Lab manager/Technician, Biological Design Unit

The position

The Biological Design Unit is a new research group at OIST. We research across the fields of biology, physics, and engineering to understand the body design of living organisms, especially plants. We seek a collaborative and constructive lab technical manager to help set up and maintain the lab space and resources. We carry out a diverse suite of experiments, including molecular biology; therefore, we seek someone who is comfortable handling diverse experimental needs.

About OIST

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.

Responsibilities

1.    Lab set-up and maintenance (including equipment care)
2.    Lab Health and Safety 
3.    Lab organization and support 
4.    Stock (chemicals, DNA samples, seed, etc.) organization and maintenance 
5.    Fieldwork assistance (if needed)
 

Qualifications

(Required)
1.    Experience and expertise in working with and maintenance of biological samples (including maintenance and health and safety)
2.    Excellent record-keeping 
3.    Excellent lab organization/management track record
4.    Experience in molecular biology, especially molecular cloning
5.    Constructive outlook and approaches to the work 
6.    Teamwork mindset and skills and collegiality
7.    Being helpful, responsible, and accountable
8.    Being happy to work in an interdisciplinary and international lab 

 

(Preferred)
1.    Expertise in working as a lab technician/manager
2.    Experience in working at OIST and thorough knowledge of how things work there for molecular biology labs
3.    Proficiency in molecular biology, especially genetic engineering
4.    Experience in working with plants and plant sample care
 

Compensation and Benefits

In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations

Expected Annual Salary: 3M – 7Myen
Model Base Salary: 4.5Myen/year (10th year since master’s degree)
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills and background in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.
 

Benefits:

Submission Documents
  • Cover letter (English) 
  • Curriculum vitae (English)
  • Names and contact information of 2-3 referees, one of which should be a previous employer

* 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: 
naomi.nakayama[at]oist.jp (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address)
 

Declaration

* 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

Job Type
Technician
Employment Term

Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with a 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.

Part-time arrangements may be considered depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
 

Working Hours

Full-time: 9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Part-time arrangements may be discussed according to the needs of the 
Working hours: Part-time with a maximum of 7 hours per day, 5 days per week.

Break: 12:00 – 13:00 (if working hours are more than 5 hours for the day)

 

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.
 

Report To
Professor Naomi Nakayama
Job Location
Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Application Due Date
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
*Application will be closed once the position is filled.

Starting Date

From February 2025 or thereafter

 

We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

If you have any question, please contact us