Postdoctoral Scholar position is available/ Yutaka Yoshida Unit

The position

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST; see www.oist.jp) is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding (OIST campus video tour). There are no academic departments, which facilitates multidisciplinary research. 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.

Unit Summary: 

Yoshida unit at OIST, led by Professor Yutaka Yoshida, is currently seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar with laboratory experience in either molecular biology or neuroscience. The Yoshida unit is interested in formation, function, and regeneration of motor circuits controlling locomotor and skilled movements. We especially study descending motor circuits including corticospinal circuits using various techniques such as molecular biology, mouse genetics, trans-synaptic viruses, optogenetic and chemogenetic tools, and spinal cord injury.

  1. Ueno et al., Cell Reports (2018), 23, 1286-1300.
  2. Yoshida and Isa, Current Opinion in Neurobiology (2018), 52, 25-32.
  3. Gu et al., Science (2017), 357, 400-404.
  4. Gu et al., Neuron (2017), 94, 626-641.
  5. Ueno et al., Nature Neuroscience (2016), 19, 784-787.
  6. Imai et al., Journal of Neuroscience (2016), 36, 5724-5735.
  7. Imai et al., Cell Reports (2016), 17, 2163-2172.
  8. Fukuhara et al., Cell Reports (2013), 5, 748-758.
  9. Katayama et al., Development (2013), 140, 3139-3145.
  10. Katayama et al., Journal of Neuroscience (2012), 32, 10396-10407.
  11. Leslie et al., Development (2011), 138, 4085-4095.
  12. Katayama et al., PNAS (2011), 108, 7607-7612.
  13. Pecho-Vrieseling et al., Nature (2009), 459, 842-846.
  14. Yoshida et al., Neuron (2006), 52, 775-788.
  15. Gu et al., Science (2005), 307, 265-268.
Responsibilities
  1. Utilize your expertise in small animal surgeries, electrophysiology, optogenetics, behavioral testing, immunohistochemistry, histology, imaging, cell biology, and molecular biology.
  2. Grant proposals targeted at highly competitive funding opportunities.
  3. Attend scientific conferences.
  4. Evaluate current literature, draft fellowship/grant applications and manuscripts, and learn to critically review manuscripts in the field of motor circuits.
Qualifications

(Required)

PhD in biology or neuroscience

Compensation and Benefits

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)
Submission Documents
  • Cover letter in both English and Japanese
  • Curriculum vitae in both English and Japanese
  • Names and contact information of 3-5 referees

* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.

How to Apply: 

Apply by emailing your Submission Documents toyutaka.yoshida@oist.jp

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. 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.
Job Type
Postdoc
Starting Date
As early as possible
Employment Term

Term: Full-time, fixed term appointment for 1 or 2 years. This contract may be renewed up to total 3 years.

Working Hours

Working hours: 9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)

Report To
Professor Yutaka Yoshida
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.
If you have any question, please contact us