Tenure-track or Tenured 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 or tenured faculty members, as part of a major expansion in two broad areas:

• Ecology, Environmental Science, Earth Science, and Oceanography
• Physics and Quantum Science (including related fields in material science and nanotechnology)

As a core part of our long-term strategic vision, we aim to appoint four faculty members in each area, committed to scientific excellence, collaborative leadership, and a shared purpose to address global challenges.

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 80+ countries
• 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. We are building strategic cross-cutting initiatives, including the Energy Center and the Quantum Center, and welcome proposals for new interdisciplinary efforts. 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.

Application documents (in English):

• Cover letter
• CV, with a lay summary of three publications of note
• Research statement
• Engagement statement*
• Three letters of recommendation (to be uploaded by referees)

*Applicants should provide a narrative statement beyond research, regarding initiatives which are of special interest to them. Topics may include: graduate student education and development, leadership, building a positive research culture, diversity & inclusion, research ethics & integrity, open science, sustainability, outreach, contributions to policy, tech transfer, etc. Applicants should explain why they chose these topics, their efforts in making a positive contribution, and their outcomes. This statement will be a basis for discussion as part of the interview.

Deadline: October 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time)

The starting date is negotiable.

Apply here: https://www.oist.jp/careers/faculty-positions

Inquiries: Bernd Kuhn, Interim Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs, faculty-recruiting@oist.jp

We are an equal opportunity educator and employer and are committed to enhancing and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the university community. As such, we are actively working to increase the diversity of our faculty, students, and staff, and cultivating an environment where all members can thrive and are valued. We have implemented policies to engender and cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. These include supporting dual career couples, gender neutral facilities, pro-active equity-focused policies including “stop-the-clock” options, an on-site bilingual childcare facility and after school programs, an on-site health center, and relocation and post-arrival support. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need support during any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the appropriate email address listed in the job posting. Determinations for granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.