Open positions in plant mechano-eco-evo-devo
The Biological Design Unit at OIST studies ‘How’ and ‘Why’ behind biological shape and structure. Why do plants have a slender body design in their shoots and roots, when it is not trivial to construct such shapes? Is there a strong evolutionary pull – benefits for fitness – to have such a biological design? We research across the fields of biology, physics, and engineering to understand the cell and organ design in living organisms, especially plants. Plants are rooted in a habitat throughout their lives, constantly sensing and responding to a changing environment. They modify their developmental programs in response to physical cues, such as light, temperature, and mechanical stimuli (e.g., touch and wind). The resulting changes in the cell and organ structure often underpin survival against environmental stressors. We study such structural solutions to biological fitness, combining approaches from cell and developmental biology, evolutionary biology, and ecology with physical functional analyses based on mechano-biology and biomechanics. We explore morphospace by creating structural variations using biomimetics (microfabrication) or developmental engineering (synthetic biology) and probe their physical functions in differential environmental conditions. With such investigations, we aim to gain insights into the biological design better suited to survive through the changing climate. We welcome applications from highly motivated, skilled, and considerate researchers who share our vision. Candidates should demonstrate a strong background in any of the following fields: (plant) developmental biology (plant) mechano-devo evo-devo eco-devo biomechanics (solid and fluid) (plant) synthetic biology Specific projects will be discussed and developed as the candidates are shortlisted. OIST enables hiring postdoctoral researchers at various levels of experience. We plan to identify the best-fit candidates for the team and assign the most suitable positions to each based on their career stage and track record. In particular, we seek candidates interested in such projects as: Wind-induced remodelling of Arabidopsis shoot architecture – the molecular mechanisms and biological significance Morphospace functional mapping of Arabidopsis shoot architecture Form-function relationship of plant architecture in lab and field conditions
Benefits
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 financial and other 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 Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave
Application Documents
- Cover letter (English) explaining why you are interested in the position
- Full curriculum vitae (English)
- Names and contact information of 2-3 referees, one of whom should be a previous supervisor/employer
- Please be sure to indicate where you first saw the job advertisement.
How to Apply: Apply by submitting your application documents to: naomi.nakayama[at]oist.jp (Please replace [at] with @ when sending)
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We appreciate your understanding if we are unable to respond to all inquiries or applications.
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 in accordance to the OIST Privacy Policy; documents will not be returned.
- 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: Rules for Concurrent Appointment.
- Further details about the University can be viewed on our website.