Postdoctoral Scholar/Staff Scientist, Plant Epigenetics Unit
We seek postdocs who will work in the research unit “Plant Epigenetics Unit (Principle Investigator: Hidetoshi Saze)”. We study epigenetic mechanisms of gene and transposon regulation in plants. See also the unit page at OIST: https://www.oist.jp/research/research-units/peu
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.
- Conduct research projects related to molecular genetics, biochemistry, and epigenome analyses, and publication of results
- Regular participation in lab meetings for progress reports
- Support research projects of rotation, intern, and Ph.D. students
(Required)
Ph.D. degree and good communication skills in either Japanese or English.
(Preferred)
Experiences in molecular genetics, biochemistry, or analysis of high-throughput sequencing data are preferred.
Expected Annual Salary
For Postdoctoral Scholar: 4.5M-5.9M yen
For Staff Scientist: 5.0M – 7.5M yen
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on the candite’s experience, skills and background 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)
- List of publication, awards etc.
- Names and contact information of 2-3 referees, who will be contacted if the Applicant is shortlisted for interview.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting your application documents to:
recruiting-saze#oist.jp (Please replace # with @ before using this email address)
Or send documents via post mail to:
Plant Epigenetics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology
1919-1, Onna, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0412, Japan
* Information provided by applicants will be kept confidential. Documents will not be returned and prospective candidates may be notified for further information
- 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.
Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
Starting Date
Earliest, 1st of April, 2026.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Break: 12:00 – 13:00 (if working hours are more than 5 hours for the day)
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.