Marine Station Technician
The Marine Science Section of the OIST Core Facilities is seeking a highly motivated technician to join the team in supporting marine science research at OIST. This role will be primarily based in the Marine Science Station opened in 2016 in Seragaki Port. The successful candidate will be expected to assist in all aspects of the section's operation. The primary responsibility is to maintain efficient and reliable operation of the Marine Science Station.
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.
- Equipment Maintenance and Calibration: Oversee the maintenance, regular calibration, and troubleshooting of section equipment to ensure accurate data collection and operational reliability.
- Vendor and Procurement Support: Work with vendors on equipment maintenance and upgrades, support the procurement of new equipment based on researcher needs, and document specifications.
- Safety and Emergency Preparedness: Ensure a safe working environment by adhering to safety protocols, developing emergency response plans (e.g., for power outages, flooding), and maintaining safety compliance.
- Training and Protocol Development: Develop and maintain training programs, user manuals, and operational protocols for effective use of station equipment and facilities.
- Record Keeping and Data Management: Maintain comprehensive records of research support activities, equipment maintenance, and environmental controls to ensure quality and consistency.
- Consumables and Supplies Management: Monitor and maintain stocks of consumables essential for station operations, ensuring availability for ongoing research.
- Facility and Workspace Organization: Maintain the station as a clean, organized, and efficient workspace to support research activities.
- Marine Animal Husbandry: Assist with the care and maintenance of marine organisms housed at the facility, ensuring their health,
- Interdepartmental Collaboration: Participate in cross-section collaborations within the Core Facilities to support shared goals and research initiatives.
- Other Duties as Assigned: Undertake additional responsibilities as directed by the Section Leader to meet the evolving needs of the station.
- Background in marine science, aquaculture, and/or aquarium management.
- Ability to learn new skills and to stay at the cutting edge of technology
- Fluency in both English and Japanese.
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to adapt to local culture and a rapidly changing work environment.
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)
- Cover letter in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- Curriculum vitae in English required. Japanese version required only for Applicants whose native language is Japanese.
- 2 reference letters will be required if the Applicant is selected as a shortlisted candidate.
* 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.
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed.
Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5 hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month)