Materials Characterization Research Support Specialist
The OIST Core Facilities contribute to research and education by providing excellent common research facilities and research support services for the researchers and students at OIST The Engineering Section is one of the eight technical sections within the core facilities. It provides support for mechanical engineering, electronics, nanofabrication, and materials characterization through three teams of technical staff.
The Engineering Section is currently looking for a highly motivated and team-oriented technical specialist to support X-ray Diffractometry and Magnetic and Physical properties measurements of materials within the university. The candidates’ principle duties will be to maintain multiple state-the-art X-Ray powder and thin film diffractometers, and to train and assist OIST researchers in their operation.
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．Provide the following services related to X-ray diffractometry (focused on Thin Film and General purpose, on occasion Single Crystal):
- Training of researchers on the Bruker Thin Film and General-Purpose (powder) X-Ray diffractometers. Create training manuals and materials for researchers when necessary.
- Consult with researchers on sample preparation, measurement, and analysis of data.
- Collaborate with researchers by conducting:
a) Data acquisition from samples,
b) Analysis and refinement of data.
- Preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, consultation with vendors and repair of XRD machines when possible.
2．Provide services related to Quantum Designs systems: PPMS (Physical Property Measurement System) and MPMS (Magnetic Property Measurement System).
- Train users on sample mounting and loading, software use and data acquisition. Create training manuals and materials for researchers when necessary.
- Data acquisition and interpretation from samples.
- Preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, consultation with vendors and repair of PPMS/MPMS machines and associated cryogenic systems when possible.
3．Maintains and expands collaborative relationships with other domestic and international institutes.
4．Other duties as assigned by the Engineering Support Section Leader.
(Required)
- PhD in in-/organic chemistry, organo-metallic chemistry, material science, or a closely related field. At least five years’ of experience working in related field.
- Experience with closed-loop cryogenics.
- Experience in operating and maintaining thin-film, multi-purpose XRD instruments (specifically Bruker).
- Ability to Interpret XRD patterns: qualitative analysis (phase identification), orientation, crystallinity, quantitative analysis (Rietveld refinement, lattice constant calculation), thin-film quality assessment. Usage of crystallographic databases.
- Knowledge and experience using MPMS and PPMS systems (specifically Quantum Designs).
- Ability to do Hall and magnetic measurements, analysis of resistivity and thermal property measurement using the TTO option for PPMS. Experience with temperature-dependent transport, magnetization and heat capacity measurements.
- Strong problem-solving skills. Have the ability to learn new skills and to stay at the cutting edge of technology.
- Excellent communication skills in English. The ability to communicate in Japanese is desirable, but not required.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- Ability to function well within a hybrid Japanese–international work environment, demonstrating cultural awareness and adaptability.
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
- Curriculum vitae in English
- Cover letter in English required.
* Up to 3 references may be requested during the final interview stage.
- 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 months probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
Discretionary- 9:00-17:30
Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00
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.