Postdoctoral Scholar or Staff Scientist in Ichthyology, Macroevolution Unit
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST; see www.oist.jp) is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding (OIST campus video tour). There are no academic departments, which facilitates multidisciplinary research. 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.
Position Summary:
A postdoctoral scholar (PhD <5 years) or staff scientist position (PhD >5 years) is available in the Macroevolution Unit at OIST. We seek a highly motivated, expert researcher with a deep knowledge of fish biodiversity, including but not limited to systematics, taxonomy, ecology., and the fossil record. The researcher will pursue groundbreaking projects on ichthyological topics, such as the origins of the Indo-Pacific biodiversity hotspot, the origins and diversification of fish groups, description and characterization of species and communities, and/or the influence of environmental and ecological factors on fish biodiversity. Exact projects will be developed through discussions with PI Sallan based on the skills, interests, and ideas of the selected researcher.
*The start date is negotiable. Promising senior graduate students and postdocs with time remaining in their current positions are encouraged to apply.
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.
- Develop and lead innovative projects related to the ichthyological interests of the Macroevolution Unit.
- Publish results in high-quality journals.
- Present at national and international conferences.
(Required)
- PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Marine Biology, Paleontology, Organismal Biology or related field with dissertation focused on fishes.
- Experience and interest in fish biodiversity.
- Willingness to develop knowledge about areas and clades of interest to the unit if outside of past experience (e.g. fishes).
- Willingness to learn new methods as needed.
- Willingness to travel to museum collections or collect specimens as needed.
- Willingness to collaborate with other relevant labs at OIST and outside.
- Good spoken and written English skills, including for scientific terms and concepts.
(Preferred)
- Experience in either fish morphology, fish phylogenetics, marine field work and collections, or work with live fishes, depending on area of expertise.
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)
Single PDF with Title “LastName_FirstName_PositionArea” including:
- Cover letter including brief statements of research interests and interest in the unit (3 pages max).
- List of top three representative publications (or manuscripts in prep) with one paragraph summary of key findings and scientific value for each.
- Contact information for 3 recommendations (will be contacted after first evaluation)
- Full CV including publication list.
* Prior to the start of employment all new hires are required to successfully complete a background check. Personal information including employment history and academic background should be submitted to OIST after a conditional offer of employment
- 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. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- 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.
- Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
- Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.
Full-time. A postdoctoral position (PhD<5 years) is initially for one year and can be renewed to 2 more years based on performance and mutual agreement. A staff scientist position (PhD>5 years) is initially for one year and can be extended further based on performance and mutual agreement.
Discretionary working hours
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.