About the Uehiro Fellowship

The Marine Biophysics Unit (Mitarai Lab) at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) invites applications for the Uehiro Fellowship, an international research fellowship established through the generous support of The Uehiro Foundation on Ethics and Education.

Depending on qualifications, experience, and expected responsibilities, successful applicants will be appointed under one of OIST's existing appointment categories as a Senior Staff Scientist, Staff Scientist, or Postdoctoral Scholar. Individuals appointed through this fellowship are collectively known as Uehiro Fellows.

The Uehiro Fellowship aims to attract outstanding researchers from around the world who are passionate about advancing oceanography through interdisciplinary research, international collaboration, and scientific excellence.

Operation UMI

Operation UMI is a long-term international partnership in oceanography linking OIST with the Uehiro Center for the Advancement of Oceanography at the University of Hawaiʻi and the Uehiro Laboratory for Oceanography at Hokkaido University.

Uehiro Fellows participate in collaborative research, researcher exchanges, workshops, education, and other joint activities that strengthen long-term international collaboration in oceanography.

The Uehiro Fellowship provides opportunities to engage in these collaborative activities while pursuing independent research at OIST.

Research Areas

Leveraging Okinawa’s unique geographical setting and OIST’s interdisciplinary research environment, the Fellowship seeks researchers who will advance frontier research in oceanography.

Particular areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Typhoon-ocean interactions
• Hydrothermal vent systems and seabed resources
• Kuroshio variability and coral reef systems

These examples are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the scope of eligible research topics. Applications from researchers working in any area of oceanography are strongly encouraged.

Appointment Categories

Successful applicants will be appointed under one of the following existing OIST appointment categories, depending on their qualifications, experience, and expected responsibilities.

Senior Staff Scientist:
This appointment category is intended for experienced researchers who have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree and have demonstrated scientific leadership together with significant research management or supervisory experience. Senior Staff Scientists are expected to perform independent research, take responsibility for research projects, and provide scientific leadership within the research program. Responsibilities and terms of appointment are consistent with the OIST Policy, Rules and Procedures (PRP) for Senior Staff Scientists.

Staff Scientist:
This appointment category is intended for researchers who have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree and are capable of conducting independent research. Staff Scientists are expected to contribute essential scientific expertise while working under the supervision of a faculty member. Responsibilities and terms of appointment are consistent with the OIST Policy, Rules and Procedures (PRP) for Staff Scientists.

Postdoctoral Researcher:
This appointment category is intended for outstanding early-career researchers who have earned a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree and show strong potential for internationally competitive research careers. Postdoctoral Scholars work under the supervision of a faculty member while receiving advanced research training. Responsibilities and terms of appointment are consistent with the OIST Policy, Rules and Procedures (PRP) for Postdoctoral Scholars.

Fellowship Opportunities

In addition to the opportunities associated with each OIST appointment category, Uehiro Fellows will have opportunities to:

• Participate in international collaborative research through Operation UMI;
• Collaborate with researchers at OIST, the University of Hawaiʻi, Hokkaido University, and other partner institutions;
• Participate in international workshops, seminars, researcher exchanges, and outreach activities supported by the Fellowship;
• Contribute to interdisciplinary collaborations across OIST; and
• Help build an internationally connected research community in oceanography.

Why OIST?

OIST is one of the world’s most international research universities, with English as its official language and researchers representing more than 50 nationalities.

Located on the subtropical island of Okinawa, OIST offers exceptional opportunities for marine research together with a uniquely interdisciplinary research environment.

The Uehiro Fellowship provides an exciting opportunity to pursue internationally competitive research while contributing to the growth of a long-term international partnership in oceanography.