Open Positions

There are currently open postdoctoral positions in the Unit.

Position Summary:

We are looking for highly motivated postdoctoral researchers with a proven track record (e.g., multiple high-impact publications) to join the Many-Body Open Quantum Systems (MB-OpenQS) Unit in the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), located on the beautiful island of Okinawa, Japan. The MB-OpenQS Unit focuses on the nonequilibrium study of hybrid quantum light-matter systems, defined in a broad sense. Special areas of interest include, but are not limited to, quantum-gas cavity QED, molecular cavity QED and polaritonic chemistry, as well as cavity-QED materials. The successful candidates will conduct high-caliber theoretical research in these areas and must have a strong background in quantum mechanics, quantum optics, cavity QED and open quantum systems, atomic and molecular physics, condensed-matter physics, and/or many-body analytical and numerical techniques.

 

Responsibilities:

The successful candidates will lead high-caliber theoretical research in many-body open quantum systems in collaboration with the Unit’s PI, Farokh Mivehvar, and other members of the Unit. Systems of interest generally include hybrid quantum light-matter systems such as atomic and molecular cavity QED as well as cavity-QED materials. The successful candidates are expected to publish high-impact journal articles based on their research findings and to present them at national and international conferences frequently.

 

Qualifications: 

  • Ph.D. in physics or related fields.
  • Strong background in quantum mechanics, quantum optics, cavity QED and open quantum systems, atomic and molecular physics, condensed-matter physics, and/or many-body analytical and numerical techniques.
  • Proven track record (e.g., multiple high-impact publications, prizes, etc.).
  • Ability to think, plan, and conduct research independently, as well as to work and cooperate with other Unit members and external collaborators.
  • Proficiency in English (both spoken and written).
  • Strong social skills.

 

Starting Date:

As early as possible after April 1, 2027.

 

Appointment Term:

Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 6 + 18 (= 24) months. Contract will be initially with the 6-month probationary period. The contract may be renewed after 6 months by taking into consideration the satisfactory performance, conduct, and behavior of the employee and other circumstances.

 

Expected Annual Salary: 

4.5M—5.9M yen (¥). This amount represents the expected annual salary range. The exact amount will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and background in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.

 

Benefits: 

 

Working hours:

9:00-17:30 (but flexible upon discussion).

 

Working Location: 

1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa, Japan 904-0495.

 

Holidays:

Saturdays, Sundays, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3).

 

Inquiries:

If you have any further inquiry, please contact me at farokh.mivehvar[at]oist.jp (replace [at] with @).

 

Application Documents:

  • Cover letter (one page). 
  • Curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Names and contact information of 3 referees, one of which should be a previous advisor/supervisor. Reference letters will be required for shortlisted candidates and must be submitted directly by the referees.

 

How to Apply:

Submit your application materials (i.e., cover letter + CV) as a single .pdf document named “YourFirstName_YourLastName.pdf” to Farokh Mivehvar at  farokh.mivehvar[at]oist.jp (replace [at] with @) with the subject matter “Application for the Postdoc Position in  the MB-OpenQS Unit”.

 

* Please indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.

 

Application Due Date:

Applications will be screened and evaluated on a rolling basis until the positions are filled. However, the hard deadline will be December 24, 2026.

 

Evaluation Process:

Shortlisted candidates will have at least two online interviews (one scientific and one generic). In a 40-minute online talk in the scientific interview, they should present an overview of their previous and ongoing research (approximately 30-35 minutes), and then explain how their research and  their experiences would fit to and complement our MB-OpenQS Unit (approximately 5-10 minutes). 

 

Application Results:

Only shortlisted candidates will be informed. We apologise if you do not hear back from us.

 

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, 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 (Information Disclosure – 10. Others – 6. OIST Rules for Concurrent Appointment).
  • Further details about the University can be viewed on our website.