Technology Development Specialist
Division/Section overview:
Would you like to be involved in applied cutting-edge science? Are you interested in contributing to the translation of exciting new discoveries into useful products? Do you want to be part of an interdisciplinary and dynamic team?
OIST Innovation serves as the technology commercialization hub at OIST, driving the transformation of groundbreaking research discoveries into practical applications. We facilitate collaborations with industry partners, support innovators, and nurture startups through a comprehensive suite of programs, networks, and resources. As a pivotal component of the University's strategy, OIST Innovation aims to cultivate an innovative ecosystem in Okinawa that integrates technology transfer, industry partnerships, and startup incubation.
Located in the serene tropical paradise of Okinawa, the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is a pioneering academic institution dedicated to fostering open and interdisciplinary innovation. At OIST, we embrace a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines, from neuroscience and applied mathematics to molecular biology and artificial intelligence, all the way to quantum computing and renewable energy.
OIST Innovation promotes technology development research through the Proof of Concept (POC) Program, an internal, competitive program that provides funding to OIST researchers to help bridge the gap between lab discoveries and commercial applications. The POC Program supports a range of research activities, from early applied research to advanced prototype demonstration. The program also supports individual fellowships for entrepreneurial-minded scientists. The goal of the POC Program is to foster innovation and enhance technology transfer to transform OIST inventions and scientific outcomes into new products and services that benefit society.
Position Summary:
OIST is seeking a Technology Development Specialist with a strong scientific background and skills appropriate to manage technology development research and with interest and enthusiasm to foster the effective transfer of cutting edge OIST technologies to successful commercial development.
The ideal candidate will be a motivated and resourceful self-starter, able to find opportunities and build connections within a university setting. The candidate will also be an adaptable team player with excellent interpersonal skills, able to work with the broader Center to achieve IP protection and licensing, industry partnerships, and the establishment of an innovation ecosystem around 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.
- Manage technology development research within the Proof of Concept (POC) Program.
- Oversee project milestones and budgets in coordination with POC Program awardees.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration and technology transfer.
- Support the overall management of the POC Program.
- Manage application, review, implementation, and evaluation of POC projects.
- Support other activities such as mentoring program, entrepreneurship training, and professional development opportunities for OIST community.
- Assist in negotiation of agreements with industry, including NDAs, MTAs, Collaborative Research Agreements, and Licensing Agreements.
- Manage relationships with consultants, contractors, vendors, and industrial partners.
- Work in coordination with other professionals in OIST Innovation, including licensing and business development specialists, to identify and establish relationships with potential industry collaborators, licensees, or investors.
(Required)
- PhD in physical sciences or, 5 years of relevant research experience.
- Experience in project management, including planning, monitoring of budget and deliverables, and reporting.
- Business-level proficiency in English, including a high level of reading comprehension and writing skills for research documentation and research agreements.
- Effective communication skills to develop relationships between OIST researchers and industry partners in Japan and abroad.
- Excellent time management, teamwork, and organizational skills.
(Preferred)
- Experience in quantum computing or related fields.
- Business-level proficiency in Japanese, including a high level of reading comprehension and writing skills for research documentation and research agreements.
- Experience in technology transfer or business development.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Annual salary: 5,500,000 yen ~ 8,000,000 yen
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.
* 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)