Domestic Grants Section Manager
This position plays a strategic leadership role in advancing OIST’s research mission by strengthening the University’s success in securing competitive external funding. The successful candidate will drive institutional grant strategy, support faculty and researchers throughout the funding lifecycle, and lead coordination of major research proposals. By building effective peer review systems, monitoring emerging funding opportunities, and collaborating closely with the Office of the Dean of Research, this role contributes directly to expanding research impact and fostering high-value collaborations at the institutional level.
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.
- Develop and implement strategic plans for promoting successful applications for research grants, fellowships and joint research programs.
- Coordinate the preparation of organization-level research grant applications.
- Support OIST faculty and researchers in their effort to secure external research funding throughout the process including the identification of appropriate funding sources, proposal preparation, and pre-award managements.
- Keep track of the development of new funding programs by funding agencies from its development phase.
- Organize a college of reviewers and develop a system of peer review in the pre-award phase.
- Work with the staff in Office of Dean of Research division and report to Dean of Research.
- At least five-year’s experience in a research organization, a university or a funding agency with extensive knowledge of rules and practices of research grant application, reviewing, and execution.
- Comprehensive knowledge of international and domestic research funding opportunities from both governmental and private sectors.
- Track record in improving funding success in a university or research organization an advantage.
- Practical experience in handling research contracts, intellectual properties, and funding agencies’ regulations.
- Requires independent judgment and strong organization and communication skills.
- Business level English is required.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations(A5).
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 both Japanese and English
* Up to two additional references, including at least one from a previous employer, may be requested during the final interview stage.
* Please click APPLY HERE to be redirected to our application platform (Interfolio) and follow the instructions there to upload the required documents.
- 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-month probationary period (inclusive)
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
* As this is a managerial role, the working days, working hours, and break time do not apply to general employees' prescribed working hours.
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 interest in this opportunity. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.