campus of RIKEN in Wako, just outside of Tokyo. For access information, please consult the RIKEN website or check Google Maps.
The full address is as follows:
There are several ways to join the group as a postdoctoral fellow through independent funding schemes.
RIKEN’s Special Postdoctoral Researchers Program (基礎科学特別研究員)
For candidates of all nationalities. Salary of ¥550,000 (+ housing allowance and commuting allowance) and independent research funding of ¥1,000,000 per year with the possibility to apply for additional grants. Three-year contract. Deadline typically in April.
JSPS International Fellowship for Research in Japan
Independent research fellowship for non-Japanese candidates. Two variants are available: short-term (1–12 months) or long-term (12–24 months). Comes with an untaxed salary of ¥362,000 per month, moving costs and airfare to Japan, plus the possibility to get up to ¥2,400,000 total research funding. Deadlines: twice a year (around August/September and April/May) for long-term fellowships, thrice a year (around January, May/June, and September/October) for short-term fellows.
Country-specific JSPS postdoctoral fellowships
Many countries offer local variants of the JSPS fellowship above. These are often easier to get than the one awarded directly by JSPS. For instance, in the UK, you can apply for short-term fellowships through JSPS London and for long-term fellowships through the Royal Society; in Germany, short-term fellowships are handled by DAAD, and applications for long-term fellowships are made through the Humboldt foundation.
JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship for Young Scientists
For Japanese citizens or permanent residents. Offers an untaxed salary of ¥362,000 per month and research funding of up to ¥1,500,000 per year.
Feel free to get in touch if you are interested in applying for any of the above.
RIKEN is not a degree-granting instiution and does not offer a Master’s or PhD programme. As such, we do not and will not have any openings for student positions.
There are, however, possibilities for various types of long-term visits for current PhD students.
JSPS postdoctoral fellowship
Even though it is called a postdoctoral fellowship, the short-term variant (1–12 months) is available to international PhD students too. It comes with an untaxed salary of ¥200,000 per month. Local variants of this fellowship are also awarded in various countries.
RIKEN’s International Program Associate
Allows doctoral candidates enrolled in a number of universities partnered with RIKEN to spend between 1 and 3 years working at RIKEN. Provides an allowance of ¥5,200 per day plus housing. Applications open twice a year, typically around April and October.
RIKEN’s Junior Associate Program
For PhD students enrolled in Japanese universities. Contract for 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 3 years. Offers a salary of ¥200,000 (+ commuting allowance). Applications are around September/October.
RIKEN Student Researcher
Part-time employment programme for students enrolled in Japanese universities. One year with a possibility of extension. Hourly wage of ¥1,650.