Postdoc position available/Memory Research Unit

Position summary:

The Memory Research Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the circuit, synaptic, and systems-level mechanisms underlying memory stability, neural state transitions, and network reorganization.
Our research combines systems neuroscience, large-scale in vivo recording, imaging, and ultrastructural analysis to understand how brain function and memory are maintained despite dramatic physiological changes and structural remodeling. Current projects include artificial hibernation states, hippocampal memory engrams, neural state transitions, and large-scale synaptic remodeling.
The lab employs a broad range of approaches, including:

• in vivo electrophysiology (tetrodes, silicon probes) 
• calcium imaging 
• mouse behavior 
• viral and genetic tools 
• advanced light microscopy 
• volume electron microscopy 
• computational analysis of large-scale neural data 

Recent work from the lab has examined how hippocampal memory representations remain stable despite extensive synapse elimination during artificial hibernation states (Lin et al., Science 2026).

What We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate strong scientific ownership and intellectual independence.
The ideal candidate is not only technically capable, but also actively engaged in:

• reading and integrating literature 
• troubleshooting experimental problems 
• proposing new ideas and approaches 
• independently driving projects forward 
• contributing to an intellectually active research environment 

We strongly value researchers who view science as a proactive and collaborative process rather than a task-based workflow.

Research Environment

OIST is a highly international and interdisciplinary graduate university where English is the official language. The university provides outstanding core facilities and infrastructure, including advanced microscopy, animal facilities, computational resources, and collaborative opportunities across disciplines. 
The Memory Research Unit emphasizes:

• high scientific standards 
• close mentorship and intensive training 
• open scientific discussion 
• collaborative problem solving 
• intellectual curiosity and continuous learning 

The lab environment is best suited for researchers who are excited by technically and conceptually challenging projects and who are eager to develop as independent scientists.