Research Support Technician for Cephalopod Support
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) invites applications for the position of Research Support Technician for Cephalopod Support in Animal Resources Section. OIST has developed a new interdisciplinary model for education and research that brings together the best international graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to work side by side with world-class faculty members in modern well-equipped laboratories. Situated in a stunningly beautiful ecological setting on the island of Okinawa. OIST is a university that has no departments or artificial barriers that separate investigators in different fields. Its international student body and faculty represent nationalities from all over the world.
Concentrating initially on Neuroscience, Molecular Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Environmental and Ecological Sciences and Physical Sciences, OIST attracts the best minds in the world to Okinawa to transform the way science and education is done in the global academic world.
The Research Support Technician for Cephalopod Support will be responsible for all aspects of cephalopod acquisition, breeding, and husbandry, primarily at the OIST Marine Station and on the OIST main campus, where necessary. Further, the Research Support Technician will provide support in the breeding and husbandry of marine fish primarily at the OIST Marine Station and on the OIST main campus as necessary and where possible. The staff will report to the Team Leader of the Cephalopod Support Team and the Section Leader of the Animal Resources Section and will assist in the development of first-class facilities, animal husbandry, and research techniques.
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.
- Daily operation: Feeding Cephalopods (and other marine species), Observation of Cephalopod’s condition and behavior, Quality Control of Sea water (color, clearness, temperature), Recording of daily operation including confirmation of number of animals, Cleanup and disinfection of tools and work area, Removal of uneaten food, Inventory maintenance, and ordering of frozen and live food.
- Provide support to OIST researchers and students in basic training of handling of Cephalopods, Aseptic surgery, Behavioral experiments, Setting up experimental and holding tanks with associated plumbing, Finding and reporting of any abnormalities with animals or equipment.
- Monthly operation: Cleanup of tank substrate, tank walls, and filters.
- Annual operation: review of animal care and use program, occupational health and safety program, and environmental enrichment program.
- Weekend and holidays: Same as daily operation with Feeding Cephalopods (and other marine species), Observation of Cephalopod’s condition and behavior, and recording of daily operation, etc.
- Other duties as assigned by the Animal Resources Section Leader.
(Required)
- Relevant experience in cephalopod research or marine animal husbandry
- Experience in working in a team
- Business level communication skills in English
- Japanese communication skills
- Good collaborative skills relevant to a multi-user environment
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships
Expected Annual Salary: 3,000,000 - 6,000,000 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. The University strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups.
- 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 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
Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month)
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