RECRUIT



Seeking Chief Scientist



The RIKEN SPring-8 Center (RSC) is a photon science research institute, which is part of the RIKEN Harima Institute together with two world class facilities: SACLA an X-ray Free Electron Laser (FEL) and SPring-8 a third generation synchrotron radiation (SR) facility. SACLA, the world's 2nd XFEL source, first lased in June 2011, and reached the shortest wavelength,0.63 angstrom in October 2011. SACLA started operating for users in March 2012. SPring-8 is amongst the world's brightest SR sources with 57 beamlines.

The mission of the RSC is to lead cutting-edge research using SACLA and SPring-8, the world's first XFEL/SR photon science research complex. These facilities host more than 9,000 scientists annually from universities and research institutes who visit to carry out experiments in various research fields. To carry out it's mission the RSC is organized into the four mission-oriented divisions: Innovative Light Sources Division, Photon Science Research Division, Advanced Photon Technology Division and XFEL Research and Development Division (details can be found at the web site http://rsc.riken.jp/eng/index.html). In the tradition of RIKEN, within these divisions are independent laboratories led by Chief Scientists.

Following recent departures from the RSC RIKEN invites applications for two Chief Scientists (Laboratory Directors) to conduct XFEL/SR science. One of new Chief Scientists will join the Innovative Light Sources Division, responsible for the technical development of advanced accelerator based photon sources including SCALA and SPring-8 and the other will join the Photon Science Research Division, which carries out cutting edge research in the life, materials and physical sciences at SPring-8 and SACLA.

The successful candidates will lead the development and use of the unique research tools, SACLA and SPring-8, located on the Harima campus. They will also be responsible for their laboratory's overall management/research strategy and the supervision of research activities of RIKEN.

Applicants should have the ability to lead significant development projects and appropriate research experience supported by a distinguished research record and the ability to play a pivotal role in the research area long-term.

The post is a permanent appointment, subject to RIKEN's mandatory retirement age of 60. Terms and conditions of employment shall include a director-level salary and be in accordance with RIKEN's procedures for appointing Chief Scientists. RIKEN expects that the successful applicants will be able to take up this position on or about April 1, 2013.

Applicants should send a complete curriculum vitae and photograph; one copy each of five key publications; Choice of Division and a statement (five sides of A4) explaining their research experience, reasons for their application and proposals for research planning at RIKEN. As a reference, the RSAC2011 White Paper(http://rsc.riken.jp/RSAC2011/WhitePaper2011.pdf) is available with the Report of the RIKEN SPring-8 Center Advisory Council 2011 (http://rsc.riken.jp/RSAC2011/RSAC2011Report.pdf). In addition, the names and addresses of three referees are required. Further details are available from the address below. All documents should reach RIKEN by 30 Sep. 2012.

Applicants should address all correspondence to:
Dr.Masaki Takata, Head of the Chief Scientist Nominating Committee,
Structural Materials Science Laboratory,
RIKEN SPring-8 Center,
RIKEN Harima Institute , Koto 1-1-1, Sayo-cho, Sayo, Hyougo 679-5148, Japan
Tel: +81-(0)791-58-2942 /Fax:+81-(0)791-58-2714 /Email: takatama please add "@spring8.or.jp" to complete address

Information about RIKEN and its procedures for appointing the Director is available on the web site: http://www.riken.jp or http://harima.riken.jp/eng/index.html