System Architect – Cloud Solutions

The position

Division/Section overview:
OIST IT Division provides a wide range of IT services for OIST community and utilizes a variety of cloud-based business systems such as ServiceNow to improve operational efficiency in order to support OIST's unique and world-leading University. This position belongs to the Project Planning and Implementation Section in the IT Division and is primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of business-related cloud services.

Position summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled System Architect with specialized expertise in cloud solutions, particularly focusing on platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) applications like ServiceNow and others. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing cloud-based solutions/applications tailored to our organization's specific needs, with a strong emphasis on ServiceNow platform expertise while possessing a comprehensive understanding of other cloud technologies.

About 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.

Responsibilities

From the perspective of the overall optimization of OIST's business processes, the incumbent will perform the following duties based on an understanding of the structure and relationships of each business system:

  1. Cloud Architecture Design
    ・Develop comprehensive cloud architecture solutions that leverage PaaS/SaaS platforms such as ServiceNow or other solutions to meet business requirements.  
  2. Integration Planning and Implementation:
    ・Design integration strategies to seamlessly connect SaaS applications with existing systems, third-party services, and data sources. Lead the implementation of integration solutions ensuring data integrity, security, and compliance.
  3. ServiceNow Administration:
    ・Manage and administer the ServiceNow platform, including configuration, customization, deployment of solutions, and maintenance activities. Ensure the platform is optimized for performance, reliability, and scalability. Additionally, this position serves as the primary expert on the ServiceNow platform.
  4. Security and Compliance:
    ・Implement robust security measures and compliance controls to protect sensitive data and ensure regulatory compliance across cloud-based solutions.
  5. Vendor Management:
    Manage relationships with PaaS/SaaS vendors and coordinate the System Implementor’s (SI) work.
  6. Documentation, Training, and Knowledge Sharing:
    ・Create comprehensive documentation, including architectural diagrams, deployment guides, and best practices documentation. Conduct training sessions for internal teams to ensure effective utilization of cloud-based solutions. Share knowledge and expertise through internal forums and workshops.
Qualifications

(Required)

  1. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
  2. Minimum of 2 years of experience in ServiceNow administration and development or equivalent.
  3. ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA) certification required. Additional certifications such as Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS) or Certified Application Developer (CAD) are a plus.
  4. Strong understanding of IT Service Management (ITSM) principles, processes, and best practices.
  5. Experience with ServiceNow modules such as Incident Management, Change Management, Problem Management, Asset Management, and CMDB.
  6. Proven hands-on experience development of applications with the ServiceNow platform, including configuration, customization, and integration capabilities. Other platforms experience is a plus.
  7. Strong understanding of enterprise architecture principles, integration patterns, data management, and security frameworks.
  8. Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
  9. Business level English language skills (TOEIC 700+ or an equivalent)

(Preferred)

  1. ServiceNow Certified Implementation Specialist, Salesforce Certified Technical Architect, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or Microsoft Azure Developer Associate are desirable.
  2. Proficiency in ServiceNow scripting languages such as JavaScript, GlideScript, and AngularJS.
  3. Experience with ServiceNow integrations using APIs, web services, and middleware technologies.
  4. Extensive knowledge of cloud computing technologies, primary platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is a plus.
  5. Business level Japanese language skills (JLPT N1 or equivalent)
Compensation and Benefits

In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.
Annual salary: 4.5 million ~ 8.0 million yen

Benefits:

Submission Documents
  • 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.

* 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.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.

Declaration
  • 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.
Job Type
IT/Scientific Computing
Starting Date
As early as possible
Employment Term

Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.

Working Hours

Working hours: 9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)

Report To
Project Planning and Implementation Section Manager
Job Location
Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Application Due Date
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
*Application will be closed once the position is filled.

If you have any question, please contact us