Postdoctoral Scholar, Marine Physics and Engineering Unit

The position

Applications are invited for multiple postdoctoral positions in the Marine Physics and Engineering (MPE) Unit, at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University, Japan, starting April 1st, 2025, or earlier. The successful applicants are expected to collaborate closely and engage actively with all members of the MPE research unit.

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. The candidate is expected to actively contribute to the interdisciplinary research of the Marine Physics and Engineering group. This includes active collaborations, attending group meetings / seminars, and to mentor student research. 
  2. The candidate is expected to have a strong research track record (relative to the position) in wave hydrodynamics, applied mathematics, nonlinear physics, experimental fluid mechanics, ocean engineering, physical oceanography, or coastal engineering. The group's current research focuses on modeling and predicting the dynamics of ocean processes to also better understand and prevent hydrodynamic disasters. This is achieved through the development and application of advanced mathematical / physical models, data-driven techniques, and fundamental experimental investigations. Additionally, the candidate should present a clear and flexible research plan that aligns with their own interests while also complementing the research goals of Prof. Amin Chabchoub, the head of the unit. The ability to set and achieve research objectives is essential.
  3. The candidate is expected to be in residence for the time of appointment. Support for travel related to conferences and collaborations may be provided, subject to approval by the research unit's principal investigator.  
Qualifications

(Required)

  1. Applicants are required to have completed PhD in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Data Science or Mechanical / Civil Engineering by the time of appointment and have a background in ocean dynamics, fluid mechanics, nonlinear waves or related areas. 
  2. The candidates should demonstrate excellent oral and written English.
  3. We are looking for a self-motivated, proactive, responsible, and respectful researcher.   
     
Compensation and Benefits

The salary is internationally competitive and complemented by allowances as below.    
We offer an annual base salary for postdoc with a range 4.5M Yen - 5.9M Yen according to the years from PhD.

In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations 
 

Benefits:

Submission Documents

1.    Cover letter (English)
2.    CV including publication list (English)
3.    Research statement including a future research plan and alignment of research interests with those of Prof. Amin Chabchoub.
4.    Three reference letters to be submitted directly to mpe[at]oist.jp 
  (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address)
* 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 (Cover Letter, CV, and Research Statement) in one single PDF file to: mpe[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
Postdoc
Employment Term

Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 year starting April 2025 (or earlier), renewable up to 3 or 4 years in total depending on the performance of the postdoc, and contingent on funding availability (the latter is expected to be confirmed before the deadline of this application, and accordingly the advertisement will be updated). 
Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive).
 

Working Hours

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.
 

Report To
Professor Amin Chabchoub
Job Location
Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Application Due Date
31 January 2025
*Application will be closed once the position is filled.

Starting Date
Starting in the April 1st 2025 or earlier.
 

 

We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Please contact for any inquiry regarding the position
mpe@oist.jp 
Please kindly note we cannot reply to all candidates due to the volume of interest we receive.
 

If you have any question, please contact us