Postdoctoral Scholar 2025
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. Most students, researchers, and faculty are from outside Japan.
One postdoctoral scholar position is available to engage in research activities in the Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Engineering Unit headed by Prof. Yohei Yokobayashi at OIST. The group moved to OIST in 2015 from the University of California, Davis. With students and researchers from diverse backgrounds, including synthetic chemistry, chemical biology, and molecular/cell biology, we design and construct nucleic acid devices and systems that function in test tubes and in living cells. (Photo credit: OIST)
LOCATION:
1919-1 Tancha, Onna‐son, Okinawa, Japan 904-0495
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The postdoctoral scholar is expected to engage in research, disseminate the research results in publications and conference presentations, and contribute to laboratory maintenance. The research topic that the candidate is expected to work on is as follows.
[Mammalian RNA synthetic biology] Development and applications of functional RNA devices such as aptamers and riboswitches that function in mammalian cells and animal models. The candidate should be able to adapt a variety of methods and technologies from the literature, develop new methods, and design experimental strategies as necessary. The candidate should be knowledgeable and experienced enough to develop research plans relevant to biotechnological and biomedical applications of synthetic RNA devices. Prior experience with techniques such as mammalian cell culture, construction of viral vectors, genome editing, and animal handling, or sufficient experience to acquire such skills is required. The candidate will also likely be involved in ongoing collaborations with industrial partners.
Examples include but are not limited to, the development of new aptamers for mammalian riboswitches, viral vectors for gene/cell therapy, regulation of stem cell differentiation, and regulation of noncoding RNA functions.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates with Ph.D. in relevant fields such as life sciences or chemical biology. 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:
Around September 2025, negotiable depending on the candidate's situation
WORKING HOURS:
Discretionary (standard working hours 9:00-17:30 M-F)
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
APPLICATION DUE:
Applications are accepted until the position is filled
EMAIL ADDRESS:
recruit.nace@oist.jp