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.
ASI accepts a variety of students and interns in response to requests from universities, other research institutions and corporations. This category includes Junior Research Associates, Asia Program Associates, International Program Associates, Research Fellows, Student Trainees, Interns, and Company-sponsored Research Trainees.
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.
Visiting research staff are welcome within ASI to facilitate research and enhance research capabilities. Positions available include Senior Visiting Scientist, Visiting Scientist, and Visiting Technician.
ASI also has numerous other personnel in support roles. These include Temporary Employees, Special Appointment employees, operations and research consultants, part-time staff and temporary workers, as well as agency staff.