Environmental Science and Informatics Section Leader
The OIST Core Facilities contribute to research and education by providing excellent common research facilities and research support services for the researchers and students at OIST. The Environmental Science and Informatics Section is one of the technical sections within the Core Facilities. It maintains a network of field sites around Okinawa prefecture, supports terrestrial fieldwork related to OIST environmental and ecological research and offers support in the analysis of environmental and ecological data gathered through various means.
Position summary:
The Section Leader of the Environmental Science and Informatics (ESI) Section will lead all aspects of the technical and administrative efforts necessary to support terrestrial environmental research conducted at OIST. The section leader will be primarily responsible to manage the daily operations of the ESI Section and to actively engage the OIST research community and the environmental research support community both domestically and internationally.
The successful candidate will employ demonstrated experience in strategic planning, management, and administration to support high-level research and education.
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.
<Managing the Environmental Science and Informatics Section>
- Together with section members, support terrestrial field environmental research activities at OIST, including obtaining appropriate permission for field sites
- Manage data collection, data curation, and data analysis and facilitate the distribution of data products
- Oversee safety within the section, including the creation of protocols for emergency situations such as typhoons
- Budget planning and execution
- Manage and supervise members of the Environmental Science and Informatics Section
- Maintenance of excellent records regarding research support, equipment maintenance and safety
- In collaboration with relevant sections and vendors, arrange maintenance of all relevant equipment and facilities to ensure continuous operation
- Oversee the development of common resources such as specimen collections
- Other duties as assigned by the Director of Core Facilities
<Building capabilities in OIST>
- 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.
- Overseeing the creation of standard training programs, manuals and protocols for the efficient training and use of section resources
<Contributing to communities>
- Organization of users groups related to the sections activities
- In collaboration with the Provost and Director of Core Facilities, organization of advisory boards for the Environmental Science and Informatics Section
- Liaison with local authorities and communities related to environmental and ecological activities
- Develop and maintains a network with international and domestic organizations
(Required)
- Minimum of 10 years relevant experience in ecological research or a related field
- Experience in managing terrestrial fieldwork
- Experience in managing and supervising staff
- Experience in budget management and execution
- Good collaborative skills relevant to a multi-user environment
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent communication skills in English.
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships
(Preferred)
- Ability to communicate in Japanese is highly desirable
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.
- 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.
- 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 by taking into consideration the performance evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30
Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00
As this is a managerial role, the working days, working hours, and break time do not apply to general employees' prescribed working hours.
Holidays:
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave:
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave