Analytical Instrument Specialist - Materials Science
The OIST Core Facilities contributes to research and education by providing excellent common research facilities and research support services, including maintenance of common equipment/facilities, operation training, fair access, consultation on experimental design and choice of methods/instruments, and technical support on data acquisition and analysis.
The Instrumental Analysis Section is one of the technical support sections within the Core Facilities. IAS hosts more than 40 instruments, including Mass Spectrometry (MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Flow Cytometry (FACS), and other large analytical instruments as common research facilities. IAS manages and provides technical support for researchers using these instruments.
The Instrumental Analysis Section is seeking a highly motivated and team-oriented technical specialist to support IAS in hosting analytical instruments. The main duties of the candidate will center on providing technical support in the field of Materials Science, especially focusing on Polymers. The candidate will be responsible for managing the instruments, training, and assisting OIST researchers in the operation of MALDI-MS, NMR, and other thermal analysis methods.
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.
- Provides support services related to IAS analytical instruments.
- Provides users with appropriate training and fair access to the IAS analytical instruments and monitors the usage of the facility.
- Provides consultations with researchers on IAS analytical instruments.
- Supports external use of IAS instruments and facilities.
- In addition to the daily communication with the users, holds periodic user meetings to promote communication, encourage knowledge sharing, and address technical challenges.
- Develops standardized training programs, manuals, and protocols for IAS analytical instruments for efficient training and utilization.
- Maintains and cleans IAS hosted analytical instrument and facilities.
- Works with equipment vendors on maintenance, development, and trouble-shooting issues.
- Maintains stocks of consumables and chemicals of IAS instruments and facilities.
- Expand the support coverage by introducing the latest technologies and seeking professional, technical training.
- Participates in technical and organizational improvement by collaborating with colleagues and researchers.
- Facilitates equipment purchase and procurement based on requirements by documenting instrument specifications and liaising with manufacturers and vendors, etc.
- Maintains excellent records regarding research support, instrument maintenance, and safety.
- Maintains and expands collaborative relationships with other domestic and international institutes.
- Fulfills any other duties as required within the section and delegated by the Instrumental Analysis Section Leader.
(Required)
- Demonstrated expertise in MALDI-MS, NMR, EPR, and thermal analysis equipment, including sample preparation, equipment management, data analysis, and user support.
- Strong proficiency in materials science and practical experience with relevant analytical equipment.
- Holders of a Master's or doctoral degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or equivalent qualification, with a proven track record of research.
- High awareness of fairness and compliance in multicultural environments, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team.
- Proficiency in English is required, and some level of Japanese communication ability is also desirable.
- Actively participate in technical and organizational improvements and collaborate effectively with colleagues and users.
(Preferred)
- Experience and knowledge in LC-MS, GC-MS, FACS, MALDI-MSI and other analytical instruments.
- Practical experience in core facility operations at universities or research institutions.
Expected Annual Salary: 5,000,000 - 8,000,000 yen
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on your experience and skills 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)
- Tedako Child Development Center
- Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Cover letter in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- 2 reference letters will be required if the Applicant is selected as a shortlisted candidate.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
- 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. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned.
- Please view OIST policy for rules on external professional activities
- Further details about the University can be viewed on the OIST website www.oist.jp.
This position is to be funded through the J-PEAKS grant.
The position is full-time, with fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)