Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Technician in Marine Eco-Evo-Devo (MEED) Unit
The Marine Eco-Evo-Devo (MEED) Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) seeks to understand the evolution of life history strategies (metamorphosis), integrating ecological, evolutionary and developmental components.
We use anemonefish to address three main questions:
- How do fish larvae integrate environmental and physiological information to trigger coordinated programs leading to metamorphosis?
- How does this explain the diversity of patterns of pigmentation produced during metamorphosis?
- And how do anthropogenic stressors affect these processes?
We are looking for a highly motivated technician to join of our fish husbandry team. The main goal of the successful candidate will be to assist with the care and development of the anemonefish husbandry system. He/she will take care of the fish (breeding pairs, juveniles, and larvae), sea anemones and living prey culture. He/She will also support unit members’ needs in terms of assisting in the setup of aquaria and on giving expert advice on animal welfare. He/she will work on both the main campus and OIST Marine Science Station (OMSS).
Our unit is very international so communication within the unit is done in English, so fluent English is required (level B2). For a motivated technician this position will offer great opportunities to develop new skills in experimental marine science on a promising fish model that is used by an increasing number of labs. It will also allow to work with scientists from diverse fields and from all around the world.
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.
1. Take care of the animals and the husbandry technical system. Tasks mainly include feeding, water quality monitoring and maintenance, animals (fish and anemone) physical health and welfare monitoring and maintenance.
2. Improve the Husbandry System on the main campus.
3. Raise marine fish larvae and living prey (Rotifer, Artemia, etc.).
4. Improve experimental clownfish husbandry methods (long-term dietary management, broodstock conditioning).
5. Contribute to the overall activities of the unit, being a diligent team member.
6. Establish good contact with other team members, other units and students to participate in creating a dynamic, creative, and stimulating work environment.
(Required)
1. Experience in Marine aquaculture (or related field) and preferably fish.
2. Ability to work well and coordinate with people from other units.
3. Bachelor’s Degree, MS Degrees in Marine Biology, Aquaculture, or extensive professional experience in ornamental fish culturing.
4. Ability to drive a car.
(Preferred)
1. Experience in marine fish rearing, especially anemonefish.
2. Marine and fish biology knowledge, as well as fish diseases.
3. Experience with technical maintenance.
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)
- Curriculum vita in English
- Cover letter in English
- Names and contact information of 3, one of which should be a previous employer
* 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.
- 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).
・Renewable based on performance and funding.
・Standard working hours: 9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
・Must be flexible in working on/off weekends and potentially national holidays (days will be compensated to keep a 5-day working week).
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.