The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) is a model for change in education and research with the best international graduate students, working side by side with world-class faculty in modern well-equipped laboratories. Beautifully situated on the island of Okinawa, OIST relies on a cross-disciplinary approach, with an emphasis on creativity and exchange, to offer unique, individualized graduate training. OIST is a 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. Concentrating initially on Neuroscience, Molecular Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Environmental and Ecological Sciences and Physical Sciences, OIST is bringing some of the best brains in the world to Okinawa to transform the way science and education is done in the global academic world.
Position summary:
Researcher position for investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms of presynaptic functions
Position:
Staff Scientist or Postdoctoral Scholar Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit (PI, Tomoyuki Takahashi)
Working Location:
OIST main campus, Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan
Responsibilities:
We seek a highly motivated researcher who will investigate regulatory mechanisms underlying presynaptic molecular/organellar dynamics in mammalian CNS giant nerve terminals in culture. Projects will focus on visualizing/quantifying molecular/organelle dynamics, associated with vesicle exocytosis, endocytosis or recycling. Experiments will be performed using real-time confocal/STED imaging of fluorescently labeled presynaptic molecules in culture.
Responsibilities will include designing and conducting experiments, using imaging in combination with electrophysiology and genetic/molecular manipulations, by oneself as well as in collaboration with staffs in the unit.
References:
(1) Dimitrov D, Takagi H, Guillard L, Saitoh N, Eguchi K, Takahashi T (2016) Reconstitution of giant mammalian synapses in culture for molecular functional and imaging studies. J Neurosci 36, 3600-3610.
(2) Guillaud L, Dimitrov D, Takahashi T (2017) Presynaptic morphology and vesicular composition determine vesicle dynamics in central synapses. eLife 6, e24845.
Qualifications:
(Required) Ph.D. in a relevant field to neuroscience. 5 years working experiences required for staff scientist.
(Preferred) Experiences in patch-clamp synaptic physiology or molecular imaging.
Term:
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 1 year. Contract initially with 3 month probationary period (inclusive).
The contract possibly extension on satisfactory performance.
Working hours:
9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Compensation:
In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations
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 (kousei-nenkin), worker’s accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
Submission Documents:
– Curriculum vita in English (and Japanese if available)
– Cover letter in English (and Japanese if available)
– Names and contact information of three referees
Starting Date:
As early as possible
Application Due Date:
Applications deadline will continue until the position is filled.
Application Address:
Please submit all required application materials by email to:
takahashi-recruit07#oist.jp
(Please replace # with @ before using this email address)
Or send documents via post mail to:
Ms. Gordon,
Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
1919-1, Tancha, Onna-son,
Okinawa 904-0495,
Japan
* 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 women and minority candidates to apply.
* 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 our policy for rules on external professional activities (https://groups.oist.jp/acd/information-disclosure/). * Further details about the University can be viewed on our website (www.oist.jp).
