Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Postdoctoral Scholar, Integrative Community Ecology (Armitage) Unit
A postdoctoral position in ecology is available in David Armitage’s research group at OIST (Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology) in Okinawa, Japan, with a flexible start date, ideally in early 2027. The initial appointment will be for two years, with the possibility of renewal contingent on satisfactory progress.
Working collaboratively with lab members, the successful candidate will lead an independent research program integrating empirical and theoretical approaches to address fundamental questions in population, community, or evolutionary ecology. Research directions are intentionally broad, and applicants from diverse backgrounds—including theoretical, empirical, or integrative approaches—are strongly encouraged to apply. Successful candidates will develop innovative research that leverages the Institute’s expertise, infrastructure, and unique ecological setting. Core research support will be provided through unit funding, with additional encouragement to pursue external funding opportunities such as fellowships from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
Research in the Integrative Community Ecology Unit broadly centers on three major themes: (1) using integrative approaches—including metabolomics, genomics, experiments, and modeling—to test fundamental hypotheses related to environmental fluctuations, local adaptation, species interactions, and niche evolution; (2) investigating the ecology and evolution of “extreme” plant strategies, such as carnivory, obligate symbioses, and stress tolerance; and (3) examining plant–microbe interactions and their connections to these broader ecological and evolutionary themes.
The postdoctoral researcher will have opportunities to conduct fieldwork in Okinawa’s subtropical rainforests and coastal mangrove ecosystems, as well as to pursue research using OIST’s extensive campus-based infrastructure, including aquatic mesocosms, controlled plant growth chambers, DNA sequencing and mass spectrometry facilities, and high-performance computing resources.
Please see our website https://www.oist.jp/research/research-units/ice for more information.
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 conduct innovative research in evolutionary, population, and community ecology.
- Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conferences.
- Mentor and supervise student researchers.
- Contribute to the broader intellectual and collaborative environment of OIST.
(Required)
- Ph.D. in a relevant field by the anticipated start date.
- Research experience in ecology or evolutionary biology.
- Excellent writing skills with record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
(Preferred)
- Experience with any of the following techniques: ecological niche modeling, population dynamic modeling, morphometrics, metabolomics, plant ecophysiology, bioinformatics, remote sensing, machine learning.
For Postdoctoral Scholar:
Expected Annual Salary: 4.6M-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
- Cover letter including a 1-2 paragraph outline of potential research project(s) you are interested in pursuing here (English)
- Curriculum vitae (English)
- Names and contact information for 2-3 referees, one of which should be a previous research supervisor
* 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 OIST after a conditional offer of employment.
How to Apply:
Apply by sending your submission documents to PD_app_ArmitageU@oist.jp
Application Due Date:
Application screening will begin July 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
Contact Email Address:
david.armitage@oist.jp
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 up to 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive).
This contract may be renewed on an annual basis by taking into consideration the performance and conduct of the researcher.
Working hours: 9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Holidays:
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays
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.