Sequencing Technician
The Core Facilities at OIST contribute to research and education by providing excellent common research facilities and research support services for the researchers and students at OIST.
The Sequencing Section (SQC) within the Core Facilities provides sequencing services using high-throughput sequencers, also known as next-generation sequencers (NGS) and single molecule sequencers, in multiple applications. The samples are not only from model organisms but also from a wide range of non-model organisms, from wildlife species to bacteria. Currently, the section has the following high-throughput sequencers: Illumina NovaSeq Ⅹ Plus, Illumina NextSeq1000, Illumina MiSeq, Illumina iSeq, PacBio Revio, Oxford Nanopore MinION, and Oxford Nanopore PromethION. In addition, the section owns capillary sequencers, real-time PCR, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis system, automatic DNA/RNA extraction system, automated electrophoresis system etc., for common use.
The OIST Sequencing Section seeks a highly motivated and team-oriented technical staff to expand the university's sequencing capability. The principal responsibility of the position will be to support common equipment management. Especially when a trouble occurs, the position is required to troubleshoot by checking the status of the equipment and stand between the user and the vendor to solve the problem. In addition to this, the position is also required to do sample quality checks, library preparation, and machine operation in sequencing services, depending on the person’s abilities.
In addition to internal use, OIST core facilities plan to start offering access to shared equipment for external use by research and educational institutions, private companies in Okinawa Prefecture, as well as domestic and international collaborating universities starting from the fiscal year 2024. This initiative aims to enhance the research and development environment in Okinawa and across Japan, contributing to the advancement of science and technology.
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.
Support OIST researchers in their sequencing to include:
- Common Equipment Management (Carry out routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment, Ordering of reagents and consumables, Stocktaking management etc.)
- Communicating with users, vendors, and manufacturers for troubleshooting of common equipment; corresponding via mail and on-site attendance
- Accept DNA, RNA, and various tissue samples from users and prepare for sequencing library
- Operate the latest sequencers and submit collected data to researchers
- Other related duties as assigned by the Sequencing Section Leader
(Required)
- Undergraduate degree or higher requiring the study of molecular biology, such as biology, pharmacology, medicine, or equivalent work experience
- At least 2-3 years of relevant work experience in molecular biology or similar laboratory conducting sequencing or similar experiments
- Strong Japanese proficiency
- Good team player
- Ability to think logically and work systematically and accurately. Be fair, sincere, and honest
- Ability to effectively communicate and provide customer-oriented service to researchers
(Preferred)
- English proficiency of EIKEN level 2 or above or TOEIC 600 or above.
- Experience working for a related company.
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)
- Cover letter in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
* Names and contact information of 3 referees, one of which should be a previous employer, will be required if the Applicant is selected for an interview.
* 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, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5 hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month)