Project Manager for Office of the Provost

The position

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. This project will be overseen university-wide, with the Provost's Office providing crucial support and coordination.

The Provost’s Office seeks a strategic and visionary Project Manager to oversee the initiation and management of various new projects. This role will be instrumental in launching the OIST open centers, aimed at fostering interdisciplinary research, and enhancing collaborations between academia and industry through OIST Innovation. The successful candidate will primarily support the Provost in establishing these initiatives, ensuring their effective integration into university operations. This position requires a proactive, strategic approach to program management, budget oversight, and stakeholder engagement.

This position is to be funded through the J-PEAKS grant.

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.

Responsibilities
  • Assist the Provost in achieving the strategic objectives of the Office of the Provost.
  • Facilitate the launch and establishment of key institute-wide projects, such as the OIST open centers, to promote interdisciplinary research and collaboration, ensuring alignment with OIST's strategic objectives and priorities.
  • Liaise with other OIST divisions and external organizations to facilitate promotion of new activities and foster partnerships.
  • Assist the Provost to cultivate and nurture partnerships with external stakeholders.
  • Ensure effective coordination and communication across various OIST sections.
  • Organize project-based 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.
  • Assist the provost for budgetary planning and financial management activities of the projects.  
  • Assist the Provost to procure necessary resources and support fundraising endeavors related to the projects.
  • Develop and implement policies and procedures that enhance the stable operations of the project.
Qualifications

(Required)

  • 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.

(Preferred)

  • Demonstrated leadership experience in managing  research 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.
Compensation and Benefits

Expected Annual Salary: 8,800,000 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:

Submission Documents
  • 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.

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. 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.
Job Type
Administration
Starting Date
As early as possible
Employment Term

Full-time, Managerial role, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-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.

Working Hours

9:00-17:30

Report To
Provost
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.
If you have any question, please contact us