Connectionists: New faculty positions at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology

[Erik De Schutter]

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST http://www.oist.jp) invites applications for new faculty positions as it enters a period of growth in preparation for transition to an international graduate university in 2012. Approximately 15 faculty positions will be filled during this search. OIST provides a world-class research environment in newly completed facilities in an area of distinctive culture, unique ecology, and outstanding natural beauty.

Successful candidates will be given the opportunity to excel in their chosen area of research, and will be expected to contribute to graduate teaching, research supervision and other academic activities. Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent degree, and demonstrate excellence in research.

The initial appointment will be as Principal Investigator (PI) or Independent New Investigator (INI) for a term of five years. When the transition to a graduate university is completed in 2012, it is planned that PI and INI positions will change to a tenure track system with Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors. Some appointments will be made on a joint or part-time basis. Substantial internal funding will be provided to support the faculty member’s research, based on a 5-year research plan, which is renewable after scientific review.

This search is targeted broadly.  The non-departmental structure of OIST and orientation toward interdisciplinary research permits flexibility in appointing applicants who are able to introduce  new research areas or enhance existing areas. Established research areas include genomics, developmental biology, mathematical and computational biology, molecular and cell sciences and neuroscience. New research areas include structural biology, biological physics, biological chemistry, marine sciences, ecology and evolutionary biology, and microbial and plant genetics. Applicants with exceptional skills in the development of novel instrumentation, particularly instruments that will further revolutionize imaging of bio- and nano-systems, are also encouraged to apply.

At a time when worldwide support for research is increasingly risk-averse, and grant funding places an ever-growing burden on faculty, OIST promotes innovative research in a highly facilitating and supportive environment. This is achievable because OIST has internal research funding, offers outstanding central research facilities, and consults faculty on the design of new laboratory space. Central research facilities at OIST include core facilities for genomics, rodent vivarium, radioisotope use, electron microscopy, and supercomputing facilities.

OIST is committed to being international with more than 50% of faculty and researchers from outside Japan. The official language of OIST is English.  OIST is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and encourages applications from women.

More details regarding the aims of the search and advantages of working at OIST are available in the Information for Applicants in the application package that is downloadable from the website
(http://www.oist.jp/en/newsevent/careers/542-faculty-positions.html).
Applications should be submitted in accordance with the instructions in the application package. Applications for the current search close 31, July 2010. Interviews will take place in late August/September, with a view to making appointments early in 2011.