Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholar Fellowship (IPSF)

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[Frist: 2022/11/15] The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) is currently accepting applications for the Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholar Fellowship program. The Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to advance researchers’ academic careers by conducting full-time interdisciplinary research and training with OIST faculty and respective research units.

About the Fellowship: 

The Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Scholar Fellowship (IPSF) program is a new initiative for talented early career researchers from all over the world. The Fellowship provides a unique opportunity to advance researchers’ academic careers by conducting full-time interdisciplinary research and training with OIST faculty and respective research units. Prospective Fellows should contact PI’s of OIST units that they wish to work with and establish, at some minimum level, feasibility of their research plan before applying.

What we are looking for in candidates:

  • a Ph.D. and 1-3 years post PhD experience
  • Excellent scientific achievements in the area of study
  • Ability to conduct independent research under the mentorship of OIST faculty
  • Interdisciplinary research project complementary to the research areas pursued by OIST
  • Previous work in an international environment is preferred

What we offer: 

  • Rich interdisciplinary research
  • International, diverse and inclusive work environment
  • Competitive salary, benefits and discretionary research budget
  • Ability to select a unit to conduct your research
  • Opportunities for professional and career development

Benefits: 

  • Relocation expenses (to Okinawa), housing and commuting allowances
  • Annual paid leave and summer holidays
  • Health insurance (Private School Mutual Aid http://www.shigakukyosai.jp/)
  • Welfare pension insurance (kousei-nenkin)
  • Worker’s accident compensation insurance (roudousha-saigai-hoshou-hoken)

Application Documents: 

  • Cover Letter
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • List of publications – highlighting two relevant and impactful papers
  • Research statement includes:
    • detailed research plan describing new interdisciplinary collaborations plan between two OIST research units
    • how the candidate’s project will complement OIST research programs
    • explanation on how the candidate will benefit from the Fellowship
    • research budget specifications
  • Letters of support from two OIST Principal Investigators with clearly outlined and measurable research and mentorship responsibilities towards the Fellow
  • Three Letters of Recommendation

Host units: The list of faculty members is found here.

Number of positions: 3

Selection process: 

  • Fall – The applications are submitted, evaluated and interviewed
  • Late Fall – Offers are made to the selected candidates
  • Spring and Fall of the following year – Fellows arrive at OIST

More information/submit applications: https://groups.oist.jp/fao/interdisciplinary-postdoctoral-scholar-fellowship-ipsf-program

Contact information: Send queries to ipsf@oist.jp

FAQs can be found here: FAQs

Applicants should submit the above-mentioned application material and the desired period of visit. Applications received by November 15, 2022, are guaranteed full consideration.