In April 2023, I started my research group 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.
The aim of the group is the investigation of the mathematical foundations of quantum information and quantum resources.
I am currently in the early stages of setting up the team. Anyone interested in joining or visiting is welcome to get in touch with me. Below you can find the many different ways to join me at RIKEN.
There are several ways to join the group a postdoctoral fellow.
Internal funding
We are currently hiring postdocs. The positions are for 2 years and come with a monthly salary of ¥550,000 JPY per month (+ housing allowance of ¥40,000 and commuting allowance) as well as research/travel funding of ¥1,000,000 per year.
RIKEN’s Special Postdoctoral Researchers Program
For candidates of all nationalities. Salary of ¥550,000 (+ housing allowance and commuting allowance) and independent research funding of ¥1,000,000 per year. 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). Untaxed salary of ¥362,000 per month; 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.
Please get in touch if you are interested in applying for any of the above.
RIKEN does not technically offer a PhD programme. There are, however, possibilities for various types of long-term visits for PhD students.
JSPS postdoctoral fellowship
Even though it is called a postdoctoral fellowship, the short-term variant (1–12 months) is available to 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.