Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Research Unit Technician, Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit
The Biodiversity and Biocomplexity unit (PI, Evan Economo, www.biodivlab.org) at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (http://www.oist.jp/) is seeking qualified applicants for a research technician position. The lab works at the interface of ecology, evolution, and natural history, with an empirical focus on insect biodiversity. We use a variety of approaches to understanding biodiversity including field expeditions, collections-based research, x-ray micro-CT, 3D modeling and morphometrics, phylogenomics, biodiversity informatics, and quantitative theory.
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 hired individual will get involved with a number of research activities in the lab including: managing lab databases, imaging specimens and analyzing data, procuring lab supplies and materials, and performing miscellaneous tasks to support lab research. There are exciting opportunities to learn skills in X-ray micro-CT scanning and downstream applications such as segmentation, 3D modeling (e.g. see our gallery online), morphometrics, 3D printing, interacting with biodiversity data in virtual and augmented reality, DNA sequencing and molecular biology. A key ethos of the lab is the innovative and exploratory use of different approaches, methodologies, and technologies to study biodiversity, so flexibility and curiosity are highly desirable traits.
An undergraduate degree or higher in a scientific or technical field and experience with scientific research are generally required, although there may be exceptions if there is a long history of successful technical work. There is no requirement for proficiency in a specific computational program/language, but it is important that the person has strong computational skills and an ability to learn different software and methods independently. Although not required by any means, experience with any of the following would be highly desirable: biodiversity collections, 3D modeling, data management, computational phylogenetics, molecular biology, geometric morphometrics, bioinformatics, HPC.
For Staff Scientist and Technician:
Expected Annual Salary: 3.5 – 7.0M yen, depending on experience
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on the candite’s experience, skills and background in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.
Job Data: OIST is a newly established international graduate university located in the resort area of Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan, and offers a high quality of life and good working conditions in an international environment. Logistical and financial assistance with relocation will be provided, along with a competitive salary and benefits package. OIST is an English-language working environment, thus knowledge of Japanese is desirable but not necessary for the position.
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
- Cover letter (Single page, English)
- Curriculum vitae (English)
- List of three references with contact information, one of which should be a previous employer
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
How to Apply
To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and list of three references with contact information to <economo[at]oist.jp> in an email with subject “Research Technician Application.” Informal inquiries are also welcome at the same address. (Please replace [at] 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.
* 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
Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
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.