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):

1. Cover letter
2. CV, with a lay summary of three publications of note
3. Research statement (up to 4 pages, minimum 11-point font, excluding references)
4. Teaching and mentoring statement (1 page)
5. 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

[email protected]

Requirements

PhD or equivalent degree