Postdoctoral Scholar, Neurobiology Research Unit
The Neurobiology Research Unit is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher interested in basal ganglia mechanisms of learning and adaptive behavior, focusing on dopamine and acetylcholine dynamics in the rodent striatum.
The Neurobiology Research Unit is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher interested in basal ganglia mechanisms of learning and adaptive behavior, focusing on dopamine and acetylcholine dynamics in the rodent striatum. We are using in-vivo 2-photon microscopy to observe neurochemical release during learning and reversals in virtual reality (for example, see Sarpong et al, Nature Comms. 2025), complemented by fiber photometry in free-moving animals, and in-vitro electrophysiology. Technical support for software engineering and molecular biology is available within the Unit. We are seeking an individual who is passionate about basic science questions relevant to normal and abnormal basal ganglia function.
Responsibilities
- Perform in-vivo two-photon imaging and/or fiber photometry experiments
- Design and implement behavioral tasks in virtual reality and/or conventional operant boxes
- Analyse behavioral and imaging data and draft manuscripts for publication
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- PhD in Neuroscience
Preferred Qualifications
- Background in basal ganglia physiology, learning theory, imaging or computational neuroscience
- Experience in analysis of behavioral and imaging or photometry data
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
- Disability Support
- LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Support Resources
Additional Info
Compensation
Expected Annual Salary: 4.6M-5.9M yen
Employment Details
- Job Type: Postdoc
- 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.
- Starting Date: As early as possible after 1 January 2027
Working Hours
- Schedule: 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: 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.
Application Instructions
Apply by submitting your application documents to: [email protected] (Please replace [at] with @ before using this email address)
Disclaimer
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. Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities: Rules for Concurrent Appointment.
Skills & Keywords
Postdoctoral Scholar, Cognitive Neurorobotics Research Unit
Conduct cutting-edge research on robot learning, developmental robotics, and social cognition using recurrent neural network models and advanced computational frameworks.
Postdoctoral Scholars, The Quantum and Ultrafast Optoelectronics Unit
Researchers will join the QUO Unit at OIST to study emergent quantum phenomena in low-dimensional materials using ultrafast and terahertz spectroscopy.
Uehiro Fellowship - Opportunities for Senior Staff Scientists, Staff Scientists, and Postdoctoral Researchers Marine Biophysics Unit (Mitarai Lab)
The Uehiro Fellowship attracts outstanding researchers to advance oceanography through interdisciplinary research and international collaboration at OIST.
Postdoc Position Available/Memory Research Unit
The Memory Research Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to investigate the circuit, synaptic, and… See More