Lab Manager/Lab Technician, Microbial and Ecosystem Ecology Unit
The Microbial and Ecosystem Ecology Unit, a new research group at OIST, invites applications for a lab manager/lab technician position. Our unit focuses on understanding how environmental factors, such as vegetation type, land management strategy, and climate change, affect terrestrial microbial communities, particularly those that are symbiotically associated with plants and play crucial roles in organic matter decomposition and nutrient transformation in the soil. We further examine how these shifts influence ecosystem functions such as ecosystem carbon storage and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as levels of environmental pathogens. Our methods encompass fieldwork, greenhouse experiments, and chemical analyses, in addition to cutting-edge molecular analyses and bioinformatic analyses.
沖縄科学技術大学院大学は、世界の科学技術の発展に貢献し、沖縄でのイノベーションの拠点となるために2011年に設立されました。5年一貫制の博士課程教育を提供し、国を超えて、分野を超えて、優れた研究者が共同で、最先端の科学研究を行っています。
85 ヘクタールの敷地に広がる大自然の中に設立され、美しい海岸とサンゴ礁を見下ろす場所に位置します。キャンパスは建築学的観点から見ても印象的なこだわりが施され、その自然の中にある大学施設を際立たせています。学部の壁を作らないことで、学際的な研究成果を生み出せる環境を提供し、また学内の誰もが、最高水準のリソースへのアクセスと研究機器の利用が可能で、共同研究に生かせるような仕組みを整えています。
学内では英語を公用語とし、50 ヵ国以上から集まる研究者コミュニティは真の国際性を保持しています。OISTは科学技術の革新、そして沖縄の経済発展の原動力となるイノベーション創出に取り組んでいます。
- Oversee the procurement and management of reagents, including communication with vendors to ensure timely availability and proper storage.
- Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment. Ensure the workspace remains clean, organized, and conducive to safe and efficient work.
- Assist with laboratory work for unit projects, as well as postdoctoral and student projects, and ensure proper data recording. This includes protocol development, DNA/RNA extraction from field samples, preparation of sequencing libraries, and conducting simple biogeochemical analyses.
- Manage laboratory protocols, ensuring they are up-to-date and properly documented. Provide training to students on laboratory procedures and technique.
(Required)
1. A BS or MS in Biology, Ecology, or a related scientific discipline.
2. Research experience in one or more of the following fields, microbial ecology, microbiome science, and molecular biology.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
4. Strong organizational skills and ability to work efficiently, optimizing workflows and productivity.
5. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and similar software.
6. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively as part of a team.
7. Commitment to maintaining a safe and comfortable working space for diverse members through constructive, open-minded, and kind approaches.
(Preferred)
1. Experience conducting DNA/RNA extractions and sequencing library preparations.
2. Experience collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
Expected Annual Salary: 4M-7M yen
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)
- Remote Work system
• A brief cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and how you meet the minimum qualifications
• A current CV with a list of 2 potential references and their contact info.
* Combine all documents into a single PDF.
* 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 mee[at]oist.jp (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address) with the subject line, “MEE2025_Labtech”.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
* 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
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.
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.
*The first screening will begin on 21st April 2025, but applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Starting Date
From 1st September 2025, or as soon as possible thereafter.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.