Research Unit Technician, Biodiversity and Biocomplexity Unit
The Biodiversity and Biocomplexity unit (PI, Evan Economo, www.biodivlab.org) at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (http://www.oist.jp/) is seeking qualified applicants for a research technician position. The lab works at the interface of ecology, evolution, and natural history, with an empirical focus on insect biodiversity. We use a variety of approaches to understanding biodiversity including field expeditions, collections-based research, x-ray micro-CT, 3D modeling and morphometrics, phylogenomics, biodiversity informatics, and quantitative theory.
沖縄科学技術大学院大学は、世界の科学技術の発展に貢献し、沖縄でのイノベーションの拠点となるために2011年に設立されました。5年一貫制の博士課程教育を提供し、国を超えて、分野を超えて、優れた研究者が共同で、最先端の科学研究を行っています。
85 ヘクタールの敷地に広がる大自然の中に設立され、美しい海岸とサンゴ礁を見下ろす場所に位置します。キャンパスは建築学的観点から見ても印象的なこだわりが施され、その自然の中にある大学施設を際立たせています。学部の壁を作らないことで、学際的な研究成果を生み出せる環境を提供し、また学内の誰もが、最高水準のリソースへのアクセスと研究機器の利用が可能で、共同研究に生かせるような仕組みを整えています。
学内では英語を公用語とし、50 ヵ国以上から集まる研究者コミュニティは真の国際性を保持しています。OISTは科学技術の革新、そして沖縄の経済発展の原動力となるイノベーション創出に取り組んでいます。
The hired individual will get involved with a number of research activities in the lab including: managing lab databases, imaging specimens and analyzing data, procuring lab supplies and materials, and performing miscellaneous tasks to support lab research. There are exciting opportunities to learn skills in X-ray micro-CT scanning and downstream applications such as segmentation, 3D modeling (e.g. see our gallery online), morphometrics, 3D printing, interacting with biodiversity data in virtual and augmented reality, DNA sequencing and molecular biology. A key ethos of the lab is the innovative and exploratory use of different approaches, methodologies, and technologies to study biodiversity, so flexibility and curiosity are highly desirable traits.
An undergraduate degree or higher in a scientific or technical field and experience with scientific research are generally required, although there may be exceptions if there is a long history of successful technical work. There is no requirement for proficiency in a specific computational program/language, but it is important that the person has strong computational skills and an ability to learn different software and methods independently. Although not required by any means, experience with any of the following would be highly desirable: biodiversity collections, 3D modeling, data management, computational phylogenetics, molecular biology, geometric morphometrics, bioinformatics, HPC.
Expected Annual Salary: 3.5 – 7.0M yen, depending on experience
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on the candite’s experience, skills and background in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.
Job Data: OIST is a newly established international graduate university located in the resort area of Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan, and offers a high quality of life and good working conditions in an international environment. Logistical and financial assistance with relocation will be provided, along with a competitive salary and benefits package. OIST is an English-language working environment, thus knowledge of Japanese is desirable but not necessary for the position.
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 (Single page, English)
- Curriculum vitae (English)
- List of three references with contact information, one of which should be a previous employer
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
How to Apply
To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, and list of three references with contact information to <economo[at]oist.jp> in an email with subject “Research Technician Application.” Informal inquiries are also welcome at the same address. (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address)
* 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, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications. OIST Privacy Policy
* 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
(Information Disclosure – 10. Others – 6. OIST 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, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave
Annual Paid Leave, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Overtime work hours
Discretionary Working Hours System：
In the discretionary labor system for specialized work, the employee shall be deemed to have worked 7 hours 30 minutes per day.