Postdoctoral Scholar or Staff Scientist /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 and creative researcher with a background in macroevolution (e.g. phylogenetics, evolutionary processes, organismal biology, and/or paleontology) and a deep interest in reconstructing the evolution of vertebrate life and biodiversity dynamics (extinction, diversification, innovation), and a desire to develop their own projects. The researcher will pursue novel work involving data and methods such as phylogenetic comparative methods, trait analysis, and/or fossil record occurrences.
This position is open to both paleontologists and researchers working on living groups, models, and molecular data, with a preference for those interested in fishes or other aquatic life. 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 interests of the Macroevolution Unit.
- Publish results in high-quality journals.
- Present at national and international conferences.
(Required)
- PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Paleontology, Organismal Biology or related field with dissertation focused on macroevolutionary or biodiversity questions.
- Experience and interest in macroevolutionary phenomena (e.g. diversification dynamics, evolutionary rates, trait origins, global events).
- 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 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. Japanese is not required but classes are provided to OIST employees and their families.
(Preferred)
- Familiarity with the evolution and ecology of fishes, as documented by prior work.
- Proficiency in fossil work, phylogenetic comparative methods, and/or obtaining and processing molecular data as needed.
- Track record of work demonstrating a broad interest in macroevolution.
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 (3pages 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.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.