Buribushi Fellowship 2025
Buribushi means “a cluster of stars” in Uchinaaguchi (Okinawan language). The establishment and first few years of the fellowship will be funded primarily by the J-PEAKS grant.
The fellowship is a principal investigator position intended to give opportunities for early career independence, to boost promising researchers toward a tenure-track faculty position. We hope that it will come to be recognized as one of the most prestigious and desirable positions for pre-faculty researchers in Japan.
Buribushi fellows will be offered a salary competitive with Assistant Professor positions, research funds (~10 Million Yen per year), and research resources*. The research funds can be used flexibly to hire staff or cover research operating expenses. Fellows are encouraged to apply for external grants (FOREST, KAKENHI, etc.) for additional support of their research activities.
* Resources available for fellows include access to the common use Core Facilities in OIST, shared meeting spaces, and desk space. Please note that dedicated research space with wet laboratory facilities is not available. Research Equipment within the Core Facilities can be found here.
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.
1. Conduct Independent Research
-Design, plan, and execute research projects aligned with your research statement.
-Lead, effectively manage and mentor a research group (if applicable).
2. Engage in Professional Development
-Participate in workshops, training sessions, and collaborative opportunities to enhance career potential and impact.
(Required)
Researchers who are working/studying at Japanese institution as of February 28, 2025 and less than eight years after the acquisition of their Ph.D. as of September 1, 2025*.
* Eligible researchers include the following:
- Those who are expected to acquire their Ph.D. by September 1, 2025.
- Those who are deemed less than eight years after the acquisition of their Ph.D., with considerations for career interruptions due to childcare, illness, etc.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Expected Annual Salary: 7,000,000 to 10,000,000 JPY
*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)
- Remote Work system
- a cover letter explaining your background, future goals, and how you fit the criteria for the position
- 2-3 page research statement describing a 5-year research plan*
- a full CV
- 2 letters of recommendation
* The research plan should be understandable to scientists outside your field. Please note that dedicated research space with wet laboratory facilities is not available. Please list your requirements to conduct your research.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
* Prior to the start of employment all new hires are required to successfully complete a background check. Personal information including employment history and academic background should be submitted to OIST after a conditional offer of employment.
How to Apply
Please apply from here.
To apply, please submit (1) a cover letter explaining your background, future goals, and how you fit the criteria for the position, (2) 2-3 page research statement describing a 5-year research plan*, and (3) a full CV via Interfolio.
* The research plan should be understandable to scientists outside your field. Please note that research space with wet laboratory facilities is not available. Please list your requirements to conduct your research.
In addition, please arrange for two referees to submit letters of recommendation via Interfolio. For further details, refer to the following webpages:
Submission Instructions:
●For Applicants:
●For Letter Writers:
Providing Letters of Recommendation
Evaluation Criteria
- A record scientific excellence and creativity at the highest level for their career stage, with potential for continued success.
- High potential and demonstrated capacity for leading independent research.
- Early career stage, with considerations for career interruptions due to childcare, illness, etc. It is expected the fellowship will be a stepping-stone to a junior faculty position in Japan or beyond.
- A research plan that is appropriate for the resources provided, considered in context of the support systems at OIST which will be available to fellows (e.g. core facilities).
- The research plan should have distinct goals from existing units' programs and demonstrate new, independent research.
- Collaborative work with OIST units is encouraged, provided the fellow is the intellectual driver of the main project.
* 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. OIST Privacy Policy
* 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
The initial term of the fellowship will be for 3 years, with an additional 2 years possible after an internal review to demonstrate satisfactory progress.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave
Annual Paid Leave, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Overtime work hours
Discretionary Working Hours System：
In the discretionary labor system for specialized work, the employee shall be deemed to have worked 7 hours 30 minutes per day.
Following the selection process, we will notify the successful candidates by the end of May.
Starting Date
September 1, 2025 or October 1, 2025