Animal Experiment Specialist
The OIST Core Facilities contribute to research and education by providing excellent common research facilities and research support services for the researchers and students at OIST. The Animal Resources Section within the Core Facilities provides support for animal care and animal research.
This position requires a variety of expertise and knowledge in the field of neuroscience of rodent, Zebra finch, Xenopus and Zebra fish. In addition to these animals, marine fishes, the squid and/or octopus, now became the object of animal welfare (Protocol review; humane treatment) in Europe, and the OIST Animal Care and Use Committee (ACUC).
The Animal Experiment Specialist in Animal Resource Section (ARS) works as the secretariat of the Committee and peer reviews all animal experiment applications at OIST using mammalians, birds, reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fish, marine fish, and cephalopod from viewpoints of animal health (veterinary care) and animal welfare. Animal Experiment Specialist also leads veterinary care program at OIST as a team of attending veterinarians. This role will be essential for ARS’s business as it is responsible for maintaining animal laboratory certification by AAALAC International (Association for the Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care and Control International), operating animal facilities, and supporting animal research.
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.
- Peer review all applications for animal experiment and cooperate with researchers to revise applications as necessary
- Organization of Animal Care and Use Committee
- Support tasks related to the use of animals in the animal facilities and maintenance of the vivarium environment and mouse strain maintenance
- Creation of standard training programs, manuals and protocols for the efficient training and use of the instruments
- Maintenance of all relevant equipment and facilities
- Work with equipment vendors on maintenance, development and troubleshooting issues
- Maintenance of supplies and consumables for the equipment
- Supports the purchase and procurement of equipment based on the needs of researchers, by documenting the specifications of the equipment and by communicating with the manufacturers and vendors, etc.
- Maintenance of excellent records regarding research support, equipment maintenance and safety
- Other duties as assigned by the Animal Resources Section Leader
(Required)
- PhD degree (graduate in biology/life science-related field)
- Experience as researcher using laboratory animals. Doctor for Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is desirable
- A minimum of 2~3 years’ experience in animal facility, laboratory animal care and ACUC protocol review
- Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills in English. Ability to communicate in Japanese is desirable
- Collaborate with ARS staff and research members and commitment to ongoing institutional development and growth
- Ability to adapt to local culture and rapidly changing work environment
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)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Cover letter in English required.
- 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.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications.
- 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.
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 1 year/2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Holidays:
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave:
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave