Postdoc in Quantum Information Physics Theory, RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing (Franco Nori’s Team)
Job Description
The RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing is recruiting for postdoc positions in quantum information theory in the Quantum Information Physics Theory Research Team led by Franco Nori, with research scientist posts also open (job ad 26-1340).
At a glance
- Position: Postdoctoral Researcher (for PhDs within the past 5 years); Research Scientist and Senior Research Scientist posts also open
- Where: RIKEN Wako Campus, Saitama, Japan
- Pay: 420,000 yen a month or more for postdocs (salary plus discretionary work allowance at hiring)
- Contract: One year, renewable up to 5 years, ending by 31 March 2032
- Start: Flexible, by agreement
- Apply: open until filled (re-checked 18 October 2026)
About the quantum information theory postdoc
- Carry out research in theoretical physics, focusing on one or more of: quantum computing, superconducting qubits, quantum optics, photonics, machine learning, open quantum systems and condensed matter physics
- Work across the team’s interdisciplinary topics, which also include atomic physics, nanomechanics and computational physics
- Contribute to the team’s research projects under the guidance of senior staff
The team developed QuTiP, the open-source Python toolbox widely used for simulating open quantum systems and quantum optics, and also applies AI and machine learning to hard computational problems. RIKEN offers strong computing facilities, and the ad points applicants to the team’s publication list to judge fit.
Why this role matters
Theory groups that span superconducting circuits, quantum optics and open systems are well placed to connect experiments to new ideas, and this one has a long record of doing so. For a young theorist, several years in a large, highly cited team at Japan’s national quantum computing centre is a strong base for an independent career.
What RIKEN is looking for
- A PhD in theoretical physics
- Relevant experience in the team’s research topics and an excellent publication record
- Very good written and spoken English and the ability to work with others
- For the postdoctoral grade, a doctoral degree earned within the past five years
Pay and location
At hiring, monthly salary plus discretionary work allowance will be 420,000 yen or more for postdoctoral researchers (550,000 yen or more for research scientists), with commuting and housing allowances and social insurance. Postdoc contracts run one year at a time, renewable on evaluation for up to five years and no later than 31 March 2032. The ad says RIKEN’s telecommuting system applies to this post.
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 positions are open until filled; first send your CV and publication list to the application email given in the ad. Check the posting for location and work-authorisation details before you apply.
See all our postdoc positions, or browse more research jobs on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: RIKEN
Official advertisement: www.riken.jp
How to prepare for this application
- Start simple: the first step is only a CV and a list of publications (with a ResearcherID or Google Scholar ID if you have one) sent to the team's application email.
- Read the publication list: choose two or three recent team papers close to your work and say how you would build on them.
- Show code as well as theory: if you have used or contributed to QuTiP or similar tools, say so.
- Prepare the later documents: a supervisor's letter, up to three major papers and a research summary of up to three pages may be requested.
- Be patient: the ad warns that applicants who are not selected may not hear back. See more quantum technology jobs.
About RIKEN
RIKEN is Japan's largest comprehensive research institution, founded in 1917. It runs research centres across Japan in physics, chemistry, biology, medical science, engineering and computing, including the RIKEN Center for Quantum Computing, and its main campus is in Wako, Saitama, near Tokyo. Its researchers are employed on fixed-term contracts and can apply for Japan's KAKENHI research grants.
