Position:
Technician, Developmental Neurobiology Unit
Unit summary:
Developmental neurobiology unit in the OIST has investigated the mechanism of vertebrate retinal development, especially neuronal differentiation and neural circuit formation, using zebrafish as an animal model. Furthermore, the unit has also investigated the mechanism underlying photoreceptor degeneration and regeneration. Throughout these research projects, we will establish novel concepts that govern development of multicellular organisms and also contribute to understanding pathological processes involved in human eye diseases.
Information on our research is shown in our lab URL (https://www.oist.jp/research/research-units/dnu).
About OIST
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.
The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. 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, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.
Responsibilities
We are searching a technician, who will work following tasks.
- Breeding and maintenance of zebrafish
- Support of research projects
(References)
Chiang, H.-J. et al. (2024) Dis. Model, Mech. 17, dmm.050618. Doi: 10.1242/dmm.050618.
Hu, D., and Masai, I. (2025) Nat Comms. 16, 2501. Doi: 10. 1038/s41467-025-57506-1.
Ravishankar et al., (2026) Glia 74, e70158. Doi: 10.10002/glia.70158.
Qualifications
(Required)
Applicants should have a Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree (including expected completion by March 2027).
(Preferred)
A completed undergraduate and graduate degree in a biological field are desirable.
Compensation and Benefits
Expected Annual Salary: 3.5M – 4.5M yen
*This amount represents the expected annual salary range for this position, which will be determined based on the candite’s experience, skills and background in accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations.
Benefits & Resources:
- Relocation, housing and commuting allowances
- Annual paid leave and summer holidays
- Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid)
- Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
- Worker's accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)
- Access to Child Development Center
- Access to Schooling Options
- Language Education
- Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Support Resources
Application Documents
- Curriculum vitae
- Publication list (research papers and oral/poster presentation in scientific meetings)
- Brief description of your past work and short explanation of application’s reasons for applying (A4, 2 -3 pages)
- E-mail address of two references who can evaluate applicant quality (past or current supervisors are preferable).
- Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
How to Apply
Apply by submitting your application documents to:
zebrafish-recruit#oist.jp (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address)
Application Due Date
Applications are due by December 11, 2026. (Please note that the position may be closed before the deadline if a suitable candidate is found. Kindly contact us before submitting your application.)
Declaration
- 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.
- Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential in accordance to the OIST Privacy Policy; documents will not be returned.
- Recruiting Organization: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology School Corporation
- Prevention of Passive Smoking: No smoking indoors
- Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities: Rules for Concurrent Appointment.
- Further details about the University can be viewed on our website.
Job Type
Technician
Employment Term
Full-time, fixed term appointment for 1 year. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive).This contract may be renewed for up to a maximum of 10 consecutive years of employment at OIST by taking into consideration the performance, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
Starting Date
At the earliest possible date on or after March 1, 2027
Working Hours
Working hours: 9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)
Holidays
Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3)
Leave
Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Overtime work hours
Discretionary Working Hours System：
In the discretionary labor system for specialized work, the employee shall be deemed to have worked 7 hours 30 minutes per day.
Report to
Prof. Ichiro Masai
Job Location
Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa
Application Deadline
11 December 2026
Application will be closed once the position is filled.
Thank you for your application. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
If you have any questions, please contact us at
zebrafish-recruit@oist.jp
