Postdoctoral Scholar, Microbial Lifeform Dynamics Group
At the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), the Microbial Lifeform Dynamics Group, led by PI Fumiaki Yokoyama, investigates how microbial cell systems adapt to environmental perturbations. Using microbial cells as model organisms, the group integrates approaches from cell microbiology, biophysics, nano/microfluidic device engineering, and quantitative live-cell imaging to explore the dynamic behaviors of microbial lifeforms across unicellular, multicellular, and supracellular states. Through this interdisciplinary lens, the group aims to uncover survival strategies that sustain life.
For more details about our group, please refer to the following webpage:
https://www.oist.jp/research/buribushi/yokoyama
We are seeking to recruit a postdoctoral researcher to study spatial gene expression by combining microfluidic devices with FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization), as outlined below.
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.
The successful candidate will engage in spatial gene expression in bacterial populations cultured within microfluidic devices using FISH, and extend this work to the microscopic analysis of spatiotemporal gene expression dynamics. This project is part of an international collaboration and may involve a research stay of several months in California, USA. In addition to this project, the candidate is welcome to propose and pursue independent research within the scope of the group's broader scientific interests.
(Required)
- Ph.D. in a life science-related field (including expected completion by the time of appointment).
- Strong interest in research using microbial cells (prior experience is not required).
- Ability and willingness to actively engage in academic-level communication in English.
(Preferred)
- Experience with microscopy and image analysis.
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
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): In Japanese or English, free format. Please include your email address, educational background, and employment history.
- List of Research Achievements: In Japanese or English, free format.
- Statement of Interest and Research Skills: In Japanese or English, free format, within one A4 page. Please briefly describe your motivation for applying and the research-related skills you have acquired.
- Contact Information for Two or More References: In Japanese or English, free format. Please include their email addresses and describe their relationship to you. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide a letter of recommendation from the reference persons.
* Links such as researchmap are also acceptable, if they contain the necessary information.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
How to Apply
Please send your application materials by email with the subject line “Postdoc Application 2026 April” to the following address:
fumiaki.yokoyama_at_oist.jp (please replace “at” with “@”).
Declaration
- 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.
Starting Date
As early as possible after September 1, 2026 (negotiable).
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.