Open Faculty Positions

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology is an international, interdisciplinary graduate university in Japan, operating entirely in English and committed to empowering world-class researchers with the freedom, resources, and support they need to drive transformational discoveries.

We are seeking outstanding scientists to join our community as tenure-track faculty members, as part of an expansion in two broad areas. We aim to appoint two tenure-track assistant professors in each area: 

  • Chemistry & Materials Science: broadly defined as including the physical sciences
  • Life Sciences & Neuroscience: including theoretical and AI approaches

We provide:

  • Core research funding for your scientific vision
  • Fully funded PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, lab technicians, and staff scientists
  • World-class core facilities and support staff
  • Opportunities for amplifying your scientific impact (e.g., technology transfer, outreach, collaborations, etc.)
  • Full administrative support and assistance with living and working in Okinawa
  • Competitive compensation package, including housing and commuting allowances, relocation support, family benefits, and dual-career opportunities

Our culture and environment:

  • No faculty hierarchies or departments
  • A thriving international research community representing 73 countries and territories
  • A vibrant, safe, multicultural setting on the beautiful island of Okinawa

 

Our Scientific Vision

OIST empowers faculty to pursue fundamental, curiosity-driven research while encouraging connections across disciplines. Our faculty publish in top-tier journals, lead international collaborations, and attract prestigious fellowships. We support researchers not only as scientists but also as mentors, leaders, and innovators.

To promote scientific excellence through a diverse and inclusive community, OIST actively encourages applications from women and other underrepresented groups. We provide a family-friendly working environment, including a bilingual child development center on campus.

 

Application documents (in English):

  1. Cover letter
  2. CV, with a lay summary of three publications of note
  3. Research statement (up to 4 pages, minimum 11-point font, excluding references)
  4. Teaching and mentoring statement (1 page)
  5. Three letters of recommendation (to be uploaded by referees)

 

Deadline: October 1, 2026, at 12:59 PM JST, UTC+9:00
The starting date is negotiable.

 

Inquiries:

Julia Khusnutdinova
Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs
faculty-recruiting@oist.jp

 

Data Storage Acknowledgment:

Please note that the information you enter will be transferred to, stored, and processed on Interfolio servers located in the U.S.A. OIST is committed to handling your personal data in accordance with applicable privacy laws, including Japan’s Act on the Protection of Personal Information (APPI), and to taking appropriate safeguards.

 

Apply