The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST; see www.oist.jp) is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding (OIST campus video tour). There are no academic departments, which facilitates multidisciplinary research. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration. English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research.
Position:
Staff Scientist or Postdoctoral Scholar
Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit (PI, Prof Tomoyuki Takahashi)
Working Location:
1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan 904-0495
Responsibilities:
We seek a highly motivated electrophysiologist who will investigate presynaptic regulatory and pathological mechanisms in primary culture neurons and iPSC-derived neurons. Projects will focus on quantifying exo-endocytosis and recycling of synaptic vesicles and synaptic plasticity at synapses with molecular/genetic modifications or abnormality. Responsibilities will include conducting experiments, using patch-clamp and imaging techniques, in collaboration with molecular researchers 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.
(3) Eguchi K, Taoufiq Z, Thorn-Seshold O, Trauner D, Hasegawa M, Takahashi T (2017) Wild-type monomeric -synuclein can impair vesicle endocytosis and synaptic fidelity via tubulin polymerization at the calyx of Held. J Neurosci 37, 6043-6052. Qualifications
(Required)
Ph.D. in a relevant field. 5 years working experience is required for staff scientist.
(Preferred)
Experiences in studies on synaptic plasticity in cultured synapses.
Starting Date:
September-October, 2018(Negotiable)
Term & Working hours:
Term: Full-time, fixed term appointment for 1 year. Contract initially with 3-month probationary period (inclusive). The contract can be renewed on satisfactory performance.
Working hours: 9:00-17:30(Discretionary)
Compensation & Benefits:
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)
How to Apply:
Apply by emailing your Submission Documents to:
takahashi-recruit07[at]oist.jp
(Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address)
or send by post to the following address:
Cellular and Molecular Synaptic Function Unit
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
1919-1, Onna, Onna-son, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
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
* Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
Application Due Date:
Applications deadline will continue until the position is filled.
* 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).
