Staff Scientist / Postdoctoral researcher, Solar-Terrestrial Environment and Climate Unit

The position

We are seeking a Staff Scientist or Postdoctoral Researcher to join the Solar-Terrestrial Environment and Climate Unit at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST). The primary focus of our unit is to investigate the mechanisms of solar variability and its influence on the climate system. We are looking for a motivated individual with expertise in numerical simulations of clouds or atmospheric circulation to contribute to and strengthen the unit’s research.  

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

The applicant will work on the following themes based on their research experience.


1.    Investigating the influence of solar variability on the climate system through numerical simulations, with a particular focus on tropical cloud dynamics and atmospheric and oceanic circulations.  
2.    Developing or improving numerical models as needed to advance the unit’s research objectives.
 

Qualifications

(Required)


1.    Applicants must hold a Ph.D. in Earth Sciences or a related field (e.g., Atmospheric Sciences, Paleo-climate Sciences, Oceanography, Meteorology) 
2.    Experience in numerical simulations of clouds or General Circulation Models (GCMs)
3.    For a Staff Scientist, a minimum of 5 years of research experience
4.    Communication skills in English
 

Compensation and Benefits

For Staff Scientist:
Expected Annual Salary: 5.0M – 7.5M yen
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, skills, and background in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.

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

Benefits:

Application Documents

•    Cover letter (English) 
•    Curriculum vitae (English)
•    Names and contact information of 2-3 referees, one of which should be a previous employer 

* 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 to: 
h.miyahara[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
Research
Starting Date
As early as possible
Employment Term

Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive).
This contract may be renewed for up to 5 years 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
Associate Professor. Hiroko Miyahara
Job Location
Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Application Deadline
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 at