Technology Development Specialist
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?
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 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.
The Technology Development Specialist will play a key role in managing the Proof of Concept (POC) Program, an internal, competitive funding program designed to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and commercial applications. The role supports activities ranging from early applied research to advanced prototype demonstration and individual fellowships for entrepreneurial-minded scientists. The ultimate goal is to foster innovation and enhance technology transfer, helping OIST inventions and scientific outcomes transform into new products and services that benefit society.
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, including application, review, implementation, and evaluation of projects.
- Support other activities such as the mentoring program, entrepreneurship training, and professional development opportunities for the 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 colleagues in OIST Innovation—including licensing, venture, and business development specialists—to establish relationships with potential industry collaborators, licensees, and investors.
(Required)
- PhD in a relevant field (life sciences, neurobiology, pharmacology, chemistry, engineering, physics, biotechnology, or environmental sciences), or a minimum of 5 years of relevant research experience.
- Experience in project management, including planning, budget monitoring, deliverables tracking, and reporting.
- Business-level proficiency in English and Japanese, with strong reading comprehension and writing skills for research documentation and agreements in both languages.
- Effective communication skills to support collaboration between OIST researchers and industry partners in Japan and abroad.
- Excellent time management, teamwork, and organizational skills.
(Preferred)
- Experience in technology transfer or business development.
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 and curriculum vitae in English
- 3 reference letters will be required during the final stages of the process
* Please click APPLY HERE to be redirected to our application platform (Interfolio) and follow the instructions there to upload the required documents.
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.
- 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 evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
Working hours:
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00
Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month)
Thank you for your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.