Principal investigators (PIs) are responsible for overseeing laboratories, research groups, research teams and the like, and for playing a leading role in ASI research activities. Within ASI, PIs include Department, Division, and Group directors, the Facilities and Collaboration Center directors, Chief Scientists, Team and Unit leaders, Distinguished Senior Scientists, Initiative Research Scientists, and Team heads.
Staff researchers are mid-ranking personnel who serve as the core members of individual laboratories, research groups, and teams, and work under the supervision of their PI. Staff scientists include Deputy Group Directors, Vice Chief Scientists, the Deputy Director of the Collaboration Center, Deputy Team and Unit leaders, ASI Research Scientists, Research and Development Scientists, Senior Research Scientists, Research Scientists, Collaboration Researchers from Industry, Senior Technical Scientists and Technical Scientists.
Postdoctoral fellows are young researchers who work under the direction of the PI or senior staff in a laboratory. Postdoctoral fellows include Postdoctoral Researchers, Research Associates, Contract Researchers, Special Postdoctoral Researchers, Foreign Postdoctoral Researchers, Special Fixed-term employees, and Visiting Researchers.
Technical Assistants provide technical support for research. At RIKEN technical staff of this grade are divided into Technical Staff I and Technical Staff II positions.
The Administrative Assistant provides secretarial and clerical support for the laboratory and team. This position includes technical and secretarial assistant positions.
Part-time staff provides technical support for research or clerical support for the laboratory and team.