XRD Research Support Specialist
The Research Support Division (RSD) at OIST contributes to research and education by providing excellent common research facilities and research support services for the researchers and students at OIST. The Engineering Section is one of the technical sections within the RSD. It provides support for mechanical engineering, electronics, nanofabrication, and materials characterization through three teams of technical staff.
Position Summary:
The Engineering Section is looking for a highly motivated and team-oriented technical specialist to support crystallography within the university. The candidates’ principle duties will be to maintain multiple state-the-art X-Ray diffractometers, and to train and assist OIST researchers in their operation.
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.
- Provide the following services related to X-ray diffractometry (focused on Single Crystal XRD):
- Training of researchers on the X-ray diffractometers• Consultations with researchers on sample preparation, measurement, and analysis of data
- Collaborate with researchers by conducting:
- Data acquisition of samples
- Data analysis
- Structure solution and refinement
- Creation of standard training programs, manuals and protocols for the efficient training and use of the instruments
- Maintenance of all relevant equipment and facilities
- Work with equipment vendors on maintenance, development, and troubleshooting issues
- Maintenance of supplies and consumables for the machines
- Expansion of the coverage of support by introducing the latest technologies and by seeking professional technical training.
- Proactive participation in technical and organizational improvement, collaborating with colleagues and researchers.
- Supports the purchase and procurement of equipment based on the needs of researchers, by documenting the specifications of the equipment and by communicating with the manufacturers and vendors, etc.
- Maintenance of excellent records regarding research support, equipment maintenance and safety
- Maintains and expands collaborative relationships with other domestic and international institutes
- Other duties as assigned by the Engineering Section Leader
- PhD in organic chemistry, organo-metallic chemistry, material’s science, or a closely related field
- Experience analyzing organic and organometallic sensitive samples
- Experience in operating and maintaining single crystal and other (thin-film, multi-purpose) XRD instruments
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in crystal structure refinement
- Experience in training or mentoring
- Ability to learn new skills, to stay at the cutting edge of technology
- Excellent communication skills in English. Ability to communicate in Japanese is desirable, but not required
- Have the ability to work as part of a team
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to adapt to local culture and rapidly changing work environment
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.
* 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
- 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.
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3 months probationary period (inclusive). This contract can be renewed.
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)