Research Technician, Cognitive Neurorobotics Research Unit

The position

Position Summary: 

The Cognitive Neurorobotics Research Unit (CNRU) at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), led by Professor Jun Tani, is seeking a motivated and skilled Research Technician to join our team. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment, contributing to cutting-edge research in neurorobotics. 

About OIST

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.
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Responsibilities

Knowledge Management: 

  • Set up and maintain the Confluence wiki platform to document the internal knowledge base of the unit, covering both administrative processes and research-oriented topics. 
  • Promote internal sharing of resources and communication via Confluence wiki, SharePoint, and Slack. 

Software Coordination: 

  • Document, maintain, and help coordinate the software developed in the unit. 
  • Enhance software accessibility via high-level APIs and assist unit members in setting up their projects and conducting experiments. 

Data Management: 

  • Clean up and maintain the unit’s data storage in various configurations: cloud storage systems, local storage systems for backups, and shared documents in SharePoint. 

API and Experiment Development: 

  • Develop high-level APIs in Python built on top of ROS for conducting experiments on Torobo robots used in the lab and in virtual simulations (via Coppeliarobotics software). 

Experimental Support: 

  • Run experiments using the OIST High Performance Computing Cluster with robots. 
  • Interface with OIST IT and the Scientific Computing & Data Analysis (SCDA) section for hardware and service integration with the unit. 

Member Support: 

  • Onboard and offboard lab members. 
  • Assign PCs and hardware to unit members. 
  • Solve IT issues related to network security policies. 
Qualifications

(Required) 

  • Proficiency in managing wiki spaces (ideally Confluence). 
  • Familiarity with the Microsoft Ecosystem (Office, Outlook, SharePoint). 
  • Strong programming skills in Python (C++ is a plus). 
  • Proficiency with Git and GitHub. 
  • Experience working in a Unix environment (shell scripts) and Ubuntu. 
  • Master or PhD degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).  
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

(Preferred) 

  • Experience with LaTeX (Overleaf). 
  • Knowledge of Robot Operating System (ROS). 
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills. 
  • Experience in a research environment is a plus. 

 

Compensation and Benefits

For Staff Scientist and Technician: 

Expected Annual Salary: 3.5M– 7M yen 

*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on the candite’s experience, skills and background in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations. 

Benefits:

  • Relocation, housing and commuting allowances 

  • Annual paid leave and summer holidays 

  • Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin) 

  • Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken) 

  • Remote Work system 

Submission Documents

How to Apply:
Apply by emailing your Submission Documents to: tomoe.furuya@oist.jp

  • Cover letter (English or Japanese)  
  • Curriculum vitae 
  • Names and contact information of 2-5 referees, one of which should be a previous employer 

* 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. 

* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement. 

 

Declaration

* 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 

Job Type
Technician
Starting Date
As early as possible
Employment Term

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. 

 

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. 

Working Hours

9:00-17:30 (Discretionary) 

Report To
Professor Jun Tani
Job Location
Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Application Due Date
Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled.
*Application will be closed once the position is filled.

We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.

If you have any question, please contact us
tomoe.furuya@oist.jp