Postdoc in Nanoscale Quantum Photonics and Optical Spectroscopy, RIKEN (Wako, Japan)

Job Description

RIKEN’s Nanoscale Quantum Photonics Laboratory, led by Chief Scientist Yuichiro Kato, is hiring a postdoc in quantum photonics for a RIKEN–IBS collaboration on optical and nanoscale spectroscopy of quantum states (job ad 26-1274).

At a glance

• Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (1 post)
• Where: RIKEN Wako Campus, Saitama, Japan
• Pay: 382,610 yen a month or more (salary plus discretionary work allowance at hiring)
• Contract: One year, renewable up to 31 August 2029
• Start: 1 January 2027 or later (negotiable)
• Apply: open until filled (re-checked 18 October 2026)

About the quantum photonics postdoc at RIKEN

• Join a collaboration between RIKEN and Korea’s Institute for Basic Science (IBS) on correlative optical and nanoscale spectroscopy
• Combine RIKEN’s precision optical spectroscopy and nanophotonics of low-dimensional materials with IBS’s scanning-tunnelling-microscope nanospectroscopy
• Study how quantum states form, and how energy is converted, at molecular and nanoscale interfaces
• Work closely with researchers inside and outside the group

The laboratory, part of the RIKEN Pioneering Research Institute, studies the optical properties of nanomaterials and the physics of nanoscale photonic devices. Its premise is that quantum effects become stronger and more robust as systems shrink, so atomically precise devices could support quantum technologies that work at higher temperatures.

Why this role matters

Optical spectroscopy sees quantum states but averages over many nanometres, while STM-based methods see single molecules but little of the light. Putting the two side by side is a powerful way to understand quantum emitters and energy flow in low-dimensional materials. The post also brings an international collaboration with IBS in Korea.

What RIKEN is looking for

• A doctoral degree in a related field
• Good written and spoken English
• A strong publication record showing the ability to do cutting-edge research
• The ability to collaborate with researchers within and outside the group

Pay and location

At hiring, monthly salary plus discretionary work allowance will be 382,610 yen or more, with commuting and housing allowances and social insurance. The contract is for one year, renewable on evaluation up to 31 August 2029, with a two-month trial period. The post requires working on site; RIKEN’s telecommuting system does not apply to it.

How to apply

Apply through the official RIKEN job posting. RIKEN’s posting does not give a closing date, so the role is open until filled; ResearchJobs.in will re-check this listing on 18 October 2026. RIKEN’s ad says the post is open until filled; applications go to the file upload box linked from the ad. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.

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