Work location : Kanto district - Tokyo
Date of publication : 2025/06/09
D125060594
Keio University
Research field : Others - Others - Microbiome, Neural science, Immunology, Oncology, Genome science, Pharmacy, Quantum computing science, Computer science, Information science, Artificial intelligence
Research/Educational Assistance : Contract employee - Nontenured - Non-tenure track - Probationary period absent
Job description
Background of the recruitment and description of the project
The World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) program promotes the establishment of research centers that attract world-class researchers, implement changes in the existing academic system, and forge new academic fields. Bio2Q addresses the question of how human homeostasis is regulated by the epithelial, immune, neural, and metabolic systems, with an emphasis on microbiome analysis. The center will thereby establish a new form of life science aimed at understanding human multiorgan homeodynamics at resolutions higher than those achieved so far. Bio2Q will implement quantum computing together with artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze multiomics data and elucidate the multiorgan interaction pathways underlying human disease. Furthermore, we aim to also establish a reverse-translation workflow to decipher the causal relationships within the newly uncovered pathways. In line with the WPI missions of globalization and diversity, when applicants are judged to be equally qualified based on fair and impartial criteria, international and female applicants will be given preference. The official language of the center is English.
Professor Nadinath Nillegoda’s lab specializes in Cell Biology (mammalian), Molecular Biology, and Biochemistry, with a strong focus on developing novel mouse models to investigate protein quality control mechanisms and pathways that help cell repair after protein damage, disease pathogenesis, and therapeutic strategies.
Work content and job description
Prof. Nillegoda’s multidisciplinary research is pioneering the study of primate-specific adaptations in proteostasis (protein homeostasis) and their role in cell repair mechanisms following proteotoxic stress/damage. Understanding these unique adaptations is crucial for promoting healthy aging in humans, offering insights into cellular resilience and disease prevention. At Bio2Q, his research aims to enhance intestinal barrier integrity, mitigate dysbiosis-induced proteotoxic stress, and improve gut health. Given the increasing prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), metabolic disorders, and age-related protein misfolding diseases, his work is at the forefront of biomedical research. Prof. Nillegoda’s research has far-reaching implications for medicine, paving the way for next-generation therapies targeting gut health and systemic diseases linked to proteostasis dysfunction.
We are seeking a skilled, energetic, and dedicated candidate with extensive experience in mouse and/or cell culture research. Required experimental skills include mouse colony maintenance, breeding, genotyping, handling, dosing (oral gavage, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous injections), tissue dissection, organ harvesting, perfusion, primary cell culture generation, immunohistochemical analysis, and assistance with ethics applications. Having experience in mammalian cell culture, including techniques such as transfection is a plus.
The candidate is expected to assist with general lab maintenance tasks, work directly with the Principal Investigator, and collaborate effectively with team members to achieve experimental goals. The Nillegoda laboratory works closely with the neighboring laboratory of Professor Kenya Honda, a world-renowned expert in the gut microbiome at Bio2Q. The candidate should be open to learning new techniques e.g. in animal experiments and cell biology as needed to support ongoing research.
Assigned department
Existing departments
Keio University WPI Human Biology-Microbiome-Quantum Research Center (Bio2Q)
Job type
Research field
Microbiome, Neural science, Immunology, Oncology, Genome science, Pharmacy, Quantum computing science, Computer science, Information science, Artificial intelligence
Wages
Annual Salary : 6 million yen ~ 8 million yen
The annual salary will correspond to years of experience, ability, and performance.
Model annual salary: 6,000,000 – 8,000,000 JPY
Working hours
Working hours :08:30-17:00
Break time :11:30-12:30
Holidays : Days off include Sundays, national holidays, year-end/New Year holidays, and Keio University holidays (January 10, etc.).
Overtime and other explanations : Working on Sundays and holidays may sometimes be required.
Application requirements
Qualifications
Education and Degree Requirements
Others
Applicants must have been awarded a BSc and/or MSc and/or PhD degree.
Work experience
Expert knowledge and skills in a field related to the above job description
e.g. Extensive experience in mouse research (mouse colony maintenance, breeding, genotyping, handling, dosing (oral gavage, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous injections), tissue dissection, organ harvesting, perfusion, primary cell culture, immunohistochemical analysis, and assistance with ethics applications). Experience in mammalian cell culture techniques is a plus but not required.
Description
- Strong interest in the content of the research outline and the ability to carry out the work
- Communication skills in Japanese and English sufficient for discussing experimental planning, strategies, results with other team members.
- Mind of coordination and collaboration with other research teams
- Basic computer skills
Employment Type
Contract employee
Contract period
Nontenured - Non-tenure track
(1) The contract is a three-year fixed-term employment contract and is subject to review each fiscal year. The contract is eligible for renewal based on performance and mutual agreement between employer and employee.
(2) The renewable term is subject to change depending on the continuation of the WPI program, Bio2Q's management situation, budget situation, and other factors. In principle, the contract will not be renewed beyond the age of 65.
Probationary period absent
Work location
The successful applicant will work at the host laboratory within the Bio2Q research center located at 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
Compensation
Various systems
Transportation expenses : available
Insurance
Employees' Health Insurance : available
Employees' Pension Insurance : available
Worker's accident insurance : available
Employment insurance : available
Application Considerations
Considerations for conducting interviews (e.g., those who live far away, such as overseas)
For those unable to come in person, interviews may be conducted online.
Number of hired
1 person(s)
Hiring date : 2025/11/01
Starting date : 2025/11/01
Job content supplemental explanation
Applicants must be able to start work between April 1, 2025 and July 31, 2025.
*Dates negotiable
Application period
2025/06/10~2025/07/31 Deadline for receipt
Selection process will be conducted on first-come-first-served basis and it will be closed once we find an appropriate candidate.
Application method
Attached documents
Other online application forms
*All applications must be submitted in English.
- Reasons for applying for the position and aspirations if appointed (within one page of A4 paper)
- Professional resume (if you have acquired skills, etc., please include them here) (one page of A4 paper)
- Certificate of completion of the last school attended (a copy of degree, diploma, etc. is acceptable)
- Two to three referees who can comment on your experimental skills that can be directly contacted
Return of application documents
We will dispose of all application documents responsibly.
URL of this job posting
Selection / Notification of result
Selection
Applicants who pass the initial application-based screening will be interviewed in English. Applicants will be responsible for travel and accommodation expenses incurred during the interview selection process.
Notification of result
We will notify you of the results of your selection by email.
Contact details
Keio University
Office of Research Development and Sponsored Projects, WPI (Bio2Q)
Personnel and Public Relations Team
0367098106
bio2q_recruiting(at)info.keio.ac.jp
* Please change (at) to @ and send it.
Notes