Postdoctoral Scholar, Membranology Unit
One postdoctoral scholar position is available in the Membranology Unit led by Associate Professor Keiko Kono at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)
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 candidate will investigate bioactive compounds derived from traditional Okinawan food ingredients for their ability to suppress cellular senescence and combat age-related diseases using human cultured cells and organoid models. Tasks include cell and organoid culture, gene and protein expression analysis, microscopic observation, and data analysis and management.
(Required)
- Ph.D. in life science or a related field
- Proficiency in written and spoken English or Japanese
- Experience in cell and molecular biology experiments
(Preferred)
- Experience in small-molecule screening
The successful candidate will work closely with a technician and other team members. We welcome applications from individuals who are team-oriented and have a positive, flexible attitude toward their responsibilities.
Expected Annual Salary: 4.6M-5.0M 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 in English or Japanese
- Curriculum vitae in English or Japanese
- Name and contact information of two referees
As soon as we receive the documents, we will start the selection process and conduct interviews with the candidates via Zoom.
How to Apply
Please email the materials to “kono-unit-admin#oist.jp" (please replace # with @).
Application Due Date:
31 July, 2026
The application will be screened upon arrival and early closure may occur if the position is filled.
- 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.
This is a full-time, fixed-term appointment through February 26, 2027, with a 6-month probationary period (inclusive).
The position is funded under Okinawa Prefectural Government’s “Okinawa Advanced Medical Technology Infrastructure Development Promotion Program”, a three-year research initiative.
Renewal may be possible, subject to the continuation of the program, funding availability, and satisfactory performance.
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.
Thank you for your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.