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.
We are looking for highly motivated researchers to join the Quantum and Ultrafast Optoelectronics (QUO) Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST).
The QUO Unit works at the intersection of condensed matter physics, ultrafast and terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, materials science, and device engineering. We seek to understand how emergent quantum phenomena arise in low-dimensional materials, how they interact with light, and how these interactions can be harnessed to control quantum states and enable new forms of energy and information transport and conversion. Our approach combines the fabrication of 2D quantum materials and van der Waals devices with the development of THz microscopy and precision spectroscopy, while exploring their translation into quantum information science.
Postdoctoral Scholars will have opportunities to develop expertise across areas including 2D quantum materials, van der Waals device nanofabrication, quantum and qubit platforms, ultrafast microscopy, THz spectroscopy, microwave techniques, and antenna design/fabrication. OIST provides a highly interdisciplinary research environment with cutting-edge shared facilities and close interaction among researchers. The Unit will also support motivated Postdoctoral Scholars in preparing for future independent research careers through opportunities to pursue original research directions and build new collaborations.
Responsibilities
Postdoctoral Scholars in the Quantum and Ultrafast Optoelectronics Unit are expected to engage in creative, curiosity-driven, and independent research, while collaborating closely with the PI, other Unit members, and researchers within and outside OIST.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Conducting research in one or both of the following areas:
- (i) THz spectroscopy of 2D quantum matter: Develop and apply ultrafast and terahertz spectroscopy to investigate low-energy excitations, light-driven quantum phenomena, and related dynamics in quantum materials and van der Waals devices.
- (ii) Designer quantum materials and devices: Design and fabricate vdW heterostructures and nanodevices, and investigate their electronic, optical, and quantum properties using optical, transport, and complementary characterization techniques.
- Communicating effectively and building collaborations with Unit members, researchers across OIST, and external collaborators.
- Publishing research findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting results at national and international conferences.
- Contributing to the collaborative research environment of the Unit and at OIST, including scientific discussions and mentoring of students where appropriate.
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.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Strong research background in one or more areas relevant to the Unit (e.g., condensed matter physics, quantum science, nanofabrication, spectroscopy, or related fields).
- Proven track record of research achievement.
- Effective written and oral communication skills in English.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively with Unit members and external collaborators.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is desirable but not required:
- Van der Waals heterostructure or device fabrication; nanofabrication.
- Quantum devices or qubit platforms (e.g., superconducting, spin, or defect based systems).
- Ultrafast spectroscopy, microscopy; THz spectroscopy.
- Microwave or high-frequency techniques; antenna, resonator, or cavity design and fabrication.
Candidates whose backgrounds complement these areas and who are strongly motivated to learn new techniques are also encouraged to apply.
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 and Schooling Options
- Language Education Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
- Remote Work System
- Disability Support and LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Support Resources
Additional Info
Employment Details
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Scholar
- Term: Full-time, fixed-term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with a 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed based on performance and OIST’s financial 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: Discretionary Working Hours System (employee deemed to have worked 7 hours 30 minutes per day).
Application Instructions
- Application Due Date: November 30, 2026 (Applications may continue until the positions are filled).
- Submission: Apply by submitting documents directly to [email protected].
- Required Documents: Curriculum vitae (including three references), and a minimum of two reference letters (required at a later stage).
- Optional Documents: Cover letter describing past/current research and desired research directions.
Disclaimer
OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer. Information provided by applicants will be kept confidential in accordance with the OIST Privacy Policy.
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.
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.
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… See More
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