PostDoc Position, Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit
Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit is seeking one or two outstanding postdoctoral researchers. Our laboratory primarily uses early-diverging extant metazoans, such as cnidarians and ctenophores, to understand key biological events that likely occurred during the early stages of metazoan evolution (multicellularization, cell differentiation, embryonic development, tissue morphogenesis, and physiological adaptation). Current projects include evolutionary developmental biology (EvoDevo) of the nervous, muscular, and epithelial systems, as well as developmental and physiological studies in ancient marine environments.
Genomic and transcriptomic data for our model metazoans are already available in our Unit. We also possess a large amount of data on the metabolites and short peptides of these metazoans.
The successful candidate will be expected to independently pursue one or two of the following research topics, but not be limited to:
(1) Molecular mechanisms of cell type determination in early metazoans
(2) Function of ancient neurotransmitter candidates
(3) Evolution of cell adhesion protein complexes
(4) Body plan and gene expression in ancient marine environments
(5) Asexual growth patterns in early branching metazoans
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.
In the Evolutionary Neurobiology Unit, postdoctoral researchers will work on research projects in collaboration with the PI and other unit members. They are also expected to participate in field sampling, laboratory animal culture maintenance, and training and mentoring Ph.D. students, research interns, and rotation students.
(Required)
A Ph.D. in evolutionary biology, developmental biology, or related discipline. Experience and background on molecular biology.
(Preferred)
- Experience and background on bioinformatics, computational biology or similar fields
- Experience in microscopy, computational processing and quantitative analyses of image data
For Postdoctoral Scholar:
Expected Annual Salary: 4.5M-5.9M yen
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
- CV, a cover letter and a brief statement of research interests combined in a single PDF file
- At least 2 recommendation letters
How to Apply:
Apply by submitting your application documents to:
enbu[at]oist.jp (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.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.