RIKEN, Japan’s leading national research institute, has opened a wide range of fully funded research and postdoctoral jobs for 2026 across physics, quantum computing, AI, life sciences, engineering, medical sciences, and sustainable resource science. These positions offer competitive salaries, strong benefits, and access to some of the most advanced research facilities in the world. Whether you are an early-career researcher or an experienced scientist, the RIKEN Jobs 2026 call provides an exceptional opportunity to work in Japan’s top-tier research environment.

RIKEN Research Jobs and Postdoctoral Fellowships – Overview

Host Institution: RIKEN (Japan’s National Research and Development Institute)
Location: Multiple cities across Japan
Position Types: Postdoctoral Researcher, Research Scientist, Senior Research Scientist, Technical Staff (I/II), Research Associate / Lab Staff
Research Fields: Given Below
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Funding Type: Fully Funded (Competitive salary + research expenses + benefits)

Available Fields/Research Areas

More than 100 openings are available across RIKEN centers, including

Science & Engineering

Quantum Computing
Superconducting Electronics
Nanophotonics
Accelerator Science
Condensed Matter Physics
Materials Science

Artificial Intelligence & Computational Science

High-Performance Computing (HPC)
AI for Science
Machine Learning & Robotics
Computational Materials Science
Data Science & Optimization

Life Sciences & Medical Research

Brain Science
Neurobiology
Developmental Biology
Integrative Genomics
Medical Systems Biology

Chemistry & Sustainable Sciences

Catalysis
Carbon Resource Utilization
Plant Science
Synthetic Biology
Environmental Metabolism

Interdisciplinary Research

Astrobiology
Geobiology
Quantum Information Theory

Click Here for Detailed RIKEN Fully Funded Research Opportunities in Japan

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility varies by position, but in general:

PhD degree in a relevant field (required for Research Scientist / Postdoc roles)
Strong academic record and research experience
Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research
English proficiency (many labs operate in English)
Japanese language skills are helpful but not mandatory
Technical Staff roles may accept Bachelor or Master’s degree holders

Click Here for Detailed Eligibility for High-paying Research Jobs in Japan

Application Process for RIKEN Japan Research Jobs

Follow these steps for a smooth application process:

Step 1: Visit the official RIKEN Careers Webpage: Review available positions and select your field.

Click Here to Visit the RIKEN Research Careers in Japan-Jobs Portal

Step 2: Check Eligibility & Requirements: Read the specific call carefully (each laboratory has different requirements).

Step 3: Prepare Your Documents

Degree certificates
CV with publication list
Research statement
Motivation letter
Reference letters (varies by position)

Step 4: Submit Jobs Application Online: Upload all documents through the RIKEN application system or email (depending on the call).

Click Here for Detailed List of 100+ RIKEN Jobs & Fellowships in Japan

Benefits / Financial Coverage

RIKEN positions are fully funded, full-salary employment roles, offering:

1. Competitive Salary (Approximate Ranges)

Postdoctoral Researcher:
367,000–400,000 JPY/month (approx. 4.8–6.9 million JPY per year)
Research Scientist:
500,000–830,000 JPY/month (approx. 6–10 million JPY per year)
Senior Research Scientist / ECL-track Scientists:
8.5–10.9 million JPY/year

2. Allowances

Housing allowance (based on eligibility)
Commuting allowance
Relocation support (varies by department)

3. Insurance & Welfare

Full Japanese social insurance coverage
Pension & employment insurance
Membership in RIKEN Mutual Benefit Society

4. Work Environment

Access to world-leading facilities like the Fugaku supercomputer, Spring-8, advanced imaging labs, and quantum device fabrication facilities
Collaboration opportunities with global research teams
Strong work–life balance policies, paid leave, and flexible working hours

These benefits make RIKEN one of the top-funded research workplaces in Asia.

Apply Now—Start Research Career in Japan

The RIKEN Research & Postdoctoral Jobs 2026 offer a rare chance to work in Japan’s most advanced scientific ecosystem. With excellent salaries, world-class facilities, and a strong international environment, these fully funded positions are ideal for researchers aiming to advance their careers in 2026.

Click Here to Explore Apply for Official RIKEN Research Jobs & Fellowships in Japan

Also Check: List of Open International Research Fellowships Worldwide 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are the RIKEN Jobs 2026 fully funded?

Yes. These are salaried research positions with monthly pay, insurance, and allowances.

2. Who can apply for RIKEN research roles?

Applicants with a PhD in a relevant discipline. Technical roles may accept Bachelor/Master’s degrees.

3. Do I need Japanese language skills?

English is usually sufficient for research roles. Japanese is helpful but not mandatory.

4. What is the salary for RIKEN postdocs?

Postdoctoral researchers typically earn 367,000–400,000 JPY per month, depending on experience.

5. Are the positions open to international applicants?

Yes. RIKEN actively recruits global researchers.

AAlso Check Latest Scholarships Below:

HEC Scholarship
International Scholarships Worldwide
Undergraduate Scholarships
Master Scholarships
PhD Scholarships
Postdoc Fellowships

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