Field Technician, Microbial and Ecosystem Ecology Unit
The Microbial and Ecosystem Ecology Unit, a new research group at OIST, invites applications for a field technician position. Our unit focuses on understanding how environmental factors, such as vegetation type, land management strategy, and climate change, affect terrestrial microbial communities, particularly those that are symbiotically associated with plants and play crucial roles in organic matter decomposition and nutrient transformation in the soil. We further examine how these shifts influence ecosystem functions such as ecosystem carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as levels of environmental pathogens. Our methods encompass fieldwork, greenhouse experiments, and chemical analyses, in addition to cutting-edge molecular analyses and bioinformatic analyses.
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.
- Assist with field and greenhouse work for unit projects, as well as postdoctoral and student projects, ensuring proper data recording. This includes collecting soil, plant, mushroom, animal, and air samples, conducting field measurements, setting up and maintaining field and greenhouse experiments across Japan and occasionally in other countries. Fieldwork will be conducted in teams of two or more.
- Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot field equipment.
- Provide training to students on fieldwork procedures and technique.
(Required)
- A BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, or a related scientific discipline.
- Research experience in one or more of the following fields, ecosystem ecology, plant ecology, soil ecology, biogeochemistry, and microbial ecology.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license for at least 2 years with a safe driving record.
- Ability to stand and hike for extended periods, lift ~20 kg, and conduct fieldwork in forests and agricultural fields, which may be in remote areas at times.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable working space for diverse members through constructive, open-minded, and kind approaches.
(Preferred)
- Experience in field research, including plant identification, plant size measurements, and wilderness first aid.
- Experience collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Expected Annual Salary: 4M-6M yen
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 brief cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and how you meet the minimum qualifications
• A current CV with a list of 2 potential references and their contact info.
* Combine all documents into a single PDF.
* 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
Apply by submitting your application documents to mee [at]oist.jp (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address) with the subject line, “MEE2025_Fieldtech”.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
* 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
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, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
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.
*The first screening will begin on 21st April 2025, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Starting Date
From 1st September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.