Sequencing Specialists
The OIST Core Facilities contribute to research and education by providing excellent common research facilities and research support services for the researchers and students at OIST.
The Sequencing Section (SQC) within the Core Facilities provides sequencing services using high-throughput sequencers, also known as next-generation sequencers (NGS) and single molecule sequencers, in multiple applications. The samples are not only from model organisms but also from a wide range of non-model organisms, from wildlife species to bacteria. Currently, the section has the following high-throughput sequencers: Illumina NovaSeq Ⅹ Plus, Illumina NextSeq1000, Illumina MiSeq, Illumina iSeq, PacBio Revio, Oxford Nanopore MinION, and Oxford Nanopore PromethION. In addition, the section owns capillary sequencers, real-time PCR, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis system, automatic DNA/RNA extraction system, automated electrophoresis system etc., for common use.
The OIST Sequencing Section seeks a highly motivated and team-oriented technical staff to expand the university's sequencing capability. The principal responsibility of the positions will be to support OIST researchers with sequencing needs by providing consultation on experimental protocols, accepting DNA, RNA, and various tissue samples, preparing libraries, operating the latest sequencers, and submitting collected data to requesters. Experienced Specialist will also be required to assist the management of the Section. In addition to the sequencing services, responsibilities include troubleshooting common equipment managed by the Sequencing Section and responding to users and vendors.
In addition to internal use, OIST core facilities plan to start offering access to shared equipment for external use by research and educational institutions, private companies in Okinawa Prefecture, as well as domestic and international collaborating universities starting from the fiscal year 2024. This initiative aims to enhance the research and development environment in Okinawa and across Japan, contributing to the advancement of science and technology
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.
- Support OIST researchers in sequencing to include:
- Provide consultation to researchers on experimental protocols and sequencing strategies based on their research purposes.
- Accept and prepare DNA, RNA and various tissue samples for sequencing library
- Operate the latest DNA sequencers and submit collected data to researchers
- Collect and share the latest IT and sequencing trends with section members to improve the Section’s service quality.
- Carry out routine cleaning and maintenance of sequencers and tools within the sequencing facility.
- Other related duties as assigned by the Sequencing Section Leader.
- Standardization of the existing experimental protocols.
- Networking with external specialists for improvement and enhancement of the Section’s operations.
- Spearhead a selection of new equipment and reagents.
- For experienced Specialist, improvement of existing work processes and proposals, development, and implementation of new operating workflows.
(Required)
- A master's degree or equivalent in a scientific or technical field.
- Experience with scientific research is required.
- Understanding the principles of molecular biology.
- Ability to think logically and work systematically and accurately. Fairness, Sincerity, Honesty, and Team player.
- Ability to effectively communicate and provide customer-oriented service to researchers in both Japanese and English with written and spoken.
- Good team player and ability to mentor and coach less experienced members.
- Ability to judge priorities and run multiple tasks and projects in parallel under minimum supervision by the section leader
(Preferred)
- Strong problem-finding and solving skills in core facility operations and research support.
- Experience working for a related company.
- A minimum of 3 years of experience in using the latest sequencing technologies either as a researcher, technical staff or research support staff.
Expected Annual Salary: 5,000,000 - 9,000,000 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.
- 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 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)
Holidays:
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave:
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave