Postdoctoral Scholar Position, Molecular Neuroscience Unit

The position

We are looking for highly motivated scientists with a background in Cellular Biology, Neuronal Biology and/or animal behavior to join the Molecular Neuroscience Unit at the OIST. The ideal candidate should be familiar with cell and molecular biology techniques and mouse handling. Familiarity with statistical software (prism or R) is required, knowledge of image analysis and programming (Matlab or Python) is not necessary, but preferable.
The successful applicant is expected to lead a collaborative, generously funded project on the biology of axonal RNA granules in aging neurons and in neurons differentiated from human IPSCs derived from patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases. The candidate will explore the mechanisms underlying local translation in axons and the formation and unpacking of stress granules and protein aggregates with a focus on ATP dependence.
We seek dynamic and motivated people with the ability to integrate in a small, young team. To this extent, shortlisted applicants may be invited to visit the OIST for an interview meeting before any decisions are made.

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. Developing new models to study axonal translation and mRNA granules in axons.
2. Planning and executing experimental research independently and in collaboration with the team.
3. Image and data analysis

Qualifications

(Required)
1.    A PhD in relevant disciplines, such as biosciences and/or neuroscience.
2.    A record of research and publication activity.
3.    Good written and spoken English proficiency.


(Preferred)
1.    Prior experience with animal handling, molecular biology and cell culture.
2.    Motivation to learn new techniques and approaches.
3.    Ability to integrate in a team, manage complex data, record-keeping, and planning experimental schedules
 

Compensation and Benefits

For Postdoctoral Scholar: 
Expected Annual Salary: 4.5M-5.9M yen
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations 
 

Benefits:

Submission Documents

All the documents should be in English (and Japanese if possible).
-    Curriculum vitae (No more than 2 pages). 
-    Cover letter (no more than 1 page).
-    Research interests letter (no more than 1 page).
-    Names and contact information of 2 referees, one of which should be a previous employer.
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.

How to Apply
Apply by emailing your Submission Documents to:
marco.terenzio[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
Starting Date
15 January 2025
Employment Term

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

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 Marco Terenzio/Molecular Neuroscience Unit
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.

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

 

If you have any question, please contact us