Postdoc Position Available/Neuronal Mechanism for Critical Period Unit
Conduct research on the brain mechanisms of bird song learning, focusing on auditory processing, memory formation, and social interaction.
The position
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:
We seek a motivated postdoc who will work in the Neuronal mechanism for critical period Unit (Principal Investigator: Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama). Our research unit works on the brain mechanism for bird song learning. A successful candidate is expected to carry own projects which are in lines of our recent interests, such as 1) Auditory information processing and memory formation in zebra finch song learning (ref: Araki et al, Science 2016, 354: 1282-1287; Yanagihara & Yazaki-Sugiyama, 2016, Nat. Commun, doi: 10.1038/NCOMMS11946), 2) Neuronal mechanism how social interaction regulating memory formation and affect later cognitive behavior (ref: Yanagihara & Yazaki-Sugiyama 2018, Behav Process,10.1016/j.beproc.2018.04.003; Katic et al, 2022, Nat Commun.doi:10.1038/s41467-022-32207-1), 3) Neuronal mechanism for auditory memory guided vocal learning. However, other projects are also welcome with discussions.
Requirements
Qualifications
- Ph.D. degree and communication skills in English or Japanese are required.
- Experience in neurobiology or neuroscience field is required.
- Experience in electrophysiology is advanced.
Benefits
- 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)
- Remote Work system
Additional Info
Employment Term
Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances.
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 Leave, 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
Professor Yoko Yazaki-Sugiyama
Application Documents
- Curriculum vitae in English (and Japanese if available)
- Cover letter in English (and Japanese if available)
- Names and contact information of 2-4 referees, one of which should be a previous employer
- Prior to the start of employment all new hires are required to successfully complete a background check. Personal information including employment history and academic background should be submitted to OIST after a conditional offer of employment.
How to Apply
Please submit all required application materials by email to: [email protected] (replace # with @).
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, documents will not be returned. All applicants will be notified regarding the status of their applications. OIST Privacy Policy
- 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 (Information Disclosure – 10. Others – 6. OIST Rules for Concurrent Appointment).
- Further details about the University can be viewed on our website.
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