Description
Open Faculty Positions
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology is an international, interdisciplinary graduate university in Japan, operating entirely in English and committed to empowering world-class researchers with the freedom, resources, and support they need to drive transformational discoveries.
We are seeking outstanding scientists to join our community as tenure-track faculty members, as part of an expansion in two broad areas. We aim to appoint two tenure-track assistant professors in each area:
- Chemistry & Materials Science: broadly defined as including the physical sciences
- Life Sciences & Neuroscience: including theoretical and AI approaches
We provide:
- Core research funding for your scientific vision
- Fully funded PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, lab technicians, and staff scientists
- World-class core facilities and support staff
- Opportunities for amplifying your scientific impact (e.g., technology transfer, outreach, collaborations, etc.)
- Full administrative support and assistance with living and working in Okinawa
- Competitive compensation package, including housing and commuting allowances, relocation support, family benefits, and dual-career opportunities
Our culture and environment:
- No faculty hierarchies or departments
- A thriving international research community representing 73 countries and territories
- A vibrant, safe, multicultural setting on the beautiful island of Okinawa
Our Scientific Vision:
OIST empowers faculty to pursue fundamental, curiosity-driven research while encouraging connections across disciplines. Our faculty publish in top-tier journals, lead international collaborations, and attract prestigious fellowships. We support researchers not only as scientists but also as mentors, leaders, and innovators.
To promote scientific excellence through a diverse and inclusive community, OIST actively encourages applications from women and other underrepresented groups. We provide a family-friendly working environment, including a bilingual child development center on campus.
Application documents (in English):
- Cover letter
- CV, with a lay summary of three publications of note
- Research statement (up to 4 pages, minimum 11-point font, excluding references)
- Teaching and mentoring statement (1 page)
- Three letters of recommendation (to be uploaded by referees)
Deadline: October 1, 2026, at 12:59 PM JST, UTC+9:00
The starting date is negotiable.
Apply here: https://www.oist.jp/careers/faculty-positions
Inquiries:
Julia Khusnutdinov
Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs
Requirements
PhD or equivalent degree
