Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)

Principal Investigator Positions
Primate Brain Research and Functional Brain Imaging

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST:http://www.oist.jp) is a new international research institute created to establish a world-class graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa, Japan.. Under the leadership of the founding President Sydney Brenner and the OIST Board of Governors, 19 research units have been established with over 160 researchers in temporary laboratories.The first stage of the permanent campus will open in early 2010.
The second stage of the campus incorporating new facilities fornon-human primate research and brain imaging of both non-human primates and humans will be completed in 2011. The campus is being built on 85 hectares of undeveloped forest land of overlooking tropical beaches in Onna-son on the west coast of Okinawa.

OIST is now inviting applications for approximately 6 Principal Investigator positions in the fields of Primate Brain Research and Functional Brain Imaging. Initial appointments are for five years with budget for the entire period including full salary support for the PI and research staff, equipment, and operating expenses, and can begin as early as fall, 2009. For appointments beginning before 2011, the budget can be used for preparatory studies at another research institution with an appropriate joint research agreement. All programs undergo review at 5-year intervals, and OIST expects to renew successful programs.

This is an unparalleled opportunity to participate in designing and using a state-of-the-art NHP laboratory facility incorporating new technologies, such as molecular and genetic methods, optical imaging, high-field MRI scanners, powerful computational methods, and brain-machine interface. In addition to developing the NHP and brain imaging facility, successful candidates will be participating in establishing this major new research facility for neuroscience research at all levels. This is an exciting opportunity to participate in building a new international, interdisciplinary research community in the setting of the beautiful natural environment and rich cultural tradition of Okinawa.

Candidates should have a doctoral degree, a strong publication record, creative research approaches, and experience in managing research operations. They will participate in an interactive research community and thus should have good communication skills and the ability to work collegially.

A candidate who has less than five years of postdoctoral experience and no previous independent research appointment can apply as an Independent New Investigator. This is a single-tenure, five-year appointment as an independent research unit leader with up to two additional lab members. It is different from a PI appointment in that the lab size will be smaller and that the appointee will have to apply as a PI to continue at OIST after the five-year term.

Candidates should submit a cover letter, a CV, names and contact information for five referees, and a research proposal (including background, research plan, and budget in no more than ten pages) in a single PDF file, and up to five representative papers in PDF format by e-mail attachment to NHP-Imaging-09@oist.jp by March 31, 2009 to be considered in the first round of reviews. The search will remain open until the positions are filled. Please direct questions about the position to Dr. Kenji Doya at NHP-Imaging-09@oist.jp