Technician in Protein Engineering and Evolution Unit
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST; see www.oist.jp) is a model for change in education and research with the best international graduate students, working side by side with world-class faculty in modern well-equipped laboratories (OIST campus video tour). Beautifully situated on the island of Okinawa, OIST relies on a cross-disciplinary approach, with an emphasis on creativity and exchange, to offer unique, individualized graduate training. OIST is a university with no departments, eliminating artificial barriers between people working in different fields, but many nationalities, with students and faculty being attracted from all over the world. Concentrating initially on Neuroscience, Molecular Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Environmental and Ecological Sciences and Physical Sciences, OIST is bringing some of the best researchers in the world to Okinawa to transform the way science and education is done in the global academic world.
Position Summary
The Protein Engineering and Evolution unit is now seeking a part-time lab technician. Our research is focused on bioengineering and biocatalysis. In our current project, we aim to develop new strategies to engineer robust and thermostable proteins, which have many applications in industry, agriculture, and medicine. To do this, we will reconstruct ancestral enzymes from ancient organisms, which often display useful properties and improved thermostability, for reasons that are not well understood. The successful candidate will mainly be responsible for producing and analyzing these ancestral proteins to help determine the factors that lead to improved thermostability.
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.
- Routine experimental work such as cloning, protein expression and purification using E. coli, and biophysical/biochemical analysis of proteins
- Technical support such as medium preparation, buffer preparation, and equipment maintenance
(Required)
- Master’s degree in biochemistry or molecular biology, or equivalent laboratory experience.
- Hands-on experience in most of these techniques: cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, enzyme kinetics, FPLC.
- Good English knowledge.
- Good communication skills, precise and well-organized person.
(Preferred)
Experience with any of these experimental techniques would be highly welcome: circular dichroism (CD), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), UPLC, mass spectrometry (MS), protein expression in yeast.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
- Curriculum vitae in English
- Cover letter in English (and Japanese if available)
- Names and contact information of 2 referees, one of which should be a previous employer
How to Apply
Please submit all required application materials by email to:
Paola.laurino#oist.jp
(Please replace # with @ before using this email address)
* 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 third-party administrators 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.
Fixed term appointment for 1 year. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed. Starting date is negotiable.
Part-time (24 hours per week)
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.