Sustainable Energy Test Bed Project Director
About OIST Innovation:
OIST Innovation is the technology commercialization hub at OIST. We work closely with OIST faculty, students, and staff to promote the development of new technologies, embrace collaborations with industry, support innovators, and launch startups. We provide a full-service suite of programs, networks, and resources designed to facilitate the transition of innovative technologies from the lab to the market, generating a meaningful societal impact. OIST Innovation is a key part of the University’s strategy to seed an innovation ecosystem in Okinawa linked to technology transfer, industry partnerships, and startups.
OIST Innovation is preparing to open a new 2,200㎡ incubator facility within the university campus that will serve as a hub where academic researchers, students, entrepreneurs, industry scientists, and government experts can collaborate to develop and commercialize cutting-edge technologies.
Position summary:
The Sustainable Energy Test Bed Project Director will lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of a sustainable energy testbed, a living laboratory designed to study and evaluate different sustainable energy technologies, systems, and their integration under real-world operating conditions. The first phase of the testbed will include the development of a smart microgrid system on the university campus. The Project Director will be responsible for coordinating with internal teams and external partners and stakeholders to ensure the project meets its objectives and aligns with the university’s broader sustainability, outreach and innovation strategies.
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.
- Project Planning and Management:
- Work with the project team to define the primary goals and objectives of the testbed, such as the specific technologies or systems to be tested, the research areas to be covered, and the intended outcomes or deliverables.
- Perform a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the technical, financial, and operational requirements for establishing the testbed.
- Create a detailed project plan that outlines the project phases, timelines, milestones, resource allocation, risk management strategies, and budget estimates.
- Identify and assemble a multidisciplinary team with expertise in relevant fields, including representatives from potential stakeholders or partners.
Explore and help secure funding sources, such as government grants, industry partnerships, or research collaborations.
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- Implement project management best practices, methodologies, and tools to ensure efficient project execution and tracking.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination:
- Cultivate relationships with the OIST research and innovation community to promote understanding and engagement with the project
- Build and maintain strong relationships with academic, industry, government, and financial stakeholders.
- Develop a marketing and outreach plan to promote the testbed's capabilities and attract potential users, collaborators, and industry partners.
- Coordinate and facilitate project-related meetings, workshops, and collaborative sessions to align stakeholders and ensure effective communication.
- Negotiate and manage agreements related to collaborative projects, data sharing, facility use, etc.
- Technical Coordination and Implementation:
- Work with the project team to design the physical infrastructure of the testbed, including the layout, smart grid components, energy storage systems, and data acquisition and control systems.
- Oversee the sustainable energy test bed's installation, testing, and commissioning phases, ensuring adherence to specifications, regulatory requirements, and safety protocols.
- Coordinate the development of user manuals, training materials, and knowledge transfer activities for test bed operators and researchers.
- Performance Monitoring and Evaluation:
- Collect and analyze project performance data, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions as needed.
- Prepare regular progress reports, presentations, and updates for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting achievements, challenges, and strategic recommendations.
- Ensure proper documentation of project plans, technical specifications, and operational procedures.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support the project and ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; advanced degree or certifications preferred.
- 3+ years of project management experience leading complex, technical projects, preferably in the sustainable energy or related climate technology sectors.
- Proficiency in methodologies such as Agile, Scrum, or traditional project management frameworks.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
- Knowledge of sustainable energy technologies, systems, and industry trends; existing network with relevant companies preferred.
- Familiarity with relevant regulations, codes, and safety protocols related to sustainable energy projects.
- Proficiency in project management tools and software applications.
Expected Annual Salary: 8,800,000 yen
*This amount represents the median annual salary 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)
- Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
* 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.
fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3 month probationary period (inclusive).
This contract may be renewed for up to 5 years from the date of initial appointment. However, the term of the contract may be subject to adjustment based on the amount of work remaining and progress of work assigned at the termination of this Agreement, performance evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee, and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)