Associate Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is a dynamic and growing institution, committed to advancing science and technology through innovative research and education. OIST aims to foster world-class researchers and professionals who can contribute to the intellectual and technological advancements worldwide.
In December 2023, OIST was selected for the "Program for Forming Japan’s Peak Research Universities" (J-PEAKS), aimed at enhancing Japan's research landscape. As part of this initiative, OIST will establish multiple open centers to foster collaboration and innovation. This project will be overseen university-wide, with the Provost's Office providing crucial support and coordination.
OIST is looking for a visionary and strategic leader to take on the role of Associate Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation. This individual will be essential in managing OIST open centers, promoting interdisciplinary research initiatives, and cultivating collaborations between academia and industry through OIST Innovation. The role demands a proactive, strategic, and collaborative approach to program and budget management, and stakeholder engagement.
This position is to be funded through the J-PEAKS grant.
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.
- Assist the Provost and open center leaders in achieving the strategic objectives of OIST open centers.
- Lead and oversee the operations of OIST open centers for interdisciplinary research and collaboration, ensuring its alignment with OIST's strategic objectives and priorities.
- Liaise with other OIST divisions and external organizations to promote center activities and foster partnerships.
- Cultivate and nurture partnerships with industry stakeholders in collaboration with OIST Innovation.
- Provide leadership and guidance to the center administrator and ensure effective coordination and communication across various OIST sections.
- Organize open centers activities in various forums and events to raise awareness and promote its activities and achievements.
- Collaborate with other divisions within OIST (OIST Innovation, Communication and Public Relations, academic divisions) to leverage resources, expertise, and infrastructure for maximum impact.
- Oversee budgetary planning and financial management activities in the open center to ensure the center's sustainability and long-term growth.
- Assist the Provost and center leaders to procure necessary resources and support fundraising endeavors.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures that enhance the accessibility and utilization of center facilities.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in managing research centers, programs, or initiatives, in a university, research institution, or R&D in a company setting.
- Leadership experience in research center operations in a research institution or University.
- Ability to thrive in a diverse, multicultural, and multidisciplinary environment.
- Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a proactive and results-oriented approach to problem-solving.
- Excellent communication skills, with a history of effective stakeholder engagement.
- Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment, fostering teamwork, inclusivity, and diversity.
- Proficiency in both English and Japanese languages is preferred.
Expected Annual Salary: 11,000,000 yen
*This amount represents the median annual salary for this position, which will be determined based on your experience and skills 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.
- Names and contact information of 3 referees, one of which should be a previous employer, will be required if the Applicant is selected for an interview.
* 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. 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, Managerial role, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration: performance evaluation, conduct and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
9:00-17:30