Postdoctoral Position in experimental Protein Engineering and biophysics for Green Energy and Sustainable Biocatalysis
The Molecular Bioengineering Group at OIST, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to lead the experimental efforts in the characterization of engineered proteins with electron transfer capabilities. Key responsibilities will include designing protein libraries, as well as cloning, expression, purification, and performing electrochemistry assays. Our group explores the intersection of protein evolution, computational biology, and structural biology to develop proteins with real-world applications in sustainable catalysis and renewable energy.
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。
- Design and optimize protein libraries for mutants with electron transfer capabilities and evaluate their transfer rates.
- Characterize engineered proteins through cloning, expression, purification, and electrochemical assays.
- Conduct bacterial expression of mutants with electron transfer capabilities and evaluate their transfer rates.
- Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team utilizing computational and biophysical approaches to investigate protein structure and function at atomic resolution.
- Actively participate in lab meetings, mentor junior members, and contribute to the lab's intellectual atmosphere.
(Required)
- Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Protein Science, or a related field.
- Extensive wet lab experience, particularly in protein biochemistry (library design, cloning, expression, purification) and bacterial culturing.
- Experience with electrochemical assays is highly desirable.
- Strong enthusiasm for research in protein engineering and renewable energy applications.
- Excellent teamwork and collaboration abilities.
- Proficiency in English for working in an international research setting.
(Preferred)
- Experience with structural biology techniques such as X-ray crystallography or cryo-EM.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
For Postdoctoral Scholar:
Expected Annual Salary: 4.5M-5.9M 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
Please submit the following documents in a single PDF (max. 10 MB):
• Cover letter (1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae (2 pages max)
• Research statement (1 page)
• Contact information for two referees.
Applications will be screened continuously until the position is filled.
* 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:
saacnicteh.toledopatino[at]oist.jp (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address)
* 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.
*To fully realize our vision of promoting scientific excellence through a diverse and inclusive community, OIST is actively seeking applications from women and underrepresented groups.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.