Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Technician Position, Cell Proliferation and Gene Editing Unit
The Cell Proliferation and Gene Editing Unit investigates the molecular mechanisms that regulate cell division and mitotic quality control in the context of disease and aging. Our research aims to uncover tumor-suppressive pathways, identify cancer-specific vulnerabilities, and determine how mitotic stress contributes to both cancer progression and age-associated decline.
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.oist.jp/research/research-units/cellpro
We are seeking a highly motivated full-time technician with experience in mouse model systems to join our team. The successful candidate will support ongoing projects involving in vivo and xenograft experiments, mouse colony management, and related molecular and cellular analyses.
Experience in animal handling, genotyping, and basic molecular biology techniques is highly desirable. Prior hands-on experience with xenograft models, histology (including tissue processing, sectioning, and staining), and the generation or handling of transgenic mouse lines is considered a strong advantage.
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.
- Maintain and manage mouse colonies, including breeding, genotyping, record keeping, and coordination of animal protocols
- Perform in vivo experiments, including drug treatments, phenotypic monitoring, tissue collection, and analysis
- Conduct and support xenograft experiments, including tumor cell implantation, monitoring of tumor growth, and downstream tissue processing
- Assist in the generation, validation, and characterization of transgenic mouse lines
- Perform histological analyses, including tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and imaging
- Carry out molecular and cellular biology experiments (e.g., DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cloning, protein analysis)
- Maintain accurate experimental records and organize data in a structured and reproducible manner
- Ensure compliance with institutional animal care, biosafety, and ethical regulations
- Support general laboratory operations, including reagent preparation, inventory management, and equipment maintenance
- Collaborate closely with lab members to advance ongoing research projects
- Experience working with mouse model systems, including colony management and genotyping
- Hands-on experience with xenograft models, including tumor cell transplantation and tumor monitoring
- Experience in histology (tissue processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and imaging)
- Experience in the generation or handling of transgenic mouse lines
- Proficiency in standard molecular biology techniques
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment
Expected Annual Salary: 3M – 7M yen
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills and background by 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, one of which should be a previous employer
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
How to Apply
Apply by emailing your Submission Documents to:
franz.meitinger[at]oist.jp (replace “[at]” with “@”)
* 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, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications. OIST Privacy Policy
* 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
(Information Disclosure – 10. Others – 6. OIST Rules for Concurrent Appointment).
* Further details about the University can be viewed on our website
Full-time, the position is initially for one year with a 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance and mutual agreement.
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.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.