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 Animal Resources Section within the Core Facilities provides support for animal care and animal research.
This position requires a variety of expertise and knowledge in the field of neuroscience of rodent, Zebra finch, Xenopus and Zebra fish. In addition to these animals, marine fishes, the squid and/or octopus, now became the object of animal welfare in Europe, and the OIST Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC).
The Research Support Specialist will be responsible for all aspects of laboratory animal care, breeding, husbandry and equipment maintenance primarily at the OIST main campus and also on the OIST marine science station as necessary and where possible. Further, the Research Support Specialist will report to the Section Leader of the Animal Resources Section and will assist in the development of first-class facilities, animal husbandry and research techniques.
The Research Support Specialist also supports veterinary care program at OIST as a member of veterinary care team. This role will be essential for ARS’s business as it is responsible for maintaining animal laboratory certification by AAALAC International, operating animal facilities, and supporting animal research.
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.
- Supports the purchase and procurement of equipment based on the needs of researchers, by documenting the specifications of the equipment and by communicating with the manufacturers and vendors, etc.
- Provide support to OIST researchers and students in basic training for animal handling, aseptic surgery and behavioral experiments. Finding and reporting of any abnormalities with animals and equipment.
- Support tasks related to the use of animals in the animal facilities and maintenance of the vivarium environment and mouse strain maintenance.
- Support the update of standard training programs, manuals and protocols for the efficient training and use of the instruments
- Maintenance of all relevant equipment and facilities
- Maintenance of excellent records regarding research support, equipment maintenance, and safety.
- Other duties as assigned by the Animal Resources Section Leader
(Required)
- A minimum of 2-3 years experience in animal facility and laboratory animal care
- Experience in working in a team
- Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
- Japanese communication skills
- Collaborate with ARS staff and research members and commitment to ongoing institutional development and growth
- The ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships
(Preferred)
- Relevant experience in cephalopod research or marine animal husbandry
- Doctor for Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Japanese proficiency level (JLPT3)
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.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
* Prior to the start of employment all new hires are required to successfully complete a background check. Personal information including employment history and academic background should be submitted to third-party administrators after a conditional offer of employment.
- 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 evaluation, 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.