Marine Science Section Leader
The Marine Science Section manages the OIST Marine Science Station and supports marine fieldwork related to OIST marine research. OIST Marine Science Station possess state of the art equipment for studying the rich marine fauna of Okinawa: Outdoor and indoor aquariums including mesocosms for carrying out ecological studies, a unique heat wave simulator, flumes, and associated laboratory facilities for basic molecular and cellular biology work. It also supports fieldwork, hosting diving equipment and various scientific instruments for oceanographic studies.
Position summary:
The Section Leader of the Marine Science Section will lead all aspects of the technical and administrative efforts necessary to support marine research conducted at OIST. The section leader will be primarily responsible to manage the Marine Science Section and to actively engage the OIST research community and the marine research support community both domestically and internationally.
The successful candidate will leverage their demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, management, and administration to facilitate advanced research and education activities.
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.
English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
<Managing the Marine Science Section>
- Management of the OIST Marine Station
- Supporting marine fieldwork in collaboration with the OIST Diving Safety Officer
- Advice to the researchers for the collection and maintenance of marine organisms
- Budget planning and execution
- Oversee safety within the section, including the creation of protocols for emergency situations such as typhoons.
- Manage and supervise members of the Marine Science Section
- Overseeing the stable supply of seawater to the OIST campus
- Maintenance of excellent records regarding research support, equipment maintenance and safety
- In collaboration with Buildings and Facilities Management and vendors, arrange maintenance of all relevant equipment and facilities to ensure continuous operation.
- Other duties as assigned by the Director of Core Facilities
<Building capabilities in OIST>
- Supports the purchase and procurement of equipment based on the needs of researchers, by documenting the specifications of the equipment and by communicating with the manufacturers and vendors, etc.
- Overseeing the creation of standard training programs, manuals and protocols for the efficient training and use of Marine Station resources
<Contributing to communities>
- Organization of users groups related to the section activities
- In collaboration with the Provost and Director of Core Facilities, organization of advisory boards for the Marine Science Section
- Liaison with local authorities and communities related to marine activities
- Develop and maintain a network with international and domestic marine science organizations
(Required)
- Minimum of 10 years relevant experience in marine research or a related field
- Experience in managing and supervising staff
- Experience in budget management and execution
- Good collaborative skills relevant to a multi-user environment
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships
(Preferred)
- Experience in managing a marine science station
- Experience with fish and cephalopods husbandry systems
- Experience in managing a marine fieldwork program
- Ability to communicate in Japanese is highly desirable
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Benefits:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Cover letter in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- 2 reference letters will be required if the Applicant is selected as a shortlisted candidate.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
* Prior to the start of employment all new hires are required to successfully complete a background check. Personal information including employment history and academic background should be submitted to OIST after a conditional offer of employment
- OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.
- Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
- Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
Working hours: 9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)