Postdoctoral Scholar, Centrosome Dynamics and Evolution Group
The Centrosome Dynamics and Evolution Group aims to understand the evolution of molecular mechanisms of the centrosome, a central organelle required for cell division. We employ complementary approaches using the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans and human cell culture, biochemistry, and gene engineering to understand the regulation of centrosomes during development.
For more information, please visit our website: (https://www.oist.jp/research/buribushi/ohta).
We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to lead a project examining how centrosomes are regulated during development.
The successful candidate will work with Caenorhabditis elegans and cell culture systems and will employ cutting-edge approaches such as live-cell imaging and biochemical reconstitution to uncover new mechanistic principles.
Our group offers a supportive, collaborative, and interdisciplinary research environment that fosters scientific excellence and professional development.
References:
Ohta et al., 2025, bioRxiv
Ohta et al., 2021, JCB
Meitinger, Kong, Ohta et al., 2021, JCB
Ohta et al., 2018, Cell Reports
Ohta et al., 2014, Nature Communications
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.
- Drive and manage the research project
- Publish in high-quality journals
- Learn and develop new technologies
- Present research at internal meetings and external conferences
- Document experimental procedures and results
- Supervise junior staff and students
(Required)
- PhD in molecular and cellular biology or a related discipline
- Strong interest in cell biology
- Collaborative mindset and passion for science
- Evidence of high-quality scientific publications
- Proficiency in English
(Preferred)
- Experience with C. elegans or other Nematode systems
- Experience with human cell culture and gene editing
- Experience in quantitative image analysis
For Postdoctoral Scholar:
Expected Annual Salary: 4.5M-5.9M yen
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
- Cover letter (English)
- Curriculum vitae (English)
- Names and contact information of 2-3 referees (including at least one former employer)
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting your application documents to:
midori.ota [at]oist.jp (replace “[at]” with “@”)
* 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, including a 6-month probationary period. Contract renewal will depend on performance, conduct, and institutional 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.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.