The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) will become a model for change in education and research with the best international graduate students, working side by side with world-class faculty in modern well-equipped laboratories. Beautifully situated on the island of Okinawa, OIST relies on a cross-disciplinary approach, with an emphasis on creativity and exchange, to offer unique, individualized graduate training. OIST is a university with no departments, eliminating artificial barriers between people working in different fields, but many nationalities, with students and faculty being attracted from all over the world. Concentrating initially on Neuroscience, Molecular Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Environmental and Ecological Sciences and Physical Sciences, OIST is bringing some of the best brains in the world to Okinawa to transform the way science and education is done in the global academic world.

Location: 

Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan

Responsibilities: 

The Light-Matter Interactions Unit in OIST, headed by Prof Síle Nic Chormaic, invites applications for a postdoctoral position. The focus will be on developing and implementing novel trapping techniques for laser-cooled atoms based on nano- and micro-optics, with emphasis on nanostructured optical nanofibers.  Such systems have potential for quantum engineering using neutral atoms.  The successful candidate must have previous experience in laser-cooling of alkalis or ion trapping and must have prior, peer-reviewed publications in this field. Ability to work as a team member, while assuming day-to-day responsibilities in the laboratory is essential. The following will be required:

1. Fabrication and integration of micro and nano-optical devices into laser cooling setup
2. Operation of MOT system for Rb atoms and taking/analysis of data
3. Modelling of systems using packages such as COMSOL
4. Assistance with student supervision in the laboratory

Qualifications: 

1. Ph.D. in Physics with specialisation in laser-cooling of alkali atoms, BEC, or ion trapping
2. Fluency in written and spoken English, with excellent interpersonal skills
3. Holding a strong publication record, ability to work independently, and adaptive with new disciplines

Term: Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 3 month probationary period (inclusive).

Starting Date: No later than January 04, 2015

Working Hours: 9:00-17:30 (Discretionary)

Compensation: 

In accordance with the OIST Employee Compensation Regulations

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)

Submission Documents: 

• Curriculum vita including names of 3 academic referees (in English)
• Cover letter (in English)
• Summary of research interests and experience (in English)
• Please state clearly reference #SNC01 in the subject line of the email if applying for this position

Application Due: 

Applications deadline will continue until the position is filled.