Social Entrepreneur Fellow
The OIST Global Bioconvergence Center of Innovation operates under the guiding principle of “One World, One Health,” recognizing the interconnectedness of science, society, and innovation. To ensure that groundbreaking discoveries from COI-NEXT research are translated into tangible, sustainable solutions beyond the lab, we are seeking a dynamic Social Entrepreneurship Fellow.
Many COI-NEXT projects aim to serve vulnerable communities or protect shared resources such as the environment. These projects are not always commercially viable in the traditional sense – they may not yield patentable outputs, generate licensing income, or attract private investment. However, they offer critical public value and must be designed with long-term sustainability in mind.
The Fellow will play a key role in supporting such projects by identifying creative, impact-driven strategies for implementation and sustainability. Bridging the worlds of science, policy, and social change, the Fellow will help researchers co-develop models for financial and operational continuity – without relying indefinitely on institutional support from 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.
1. Entrepreneurial Strategy and Implementation
- Guide COI-NEXT project teams in developing sustainability strategies suited to their specific goals, whether through hybrid business models, community-based funding, nonprofit structures, or strategic partnerships.
- Support the creation of social ventures, public-interest organizations, or policy pathways that allow COI-NEXT research outputs to reach and benefit their intended communities.
- Identify and help secure external funding streams, including philanthropic grants, public-sector programs, and mission-aligned investment.
2. Stakeholder Engagement and Ecosystem Development
- Serve as a connector between OIST researchers and local, national, and international partners across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
- Facilitate co-design processes and community-led innovation pilots that are rooted in local values and needs.
- Encourage inclusive, participatory innovation that builds trust, fosters long-term engagement, and ensures community ownership of outcomes.
(Required)
- Master’s degree or higher with equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Sustainability Science, Public Policy, or related)
- Demonstrated success in launching or scaling social ventures, nonprofit programs, or community-based innovation projects
- Proven experience in social impact strategy, sustainability planning, or responsible innovation frameworks
- Strong cross-sector communication and facilitation skills, especially in multicultural and multilingual contexts
- Familiarity with Japan’s innovation and funding ecosystem; experience in Okinawa is a strong asset
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a high degree of flexibility and adaptability
- Fluency in English
(Preferred)
- Japanese proficiency (highly desirable)
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 in English
- Curriculum vitae in English
* Please click APPLY HERE to be redirected to our application platform (Interfolio) and follow the instructions there to upload the required documents.
- 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 6 months. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed for up to a maximum of 1 year, by taking into consideration the performance, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
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)
Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Thank you for your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.