Position under active recruitment:Research and development of technologies for reducing environmental impact utilizing algae and plants

What are the key technical points?

Substances produced by living organisms can be utilized in a wide variety of industrial applications, such as new energy sources and materials for health foods. By enhancing the inherent capabilities of these organisms, their value in industrial applications can be increased. For example, organisms can be made to exhibit high resilience, even when the environment changes due to climate change, or the production of useful materials can be increased through breeding technologies. Such efforts are expected to not only contribute to solving climate-change issues but also to resolving a wide range of social challenges, including energy, health, and resource circulation.

■Research and development to enhance the photosynthetic capacity and productivity of useful substances in algae by modifying their genetic functions, thereby improving their value as feed for seafood. Additionally, through these efforts, research and development of technologies related to the utilization and reduction of CO₂ in the ocean.

■Research and development to enhance photosynthetic capacity, increase food production, and reduce environmental impact by modifying crops through genome editing and interspecies hybridization. Additionally, through these efforts, research and development of technologies related to the utilization and reduction of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Recruitment overview

Details of work

Depending on your experience and abilities, you will be in charge of one or more of the following.

• Leveraging skills in biological experiments and bioinformatics, as a hands-on researcher, the candidate will be responsible for fundamental research to maximize the CO₂-conversion capability of plants and algae by using selective-breeding technology (e.g., problem setting, proposing methods, verification, etc.).

Required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience

• Knowledge and experience in research related to algae or plants
• Ability to communicate and disseminate information in Japanese and English

Desirable knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience

• Basic knowledge of environmental issues
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, and ecology
• Basic experimental knowledge of biological systems (genetic modification, transformants, real-time PCR, etc.)
• Knowledge and experience in systematization of agriculture, fisheries, and livestock production
• Skills in analytically searching for problem-solving methods using machine learning, computer simulations, etc.

Qualities we are looking for

• An interest in environmental issues and a desire to solve them
• A desire to break through the limits of existing technologies while collaborating with partners in a wide range of fields
• The ability to communicate and coordinate well with people both inside and outside the company
• A person who can respond to signs of issues, without overlooking them, while maintaining a cautious attitude

Location

Musashino R&D Center（3-9-11 Midori-cho, Musashino-shi, Tokyo 180-8585）

Message

We aim to create innovative technologies that contribute to the regeneration of the global environment and the realization of a sustainable and inclusive society. We are engaged in research and development of technologies that, for example, dramatically enhance the photosynthetic capacity of living organisms to absorb and fix CO₂ or utilize the adaptive and responsive capabilities of living organisms to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions throughout the food chain and circular supply chains. We are seeking individuals who are eager to take on the challenge of research and development of innovative technologies through a biological approach to create a better future.

Contributing to both the growth of the information-communications industry and creation of a sustainable society

Global environmental issues are common challenges for the international community, and solving them is indispensable for a sustainable future for humanity. However, concrete actions toward achieving these goals are directly linked to the activities of individual companies and ourselves. Therefore, our group is working on research and development that achieves both the development of the information and communication industry and contributions to a sustainable society.
Global environmental problems cannot be solved by a single technology or a single initiative. I believe they are complex problems that have to be solved by combining a number of effective techniques. We hope to implement as many technologies as possible for simultaneously achieving the above two goals. Let's take up this challenge together!

Technology