Research Technician 2022

Beautifully situated on the subtropical island of Okinawa, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) is a young and growing university with no departments, eliminating artificial barriers between people working in different fields, but many nationalities, with students and faculty being attracted from all over the world. OIST is an international research university where English is used as the official language of business and instruction, and majority of students, researchers, and faculty are from outside Japan.

One research technician position is available to engage in research support activities in the Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Engineering Unit headed by Prof. Yohei Yokobayashi at OIST. The group moved to OIST in 2015 from University of California, Davis, and is now engaged in investigations of functional nucleic acids by exploiting high-throughput sequencing technologies. In addition to basic research on sequence-function relationships of functional nucleic acids such as ribozymes, we have initiated collaborations with external researchers to explore applications of functional nucleic acids in biological studies and gene therapy. (Photo credit: OIST)

LOCATION:

1919‐1 Tancha, Onna‐son, Okinawa, Japan 904-0495

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The research technician will mainly work on ongoing laboratory projects and/or on collaborative projects with industry, for example, gene therapy applications of riboswitch technology. The technician will conduct biochemical experiments involving DNA and RNA manipulations and molecular biology experiments using E. coli and mammalian cells under supervision. As necessary, the technician will also perform suporting tasks for the general laboratory activities in the Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Engineering Unit.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates with B.S. or M.S. in chemistry or biology are preferred, but others with relevant experiences will also be considered. Solid communication skills in English, and good organizational and record-keeping skills are required.

TERM:

Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.

STARTING DATE:

Negotiable

WORKING HOURS:

09:00-17:30 (Mon-Fri)

COMPENSATION:

In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulation.

BENEFITS:

- Relocation, housing, and commuting allowances

- Annual paid leave and summer holidays

- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid http://www.shigakukyosai.jp/ ), welfare pension insurance, worker's accident compensation insurance

- Extensive support for international scholars and employees to adapt to life in Okinawa, including assistance with relocation, childcare, and healthcare.

SUBMISSION DOCUMENTS:

Please submit the following documents in English or Japanese in PDF files to recruit.nace@oist.jp.

1. Cover letter

2. Curriculum Vitae along with the contact information for two or more references

3. Brief summary of current and previous research, if any (optional)

APPLICATION DUE:

Applications are accepted until the position is filled.

EMAIL ADDRESS:

recruit.nace@oist.jp