Manager of the Technology Development Section
The Technology Development Section is a key part of OIST Innovation, the technology commercialization arm of OIST that drives technology transfer, industry partnerships, and startup incubation (https://www.oist.jp/innovation). At the heart of the Section's mission is the Proof of Concept (POC) Program, an internal, competitive grant program that provides crucial funding to OIST researchers to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and commercial applications. The Program supports a comprehensive range of activities spanning from early applied research to advanced prototype demonstration, while also offering fellowships that empower entrepreneurially-minded scientists. Through strategic investment in promising technologies, the POC Program aims to catalyze successful technology transfer to established companies and support the launch of new startups. This program aligns with OIST's broader vision of fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem in Okinawa, creating synergies between technology development, industry collaboration, and startup development.
OIST is seeking a Manager of the Technology Development Section with a strong scientific background and proven leadership skills. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in transforming cutting-edge research into commercial applications, contributing to both economic development and scientific advancement. This position offers the unique opportunity to work at the intersection of academia, industry, and entrepreneurship while helping build a vibrant innovation ecosystem in Okinawa.
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.
Strategic Leadership:
· Develop and implement multi-year strategies for the POC Program in coordination with the OIST Innovation Management Team
· Interface with Technology Licensing and Business Development staff to assess intellectual property and develop commercialization strategies for POC Program technologies
· Provide strategic guidance on OIST intellectual property, business development, and entrepreneurship policies
· Contribute to OIST's broader innovation ecosystem development strategy
Program Management:
· Oversee daily operations of the POC Program, including POC project team activities and management of Section staff
· Manage an external board of reviewers and mentors
· Execute the complete project lifecycle from application through implementation
· Track progress and outcomes of the project portfolio
· Monitor and manage budget execution, including forecasting and adjustment
· Arrange professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and workshops for project teams
Stakeholder Management:
· Maintain strong relationships with researchers, consultants, contractors, vendors, and industrial partners
· Coordinate with OIST finance sections for budget management
· Foster effective communication with OIST administration, faculty, researchers, and students
· Engage with program sponsors and industry partners
Business Development:
· Market POC Program technologies through social media and at industry exhibitions and events in Japan and internationally
· Assist in negotiating various agreements including NDAs, MTAs, Collaborative Research Agreements, and Licensing Agreements
· Build and maintain relationships with potential licensees and investors
Required Qualifications:
· Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field or equivalent combination of education and experience
· 3+ years of experience in technology transfer, research commercialization, or related field
· Strong leadership abilities with proven team management experience
· Demonstrated ability to evaluate and understand diverse scientific and technical concepts
· Demonstrated track record of successfully managing complex projects
· Excellence in stakeholder management and communication
· Business-level English language proficiency, including a high level of reading comprehension and writing skills
Preferred Qualifications:
· Knowledge of intellectual property management and licensing
· Track record of successful technology development and commercialization
· Experience in grant program administration and evaluation
· Business-level Japanese language proficiency, including a high level of reading comprehension and writing skills
Key Competencies:
· Capacity to assess technical innovations across a range of scientific domains
· Strategic thinking and decision-making ability
· Strong project and program management skills
· Excellence in building and maintaining professional relationships
· Ability to bridge scientific and business perspectives
· Cross-cultural communication skills
· Financial management and budgeting expertise
· Marketing and presentation skills
· Contract negotiation experience
What We Offer:
· Opportunity to shape innovation initiatives at a world-class research institution
· Competitive salary and benefits package
· International and diverse working environment
· Professional development opportunities
· Opportunity to contribute to Okinawa's growing innovation ecosystem
Expected Annual Salary Range 6,200,000 - 10,000,000 yen
*This amount represents an 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
· Cover letter in English required.
· Curriculum vitae in English required
· 2 reference letters will be required if the Applicant is selected as a shortlisted candidate.
- 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, non-fixed term appointment. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive)
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
* As this is a managerial role, the working days, working hours, and break time do not apply to general employees' prescribed working hours.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.