Postdoctoral Scholar in Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Engineering Unit (Yokobayashi Unit)
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST; see www.oist.jp) is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding (OIST campus video tour). There are no academic departments, which facilitates multidisciplinary research. 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.
Position Summary
One postdoctoral scholar position is available to engage in research support activities in the Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Engineering Unit headed by Prof. Yohei Yokobayashi at OIST. The group moved to OIST in 2015 from University of California, Davis. With students and researchers from diverse backgrounds including synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, and molecular/cell biology, we design and construct nucleic acid devices and systems that function in test tubes and in living cells.
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.
The postdoctoral scholar is expected to engage in research, to disseminate the research results in publications and conference presentations, and to contribute to laboratory maintenance. The types of research that the candidate is expected to work on are as follows.
[Mammalain RNA synthetic biology] Development and applications of functional RNA devices such as aptamers, aptazymes, and riboswitches that function in mammalian cells and animal models. The candidate should be able to adapt a variety of methods and technologies from the literature, and to develop new methods and design strategies as necessary. The candidate should be knowledgeable and experienced enough to develop research plans relevant to biotechnological and biomedical applications of synthetic RNA devices. Prior experience with techniques such mammalian cell culture, construction of viral vectors, genome editing, and animal handling, or sufficient experience to acquire such skills, is required. Possible collaboration with industrial partners.
Examples include, but not limited to: metabolic engineering, viral vectors for gene/cell therapy, regulation of stem cell differentiation, regulation of noncoding RNA functions.
[Other functional nucleic acids] Development and applications of functional nucleic acid devices in cellular (including non-mammalian cells) and cell-free systems. Refer to our ongoing and previous research projects from the link above. The candidate should be able to adapt a variety of methods and technologies from the literature, and to develop new methods and design strategies as necessary. The candidate should be knowledgeable and experienced enough to develop research plans relevant to chemistry and applications of functional nucleic acids. Prior experience with relevant techniques, or sufficient experience to acquire such skills, is required.
Examples include, but not limited to: directed evolution/in vitro selection of ribozymes and aptamers, applications of machine learning to nucleic acid device design, artificial cells, high-throughput screening of biomolecules using microfluidics, nucleic acid-mediated self-assembly, applications of riboswitches and ribozymes in bacteria.
(Required)
Candidates with Ph.D. in relevant fields such as life sciences or chemical biology. Solid communication skills in English, and good organizational and record-keeping skills are required.
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
- Curriculum Vitae along with the contact information for two or more references
- Brief summary of current and previous research
How to Apply
Apply by emailing your Submission Documents to: recruit.nace@oist.jp
* 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 third-party administrators 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 with the possibility of renewal. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive).
- Starting Date is Negotiable
Discretionary (standard working hours 9:00-17:30, Mon-Fri)
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.