Postdoc position available/Neuronal mechanism for critical period Unit
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) is a model for change in education and research with the best international graduate students, working side by side with world-class faculty in modern well-equipped laboratories. Beautifully situated on the island of Okinawa, OIST relies on a cross-disciplinary approach, with an emphasis on creativity and exchange, to offer unique, individualized graduate training. OIST is a university with no departments, eliminating artificial barriers between people working in different fields, but many nationalities, with students and faculty being attracted from all over the world. Concentrating initially on Neuroscience, Molecular Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Environmental and Ecological Sciences and Physical Sciences, OIST is bringing some of the best brains in the world to Okinawa to transform the way science and education is done in the global academic world.
Position summary:
We seek a motivated postdoc who will work in the Neuronal mechanism for critical period Unit (Principal Investigator: Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama). Our research unit works on the brain mechanism for bird song learning. A successful candidate is expected to carry own projects which are in lines of our recent interests, such as 1) Auditory information processing and memory formation in zebra finch song learning (ref: Araki et al, Science 2016, 354: 1282-1287; Yanagihara & Yazaki-Sugiyama, 2016, Nat. Commun, doi: 10.1038/NCOMMS11946), 2) Neuronal mechanism how social interaction regulating memory formation and affect later cognitive behavior (ref: Yanagihara & Yazaki-Sugiyama 2018, Behav Process,10.1016/j.beproc.2018.04.003; Katic et al, 2022, Nat Commun.doi:10.1038/s41467-022-32207-1), 3) Neuronal mechanism for auditory memory guided vocal learning. However, other projects are also welcome with discussions.
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.
- Ph. D. degree and communication skills in English or Japanese are required
- Experience in neurobiology or neuroscience field is required. Experiences in electrophysiology is advanced
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)
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Curriculum vita in English (and Japanese if available)
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Cover letter in English (and Japanese if available)
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Names and contact information of 2~4 referees, one of which should be a previous employer
* 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.
How To APPLY
Please submit all required application materials by email to: yazaki-sugiyama#oist.jp
(Please replace # with @ before using this email address)
- 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 up to 3 years. Contract initially with 3 month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.