Postdoctoral Scholar, Biological Design Unit (Frangedakis Group)
Conduct research on chloroplast biology, evo-devo, and plant synthetic biology using liverwort and hornwort model systems.
The Position
The Biological Design Unit researches across the fields of biology, physics, and engineering to understand the body designs of plants and insects.
In particular, as a section of the Biological Unit, the group led by Dr. Eftychios Frangedakis (SynBryo Group) works on the interface of evolutionary developmental biology (evo-devo) and plant synthetic biology. These disciplines mutually inform and complement one another: evo-devo reveals how developmental networks evolved and identifies conserved components that can guide plant engineering, while synthetic biology provides powerful tools for cross-species comparisons and genome-scale screens that illuminate key evolutionary transitions. Our research focuses on elucidating the fundamental mechanisms governing chloroplast development and evolution, with the goal of enabling the rational engineering of chloroplast function to enhance plant productivity but also to establish chloroplasts as versatile platforms for bioproduction. To achieve this, we work with emerging model systems, particularly the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha and hornworts, which combine exceptional experimental tractability with evolutionary perspectives that extend beyond traditional plant models. More information on our research can be found here: https://synbryo.weebly.com/
We are looking for a motivated, capable, and considerate postdoctoral scholar to join our team to together create a unique research program on the intersection of chloroplast biology, evo-devo and synthetic biology. The project will address two key questions in chloroplast biology and evolution: how chloroplast division is regulated at the transcriptional level, and how plants evolved cells containing multiple chloroplasts. To tackle these questions, we will use Marchantia polymorpha and our newly established hornwort model Anthoceros agrestis. Ultimately, this knowledge will inform strategies to optimize chloroplasts both as efficient bioproduction platforms and as targets for enhancing photosynthetic performance.
We call for candidates with keen interests in our vision and with a strong background in any of the fields:
- Plant synthetic biology
- Plant evo-devo
- Chloroplast biology
- Bryophytes (e.g., M. polymorpha)
- Plant cell/developmental biology
Responsibilities
- Conducting rigorous and motivated research and innovation
- Bringing in and about intellectual stimulation and enthusiasm
- Communicating and publishing scientific findings and insights
- Training and teaching younger generations
- Contributing to the unit's outreach activities
- Constructing and maintaining a positive and collegial working environment in the unit, at OIST, and with collaborators
- Working and researching responsively and accountably
- Taking full ownership of and driving one's career and personal development
Requirements
Qualifications
Required
- PhD in Plant Sciences or relevant field (plant evolution, development, molecular biology)
- Genuine interest in working with plant systems
- Excellent communication skills in oral and written English (everyday, lay, and scientific)
- Excellent record-keeping skills
- Commitment to excellent lab organization and resource maintenance
- Constructive, open-minded, and proactive outlook and approaches to the work
- Teamwork mindset, kindness, and collegiality
- Being helpful, responsible, and accountable in research and working
- Being happy to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment
- Being comfortable working in an international lab where the standard language is English
- Active initiatives to apply for opportunities (e.g., fellowships and grants) to enhance one's training and career prospect
Preferred
- Previous experience in Golden Gate Cloning, CRISPR-based genome editing, advanced microscopy and/or bioinformatics/phylogenetic analysis
- Experience working internationally and with diverse groups of colleagues
- Experience in writing primary research papers as the main author
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
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.
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
Full-time 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
Dr. Eftychios Frangedakis and Professor Naomi Nakayama
Application Documents
- Cover letter (English)
- Curriculum vitae (English)
- Names and contact information of 2-3 referees, one of which should be a previous employer
- Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting your application documents to: [email protected]
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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