Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Buribushi Fellowship 2026
Buribushi means “a cluster of stars” in Uchinaaguchi (Okinawan language). The establishment and first few years of the fellowship will be funded primarily by the J-PEAKS grant.
We are accepting applications for up to two Buribushi fellowships for the 2026 academic year. The fellowships are intended to serve as stepping-stones to junior faculty positions in Japan or abroad.
We invite researchers conducting theory-focused research in the natural sciences and technology (e.g., pure and applied mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical biology, and statistical learning). Here, theory-focused research refers to research that does not require dedicated wet laboratory facilities or high-performance computing (HPC).
Buribushi fellows will be offered a salary competitive with Assistant Professor positions and research funds (~10 Million Yen per year). The research funds can be used flexibly to hire staff or cover research operating expenses. Fellows are encouraged to apply for external grants (FOREST, KAKENHI, etc.) for additional support of their research 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.
1. Conduct Independent Research
-Design, plan, and execute research projects aligned with your research statement.
-Lead, effectively manage and mentor a research group (if applicable).
2. Engage in Professional Development
-Participate in workshops, training sessions, and collaborative opportunities to enhance career potential and impact.
(Required)
Applicants must receive their Ph.D. within the eight-year interval September 1, 2018 to September 1, 2026, but the former date may be adjusted to account for career interruptions (childcare, illness, etc.)
Expected Annual Salary: 7,000,000 to 10,000,000 JPY
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on your experience and skills 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)
- Remote Work system
To apply for the Buribushi Fellowship 2026, applicants must submit the following documents in PDF format via Interfolio.
1. A CV (including a complete list of publications, presentations, research funding, academic appointments, and significant honors).
2. One representative publication
3. A research plan (maximum 3 pages, single-spaced, 12-point font).
- Describe your 3-year research goals and the way in which they relate to the evaluation criteria 2026 (see below).
- Discuss the way in which you expect OIST’s environment—including collaborations and interdisciplinary opportunities—will help you accomplish your research goals. (Collaborative work with OIST Units is encouraged, provided you are the intellectual driver of the main project.) List those OIST Units you would like to collaborate with, if applicable.
- List the resources and support you will need to conduct your research. Note: Dedicated research space (e.g., wet lab facilities) and high-performance computing will not be available.
- Write in a manner that is understandable to scientists outside your immediate field of expertise.
- Do not use AI tools, including large language models such as ChatGPT, in any form or fashion whatsoever.
4. Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation
- Two letters must be submitted directly by the letter writers. The letters should discuss the candidate’s research potential, independence, and suitability for the Buribushi fellowship.
Please apply from here.
- For Applicants:
Managing Letters and Requests
https://product-help.interfolio.com/en_US/managing-letters-and-requests
- For Letter Writers:
Providing Letters of Recommendation
https://product-help.interfolio.com/en_US/providing-letters-of-recommendation-
Evaluation Criteria:
A record of excellence comparable to that of the best scientists at the same career stage as the individual applicant, showing potential for continued success as an independent researcher.
Application Due Date:
The deadline for submitting all materials is November 30, 2025.
Following the selection process, we will notify the successful candidates by the end of April 2026
* 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.
* 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. OIST Privacy Policy.
* Recruiting Organization: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology School Corporation
* Prevention of Passive Smoking: No smoking indoors
* Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities
(Information Disclosure – 10. Others – 6. OIST Rules for Concurrent Appointment).
* Further details about the University can be viewed on our website
3 years.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave
Annual Paid Leave, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Overtime work hours
Discretionary Working Hours System：
In the discretionary labor system for specialized work, the employee shall be deemed to have worked 7 hours 30 minutes per day.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.