Postdoctoral Scholars, The Quantum and Ultrafast Optoelectronics Unit
We are looking for highly motivated researchers to join the Quantum and Ultrafast Optoelectronics (QUO) Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), located on the beautiful island of Okinawa, Japan.
We currently have two openings for Postdoctoral Scholars. While the primary research areas for the positions are outlined below, we also welcome ambitious researchers from complementary backgrounds who are eager to explore and develop new scientific directions.
The QUO Unit works at the intersection of condensed matter physics, ultrafast and terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, materials science, and device engineering. We seek to understand how emergent quantum phenomena arise in low-dimensional materials, how they interact with light, and how these interactions can be harnessed to control quantum states and enable new forms of energy and information transport and conversion. Our approach combines the fabrication of 2D quantum materials and van der Waals devices with the development of THz microscopy and precision spectroscopy, while exploring their translation into quantum information science.
Postdoctoral Scholars will have opportunities to develop expertise across areas including 2D quantum materials, van der Waals device nanofabrication, quantum and qubit platforms, ultrafast microscopy, THz spectroscopy, microwave techniques, and antenna design/fabrication. OIST provides a highly interdisciplinary research environment with cutting-edge shared facilities and close interaction among researchers. The Unit will also support motivated Postdoctoral Scholars in preparing for future independent research careers through opportunities to pursue original research directions and build new collaborations.
We very much look forward to hearing from creative and ambitious early-career researchers.
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.
Postdoctoral Scholars in the Quantum and Ultrafast Optoelectronics Unit are expected to engage in creative, curiosity-driven, and independent research, while collaborating closely with the PI, other Unit members, and researchers within and outside OIST.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting research in one or both of the following areas:
(i) THz spectroscopy of 2D quantum matter: Develop and apply ultrafast and terahertz spectroscopy to investigate low-energy excitations, light-driven quantum phenomena, and related dynamics in quantum materials and van der Waals devices.
(ii) Designer quantum materials and devices: Design and fabricate vdW heterostructures and nanodevices, and investigate their electronic, optical, and quantum properties using optical, transport, and complementary characterization techniques.
- Communicating effectively and building collaborations with Unit members, researchers across OIST, and external collaborators.
- Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting results at national and international conferences.
- Contributing to the collaborative research environment of the Unit and at OIST, including scientific discussions and mentoring of students where appropriate.
Required
- Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, or a closely related field
- Strong research background in one or more areas relevant to the Unit: e.g., condensed matter physics, quantum science, nanofabrication, spectroscopy, or related fields
- Proven track record of research achievement
- Effective written and oral communication skills in English
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with Unit members and external collaborators
Preferred
Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable but not required:
- van der Waals heterostructure or device fabrication; nanofabrication; quantum devices or qubit platforms (e.g., superconducting, spin, or defect based systems); ultrafast spectroscopy, microscopy; THz spectroscopy; microwave or high-frequency techniques; antenna, resonator, or cavity design and fabrication
Candidates whose backgrounds complement these areas and who are strongly motivated to learn new techniques are also encouraged to apply.
Starting Date:
As early as possible after January 1, 2027.
Benefits & Resources:
- 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
- Disability Support
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Support Resources
- (Optional) Cover letter with a brief description of your past/current research. While optional, applicants are strongly encouraged to include a brief description of the research direction(s) they would be interested in pursuing in the Unit.
- Curriculum vitae. In your CV, please include the contact information of three references. On the final page of the CV, please indicate which research area(s) listed in the Responsibilities section you are interested in, and which relevant experiences listed in the Qualifications section apply to your background. If not, please describe your core strengths and how they will complement the Unit’s research.
- A minimum of two reference letters will be required at a later stage of the selection process. Upon request, applicants should arrange for the letters to be sent directly to Taketo Handa at taketo.handa [at] oist.jp.
How to Apply:
Apply by submitting your application documents directly to:
taketo.handa [at]oist.jp (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address)
Application Due Date:
The initial application deadline is November 30, 2026. Applications may continue to be accepted after this date until the positions are filled.
- 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.
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.
Thank you for your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.