Computational Materials Science and Mechanics Postdoctoral Scholar
The Nano-Mechanics, Kinetics, and Sustainable Manufacturing Unit at OIST invites applications for multiple postdoctoral positions in computational materials science, with emphasis on first-principles modeling, atomistic simulations, and machine-learning interatomic potentials.
The successful candidates will develop and apply molecular dynamics, first-principles (DFT) simulations to study defect mechanics, energy landscapes, and thermodynamic/kinetic processes relevant to sustainable materials manufacturing and production. The research emphasizes mechanism-based understanding and the development of predictive, transferable models across length and time scales in close collaboration with experimental colleagues.
Research at OIST is conducted in a highly interdisciplinary environment, and postdoctoral scholars are encouraged to initiate collaborations across units, and explore new methodological or scientific directions aligned with their interests and the expertise of the unit.
* Specific responsibilities and preferred qualifications will vary depending on the candidate’s background and the selected research project; applicants are not expected to meet all preferred criteria.
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.
- Conduct atomistic (MD) and/or first-principles (DFT) simulations to study structural, mechanical, and chemical processes in crystalline and complex materials.
- Develop, train, and validate machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) using DFT reference data, with attention to accuracy, transferability, and uncertainty.
- Perform energy landscape exploration, free-energy calculations, and thermodynamic/kinetic analyses (e.g., NEB, umbrella sampling, transition state theory).
- Design and implement robust computational workflows combining DFT, MD, and ML models for large-scale simulations on high-performance computing platforms.
- Analyze defect mechanics, phase/interface evolution, and model chemo-transport-mechanical coupling across length and time scales.
- Collaborate closely with experimental researchers to interpret experimental observations via mechanism-based models and to guide experimental design for the development and validation of predictive models.
- Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
(Required)
- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, or a closely related field by the start date.
- Demonstrated experience with molecular dynamics and/or ab-initio simulations.
- Solid understanding of thermodynamics, kinetics, and atomistic energy landscapes.
- Proficiency in scientific programming and data analysis (Python required).
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
(Preferred)
- Experience developing machine-learning interatomic potentials (e.g., MACE, DeePMD, NequIP, or related frameworks).
- Background in computational mechanics, defect physics, phase transformations, or chemo-mechanical coupling.
- Experience in advanced free-energy methods, accelerated sampling, or kinetic modeling
- Experience with high-performance computing environments and large-scale simulations.
- Interest in sustainable materials manufacturing, production and energy conversion processes.
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
- Cover letter ( English)
- Curriculum vitae (English)
- Names and contact information of 2-3 referees (at least one previous supervisor)
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
- 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 pe-riod (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.
Thank you for your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting your application documents to:
yifan.wang@oist.jp