Instrumental Analysis Section Leader
The OIST Core Facilities contribute to research and education by providing high-quality research facilities and research support services to researchers and students at OIST. The Instrumental Analysis Section (IAS) is one of the technical support sections within the Core Facilities. IAS hosts more than 40 instruments, including Mass Spectrometry (MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Flow Cytometry (FACS), and other large analytical instruments as common research facilities. IAS manages and provides technical support to enable advanced research across the University.
OIST seeks an experienced and service-oriented Instrumental Analysis Section Leader to lead the IAS and ensure excellent technical and operational support for the OIST research community. The Section Leader will oversee the scientific, operational, administrative, and people-management responsibilities of the section, including leadership of a team of approximately 5 staff members. The role requires strong operational discipline (equipment lifecycle management, safety, budgeting, and service delivery), combined with the ability to engage effectively with faculty, researchers, students, and external stakeholders. The successful candidate will employ demonstrated experience in core services of IAS, user training and analytical experiment consultation. Similarly, demonstrating experience with strategic planning, management, and administration to support high-level research and education.
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.
<Managing the Instrumental Analysis Section>
- Provide leadership and oversight of all IAS operations, including equipment, facilities, workflows, and service quality.
- Manage and supervise IAS staff members, including task allocation, performance support, and professional development.
- Develop and manage the IAS budget, including planning, execution, and reporting.
- Ensure a strong safety culture within the section, including the development and implementation of safety protocols and emergency procedures.
- Maintain excellent records related to research support, equipment usage, maintenance activities, safety, and compliance.
- In collaboration with Buildings and Facilities Management and vendors, arrange service and maintenance to ensure continuous, reliable facility operation and high instrument uptime.
- Support and coordinate external access to IAS resources, including engagement with users from outside the university, as appropriate.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Core Facilities.
<Building and sustaining capabilities at OIST>
- Supports the purchase and procurement of equipment based on the needs of researchers, including documenting the specifications of the equipment and liaising with the manufacturers and vendors, etc.
- Overseeing the development and implementation of standardized training programs, manuals and protocols to ensure efficient, consistent, and safe use of IAS resources.
<Contributing to broader communities>
- Organization and support of user groups related to the section activities
- In collaboration with the Provost and Senior Director of Core Facilities, support the organization and operation of advisory boards for IAS
- Liaison with local authorities and communities related to section activities
- Develop and maintain networks with international and domestic instrumental analysis organizations
- Oversee and contribute to outreach activities conducted by the section
(Required)
- Minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in chemistry or materials science research or a related field
- Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the utilization and maintenance of analytical instruments such as mass spectrometers and NMR spectrometers (experience with additional IAS platforms is an advantage).
- Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising staff
- Demonstrated experience in budget management and execution
- Strong collaborative skills relevant to a multi-user environment
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills in English. Ability to communicate in Japanese is highly desirable, but not required.
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships across the University
(Preferred)
- Experience working as an application, maintenance, or service engineer for analytical instrumentation.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations (RS4).
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 (and Japanese if available)
- Cover letter in English (and Japanese if available)
* Please click APPLY HERE to be redirected to our application platform (Interfolio) and follow the instructions there to upload the required documents.
* 2 reference letters will be required during the final stages of the process
- 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, non-fixed term appointment. Contract initially with 6 months probationary period (inclusive).
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 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.