About the lab and the institute
Drosophila has recently proven to be a highly suitable model organism for systems neuroscience research.
This is because it has become possible to apply electrophysiological recordings and fluorescence imaging to monitor the activity of neurons in the fly brain in vivo.
Our lab is positioned as one of the laboratories to carry out patch-clamp intracellular recording, comprehensive multi-photon imaging, and rigorous quantitative analyses.
Due to the relatively small number of central neurons, highly developed genetics and the availability of a complete EM-level connectome, many neurons in the fly brain are identifiable.
These features present a unique opportunity to examine and manipulate the same type of cells across animals.
It is also possible to monitor the neural activity from tethered flies performing tasks in virtual reality or freely behaving flies engaged in social interactions.
By combining in vivo electrophysiology, two-photon microscopy, bioluminescence recording, genetically encoded electrical/chemical modulators, behavioral analysis, and computational modeling, we have a chance to
comprehensively understand the cellular, synaptic, and circuit mechanisms underlying diverse behaviors.
CBS houses about 40 labs working in the field of neuroscience and takes interdisciplinary and synergetic approaches to conduct research.
More than 20 percent of the researchers are from abroad and seminars are held in English.
There are ample opportunities to interact with peers such as seminars given by invited speakers, bi-weekly seminars presented by various labs, and an annual retreat.
CBS also strives to nurture young scientists by hosting a summer program and lecture series.
If you are interested in working in this exciting environment, please feel free to contact me any time.
Join as a postdoctoral researcher
We are always looking for applicants who have received or expecting to receive a Ph.D. in related fields and are enthusiastic about our research goal. Strong expertise in electrophysiology, imaging, systems neuroscience, molecular biology, or genetics is a plus. We welcome applicants with backgrounds in engineering and physics as well. We note that RIKEN can act as a host of fellows funded by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and other organizations.
Join as a graduate student
1. Apply for the RIKEN Junior Research Associate program for graduate students.
This program provides part-time positions at RIKEN for young researchers enrolled in Japanese university PhD programs to give them the opportunity to carry out research alongside RIKEN scientists. The JRA program is intended for applicants attending Japanese graduate schools that have collaborative agreements for education and research with RIKEN or that are involved in joint research with RIKEN. Please refer to this website for details.
2. Apply for the graduate program at the University of Tokyo.
The team leader is a visiting professor in Department of Life Sciences, Graduate School of Art and Sciences, the University of Tokyo. By entering the graduate program either from Master's or Doctor's course, it is possible to conduct research in our laboratory. The entrance exam is given in both Japanese and English. Please refer to this website for details.