Sea-neXus Research Support Staff
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 OIST-sea-neXus facility at the Marine Science Station. The successful candidate will support all aspects of station operations, ensuring efficient and reliable performance. Key duties include facilitating research and collaborations with external and internal researchers, contributing to outreach programs and training, operating and maintaining equipment, assisting with fieldwork and animal care, and maintaining accurate records. The role also involves contributing to animal care protocols, supporting experimental design, and engaging in continuous professional development.
This position is funded by the J-PEAKS Grant, which was approved by the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
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.
- Ensuring a safe and compliant working environment within the Marine Science Station and Sea-neXus
- Facilitate research and collaborations with external and internal researchers
- Construct and maintain experimental aquaria systems
- Maintenance and operation of section equipment, including experimental aquaria and fieldwork apparatus.
- Participate in and contribute to community outreach programs to promote marine science awareness and education
- Assisting with fieldwork and animal collection activities
- Maintaining accurate and detailed records of research support activities, equipment maintenance, and safety procedures
- Ensuring the station remains a clean, organized, and functional workspace
- Participating in cross-section collaborations within the Core Facilities to promote interdisciplinary research and resource sharing
- Contributing to the development and optimization of animal care protocols to ensure the well-being and health of all marine specimens
(Required)
- Background in marine science, aquaculture, or commercial aquariums
- Experience with marine aquaria and animal husbandry
- Excellent communication skills in English
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to adapt to local culture and a rapidly changing work environment
(Highly desirable)
- Fluent in Japanese
- Scuba certified
- Research and experimental experience
Expected Annual Salary: 3,500,000 - 6,000,000 yen
*This amount represents the expected 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)
- 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 1-2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)