Marine Station Technician
The Marine Science Section of the OIST Core Facilities is seeking a highly motivated technician to join the team in supporting marine science research at OIST. This role will be primarily based in the Marine Science Station opened in 2016 in Seragaki Port. The successful candidate will be expected to assist in all aspects of the section's operation. The primary responsibility is to maintain efficient and reliable operation of the Marine Science Station.
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.
- Ensuring a safe working environment within the Marine Science Station
- Maintenace of the major utilities of the Marine Science Station; water pumping systems, water filtering systems etc.
- Maintenance of all section equipment and facilities
- Working with equipment vendors on maintenance, development, and trouble-shooting issues
- Creating standard training programs, manuals and protocols for the efficient training and use of section equipment and facilities
- Maintenance of excellent records regarding research support, equipment maintenance and safety
- Assisting and advising in the setup of new experiments and utilities within the OIST Marine Science Station
- Assisting and organizing in the delivery of seawater to the OIST campus
- Maintaining the station as a clean and organized workspace
- Supporting 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.
- Maintenance of stocks of consumables
- Take part in cross-section collaboration within the Core Facilities
- Other duties as assigned by the Section Leader
- Background in mechanical or marine engineering. Experience in aquaculture or aquarium management is desirable.
- Ability to learn new skills and to stay at the cutting edge of technology
- Excellent communication skills in both English and Japanese.
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to adapt to local culture and a rapidly changing work environment.
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 1 year/2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5 hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month)