Experimental Materials Characterization and Imaging Postdoctoral Scholar
The Nano-Mechanics, Kinetics, and Sustainable Manufacturing Unit at OIST invites postdoctoral researchers to develop and apply advanced crystallographic and microstructural characterization techniques to investigate heterogeneous solid–gas reactions relevant to sustainable materials manufacturing, production and energy conversion processes. The research emphasizes mechanism-driven understanding of phase transformations, defect evolution, and microstructural dynamics in crystalline solids (metals, alloys, and ceramics) under reactive and high-temperature environments.
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.
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Design and conduct advanced materials characterization experiments using TEM/STEM, XRD, and SEM/EBSD to quantify crystallography, phase evolution, defects, strain, and texture during solid-gas reactions and thermal processing.
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Develop and implement in-situ, operando, and correlative imaging workflows to study reaction kinetics, interface migration, and microstructural evolution under controlled gas and temperature conditions.
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Interpret experimental observations using crystallographic, thermodynamic, and kinetic frameworks, and collaborate with computational researchers to connect measurements with mechanism-based and predictive models.
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Collaborate closely with computational researchers to interpret experimental observations via mechanism-based models and to guide the development and validation of predictive models.
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Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
(Required)
- Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Strong background in crystallography and experiences in electron and/or diffraction-based characterization (TEM, XRD, and/or SEM/EBSD).
- Research experience with crystalline solids (metals, alloys, and/or ceramics), working knowledge of bulk materials synthesis and processing, such as sintering or thermal treatments.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research in a highly interdisciplinary environment.
(Preferred)
- Experience with in-situ or operando characterization (e.g., environmental TEM, heating/gas cells, synchrotron X-ray methods).
- Experiences with nanofabrication or micro-/nano-processing techniques (e.g., FIB, sputtering, deposition) for specimen preparation or model systems.
- Solid understanding in mechanics of materials, crystalline defect theory, thermodynamics and kinetics.
- 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 period (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