Watanabe Laboratory

For students

Who we welcome

• People interested in biotechnology and the development of diagnostic technologies
• People who enjoy building things and want to develop instruments and technologies themselves
• People who want to understand why things happen and explore something new
• People interested in translating fundamental research into practical applications
• People who enjoy learning across disciplines

Skills you can develop

Through your research projects, you can gain experience in the following areas:

• Single-molecule measurements: observing and analyzing individual molecules using fluorescence microscopy
• Microdevice fabrication: designing and fabricating microchamber arrays using semiconductor processing techniques
• Optics and instrumentation: optical design, control software, and analysis algorithms
• Molecular biology and protein engineering: gene design, protein expression and purification, RNA preparation, and CRISPR-Cas
• Data analysis and machine learning: AI-based analysis using our in-house GPU resources
• Laboratory automation: automating liquid handling, measurements, and analysis

You can specialize deeply in one area or combine several to build your own strengths.

Graduate training and support

We host graduate students through partnerships with the Institute of Science Tokyo (Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences) and Saitama University (Graduate School of Science and Engineering). Students can pursue cutting-edge research in our laboratory with access to RIKEN's research facilities.

We also discuss financial support options with graduate students. Alongside RIKEN's Junior Research Associate (JRA) program, we support applications for JSPS Research Fellowships for Young Scientists (DC) and scholarships from other foundations, starting with the preparation of application materials.

For researchers

We seek researchers who will work with us to create new measurement technologies and bring them into practical use.

Our laboratory can host JSPS Postdoctoral Fellows (PD) and RIKEN Special Postdoctoral Researchers (SPDR). If you are considering applying, please contact us while developing your research proposal.

Many of our projects involve university hospitals, public research institutes, and companies. Alongside publishing papers, you can participate in patent applications and the commercialization of instruments. We will work with you to consider your next career step, including paths in academia, industry, and medical device development.

For technical staff

We seek technical staff to support our research. Responsibilities may include preparing experiments and samples, performing measurements, organizing data, and operating and maintaining equipment. Duties are agreed upon according to your experience and interests.

Experimental experience is welcome but is not essential. We value careful hands-on work and an enjoyment of teamwork. We offer flexible working arrangements, including full-time and part-time roles.

Visit our laboratory

We welcome laboratory visits. Seeing our equipment and talking with our members is a great way to get to know us. Online meetings are also available.

If you are interested in single-molecule biophysics, new tests for infectious diseases and cancer, or research using AI and automation, please get in touch. You are welcome to contact us even if you are still exploring your options.