Open Postdoc Positions in the “Many-Body Open Quantum Systems (MB-OpenQS)” Unit
We are looking for highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with a proven track record (e.g., multiple high-impact publications) to join the Many-Body Open Quantum Systems (MB-OpenQS) Unit in the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), located on the beautiful island of Okinawa, Japan. The MB-OpenQS Unit focuses on the nonequilibrium study of hybrid quantum light-matter systems, defined in a broad sense. Special areas of interest include, but are not limited to, quantum-gas cavity QED, molecular cavity QED and polaritonic chemistry, as well as cavity-QED materials (see our webpage here for more details). The successful candidates will conduct high-caliber theoretical research in these areas and must have a strong background in quantum mechanics, quantum optics, cavity QED and open quantum systems, atomic and molecular physics, condensed-matter physics, and/or many-body analytical and numerical techniques.
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 successful candidates will lead high-caliber theoretical research in many-body open quantum systems in collaboration with the Unit’s PI, Farokh Mivehvar, and other members of the Unit. Systems of interest generally include hybrid quantum light-matter systems such as atomic and molecular cavity QED as well as cavity-QED materials. The successful candidates are expected to publish high-impact journal articles based on their research findings and to present them at national and international conferences frequently.
- Ph.D. in physics or related fields.
- Strong background in quantum mechanics, quantum optics, cavity QED and open quantum systems, atomic and molecular physics, condensed-matter physics, and/or many-body analytical and numerical techniques.
- Proven track record (e.g., multiple high-impact publications, prizes, etc.).
- Ability to think, plan, and conduct research independently, as well as to work and cooperate with other Unit members and external collaborators.
- Proficiency in English (both spoken and written).
- Strong social skills.
Expected Annual Salary:
4.6M—5.9M JPY. This amount represents the expected annual salary range in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.
Benefits & Resources:
- 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
- Disability Support
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Support Resources
- Cover letter (one page).
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Names and contact information of 3 referees, one of which should be a previous advisor/supervisor. Reference letters will be required for shortlisted candidates and must be submitted directly by the referees.
How to Apply:
Submit your application materials (i.e., cover letter + CV) as a single .pdf document named “YourFirstName_YourLastName.pdf” to Farokh Mivehvar at farokh.mivehvar[at]oist.jp (replace [at] with @) with the subject matter “Application for the Postdoc Position in the MB-OpenQS Unit”.
* Please indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
Application Due Date:
Applications will be screened and evaluated on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. However, the hard deadline will be December 24, 2026.
Evaluation Process:
Shortlisted candidates will have at least two online interviews (one scientific and one generic). In a 40-minute online talk in the scientific interview, they should present an overview of their previous and ongoing research (approximately 30-35 minutes), and then explain how their research and their experiences would fit to and complement our MB-OpenQS Unit (approximately 5-10 minutes).
- 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 in accordance to the OIST Privacy Policy; documents will not be returned.
- 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: 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 evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
Working hours: 9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Thank you for your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.