Senior Project Scientist - OIST Center for Quantum Technologies

The position

The Senior Project Scientist will play a leading role in the Human Resource Development for the Industrialization of Quantum Computing project funded by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO). The appointee will serve as a leader or subleader for use-case projects conducted in collaboration with industry professionals and academic researchers.

These projects focus on non-hardware quantum technologies, including quantum algorithms, quantum machine learning, quantum error correction, quantum programming languages, quantum compilers, and quantum architectures. The Senior Project Scientist will conduct advanced research, supervise project activities, and coordinate communication between OIST and external partners to ensure the project’s successful implementation.

About 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.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and supervise use-case projects in collaboration with academic and industry partners.
  • Provide scientific leadership and mentorship to project members and participants.
  • Coordinate workshops, meetings, and project reporting activities.
  • Contribute to research publications and project documentation.
  • Ensure that all activities align with the NEDO project implementation plan.
Qualifications

(Required)

  • Ph.D. and postdoctoral research experience with strong research achievements in Quantum Information Science or a related field.
  • Teaching experience in academic institutions.
  • Demonstrated ability and interest in collaboration with industry.
  • Business-level proficiency in Japanese and English.

(Preferred)

  • Experience in joint research with industry.
Compensation and Benefits

In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations

Benefits:

Application Documents
  • Curriculum vitae (English)
  • Names and contact information of 2-3 referees, one of which should be a previous employer
  • This position requires communication and documentation in Japanese. Applicants whose native language is not Japanese are requested to submit a document certifying Japanese proficiency (e.g., JLPT N1 or equivalent)

How to Apply

Apply by submitting your application documents to:

 yuta.ando[at]oist.jp  (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address)

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.
Job Type
Research
Starting Date
As early as possible
Employment Term

This is a fixed-term position until March 2028, funded through the NEDO project Human Resource Development for the Industrialization of Quantum ComputingContract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive).

Working Hours

Working hours: 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.

Report to
Professor Kae Nemoto, Center Director of OIST Center for Quantum Technologies
Job Location
Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
*Application will be closed once the position is filled.
If you have any questions, please contact us at