JobsBDR–RISE Program
What is the BDR–RISE Program?
The BDR–RISE (Research Innovation through Synergy and Exchange) Program is an early-career researcher recruitment and development program independently implemented by BDR.
Early-career researchers hired under this program—BDR–RISE Program Fellows—will proactively design and carry out a research project involving two or more laboratories in BDR’s diverse research environment. Through this experience, fellows can build strong cross-disciplinary achievements and gain broad, transferable skills.
The BDR–RISE Program is implemented to further strengthen cross-laboratory collaboration at BDR. In line with BDR’s mid- to long-term research strategy, BDR will systematically recruit and support motivated early-career researchers who will lead collaborative projects across laboratories.
As BDR–RISE Program Fellows, participants will not be limited to a single laboratory; by conducting research across multiple laboratories with different fields and expertise, they can develop a broad perspective and an expanded set of research skills.
Key Features of the BDR–RISE Program
- Research experience across multiple laboratories: By developing and executing a research plan that spans multiple laboratories, fellows can learn from diverse approaches and areas of expertise.
- Cross-disciplinary challenge: By combining the strengths of different laboratories, fellows can explore and help establish new research directions.
- Autonomous project design: Before applying, candidates can consult with the heads of the laboratories and design the research plan based on their own interests and ideas.
- Career development support: Broad research experience and strong collaborative achievements will be a major advantage for building a future career as an independent researcher.
Employment Conditions and Research Support
- Number of positions: Up to two fellows per year (planned)
- Job title: Postdoctoral Researcher / Research Scientist / Senior Research Scientist
- Term: Maximum of three years from the date of hiring
- Research funding: 3,000,000 JPY per project per year
Call for Applications
Applications are now open for candidates expected to take up the position in FY2027.
Application deadline: November 30, 2026
Planned future call
From FY2027 onward, BDR plans to hold calls for applications approximately twice a year for candidates expected to take up the position in the following fiscal year.
The first call is expected to be held around January to June, for candidates expected to start on April 1 of the following fiscal year.
The second call is expected to be held around September to December, for candidates expected to start on October 1 of the following fiscal year.
Please note that the timing and number of calls may change depending on the hiring situation and other relevant circumstances. Applicants should refer to each official job posting for the specific application deadline, selection schedule, and start date.
For prospective applicants: Application flow
- 1.Carefully read the information provided in the official job posting for the BDR–RISE Program.
- 2.From among the participating laboratories listed in the official job posting, where you wish to conduct collaborative research and confirm whether they can accept you under this call.
- 3.Explain your proposed collaborative research project to the heads of both the host and partner laboratories, discuss thoroughly, and finalize the project plan.
- 4.Prepare the required documents and submit your application.
Selection process
Selection will be made based on document screening and interviews, comprehensively evaluating the applicant’s excellence and potential, the excellence and impact of the research proposal, and the feasibility of the implementation plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What kind of research proposal is expected? What is meant by a “collaborative research proposal”?
A. The program invites cross-disciplinary proposals that integrate research themes, methods, and/or technologies from at least two participating BDR laboratories listed in the official job posting. After being hired, the successful applicant will hold joint appointments across the relevant laboratories and conduct the proposed project, thereby promoting collaboration among those laboratories.
Q2. What will my affiliation be after joining?
A. Among the laboratories involved in the project, one will serve as the host laboratory (primary affiliation), and the other(s) will serve as partner laboratory/laboratories (joint affiliation).
Q3. Is there any restriction on career stage (e.g., within X years after obtaining a PhD)?
A. There is no uniform restriction on career stage across the program; however, eligibility requirements differ by position. For the Postdoctoral Researcher position, applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant field (including those expected to obtain a PhD before the start date) and must have obtained their PhD within the past five years. Please refer to the official job posting for details. For any positions, applicants who aim to become an independent researcher in the future are welcome.
Q4. When will calls be held, and how many fellows will be hired?
A. In principle, BDR plans to hold calls for applications approximately twice a year. The first call is expected to be held around January to June, for candidates expected to start on April 1 of the following fiscal year. The second call is expected to be held around September to December, for candidates expected to start on October 1 of the following fiscal year.
Up to two fellows are expected to be hired each fiscal year. However, the annual hiring capacity is not allocated separately to each call. Therefore, if the annual capacity is filled through the first call, the second call may not be conducted.
Please refer to each official job posting for the specific application deadline, selection schedule, start date, and other details.
Contact
For inquiries about the BDR–RISE Program, please contact:
Life Science Promotion Division (BDR), RIKEN
Email： bdr-rise_progdesk@ml.riken.jp
For details on the application procedure and submission process, please refer to the the official job posting.
For research-related inquiries, please contact the relevant laboratories directly.