Tadafumi Kato Lab. for Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders

The goal of this laboratory is identification of the causes of bipolar disorder to develop diagnostic methods and new treatments. We will utilize the updated neuroscience technologies and analyze human samples to elucidate the neurobiological basis of bipolar disorder. We are also searching for the alteration of neural genome and epigenome as pathophysiological basis of mental disorders.

Research Scientists:
The laboratory will start a special project, "Cutting edge research of neural circuit of mood disorders" and a CREST project named "Elucidation of epigenome pathology in mental disorder using updated technologies". We are searching for several research scientists who work on these projects.
Especially, researchers who have skills, expertise, or interest in the following areas are encouraged to apply; molecular biology (generation and analysis of genetically modified mice and manipulation of neural circuit using viral vectors), neuropathology (morphological analysis of human postmortem brain specimens using immunohistochemistry among others), epigenome/genome analysis (epigenome/genome analyses using next generation sequencers, analysis of DNA modifications using DNA extracted from neuronal nuclei obtained from human postmortem brains or brains of model mice).

Applicants should have a doctoral degree, or be expected to obtain a postdoctoral degree.

RIKEN (2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198 Japan), Brain Science Institute

Full time position with an annual contract that can be extended up to 5 years depending on the successful review. A new contract will not be entered into after the employee's assigned laboratory closes. Salary is negotiable based on previous experience, ability, and performance. Allowance for commuting and housing will be provided. Eligible to enroll in health and social insurances. Days off include national holidays, New Year's holidays (Dec. 29 - Jan 3), and RIKEN Foundation Day. Other institutional rules may apply.
Eligible to apply external funding such as Grand-in-Aid for Scientific Research from Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

Required documents are

1. Curriculum Vitae with a photograph
2. Publication list
3. A statement outlining your research interests, and description on why you have interest in applying to this laboratory.
4. A recommendation letter from the current supervisor, and a recommendation letter from a researcher, who is not the current supervisor. (If a recommendation letter from the current supervisor cannot be attached, please describe the reason.)

Application will be closed when the position is filled.

All private data sent to RIKEN in application for employment is handled in strict confidentiality, and such data is not utilized for any other purpose or disclosed to any third party. Application documents will not be returned.

Selection will be made based on application screening and interviews.

September/2012 (Negotiable)

Tadafumi Kato
Laboratory for Molecular Dynamics of Mental Disorders
RIKEN Brain Science Institute
Hirosawa 2-1, Wako, Saitama, 351-0198, Japan
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Tadafumi Kato
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