Technician in Protein Engineering and Evolution Unit
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST; see www.oist.jp) is a model for change in education and research with the best international graduate students, working side by side with world-class faculty in modern well-equipped laboratories (OIST campus video tour). Beautifully situated on the island of Okinawa, OIST relies on a cross-disciplinary approach, with an emphasis on creativity and exchange, to offer unique, individualized graduate training. OIST is a university with no departments, eliminating artificial barriers between people working in different fields, but many nationalities, with students and faculty being attracted from all over the world. Concentrating initially on Neuroscience, Molecular Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Environmental and Ecological Sciences and Physical Sciences, OIST is bringing some of the best researchers in the world to Okinawa to transform the way science and education is done in the global academic world.
Position Summary
The Protein Engineering and Evolution unit is now seeking a part-time lab technician. Our research is focused on bioengineering and biocatalysis. In our current project, we aim to develop new strategies to engineer robust and thermostable proteins, which have many applications in industry, agriculture, and medicine. To do this, we will reconstruct ancestral enzymes from ancient organisms, which often display useful properties and improved thermostability, for reasons that are not well understood. The successful candidate will mainly be responsible for producing and analyzing these ancestral proteins to help determine the factors that lead to improved thermostability.
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。
- Routine experimental work such as cloning, protein expression and purification using E. coli, and biophysical/biochemical analysis of proteins
- Technical support such as medium preparation, buffer preparation, and equipment maintenance
(Required)
- Master’s degree in biochemistry or molecular biology, or equivalent laboratory experience.
- Hands-on experience in most of these techniques: cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, protein expression and purification, enzyme kinetics, FPLC.
- Good English knowledge.
- Good communication skills, precise and well-organized person.
(Preferred)
Experience with any of these experimental techniques would be highly welcome: circular dichroism (CD), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential scanning fluorimetry (DSF), UPLC, mass spectrometry (MS), protein expression in yeast.
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
- Curriculum vitae in English
- Cover letter in English (and Japanese if available)
- Names and contact information of 2 referees, one of which should be a previous employer
How to Apply
Please submit all required application materials by email to:
Paola.laurino#oist.jp
(Please replace # with @ before using this email address)
* 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 third-party administrators after a conditional offer of employment.
- 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 2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed. Starting date is negotiable.
Part-time (24 hours per week)
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.