OIST Visiting Programs: Domestic Visitors 2026

Description

Open Call for Domestic Visitors

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is inviting applications for Domestic Visitors (currently working in Japan) through its Visiting Programs.

OIST's Visiting Program was launched in June 2021, with the goal of bringing leading researchers to OIST for extended visits. In keeping with OIST's interdisciplinary mission, application is open to researchers from all scientific fields. The program for Domestic Visitors was created in recognition of the constraints faced by scientists working at Japanese institutes, who cannot travel for extended periods, but are in a position to make repeated visits to Okinawa.

Visitors will have the opportunity to carry out independent research at OIST, and to interact with one or more OIST Research Units during their stay. Domestic visits will usually last 2 weeks to 6 months, and can be split into several shorter visits. Accommodation and office space at OIST are provided free of charge. Candidates may apply for travel support from OIST, where this is necessary to facilitate the visit (e.g. if they do not receive travel support through grants or their home institution). No teaching duties come with the position. However, visitors are expected to give a research seminar within the first month of their visit.

To fully realize our vision of promoting scientific excellence through a diverse and inclusive community, OIST is actively seeking applications from women and underrepresented groups. Please contact us at academic-partnerships@oist.jp if you have any questions or concerns.

Qualifications

Applicants should hold a Ph.D. in a relevant field and be independent researchers, i.e., should have an academic standing equivalent to senior postdoc, junior group leader, or faculty member at a research-intensive institution. The Domestic Program is intended for researchers working in Japan at the time of their proposed visit.
Note: Previously accepted candidates may apply for another visit.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit:

1. a CV including a list of publications;
2. a proposal of no more than one page containing a brief description of the proposed research during the visit to OIST, including the research units the applicant is interested in interacting with;
3. a title and abstract for a research seminar. Proposals for additional outreach activity, general-audience talk, short courses for graduate students, or career talks are highly welcome;
4. proposed schedule for the visit: applicants pick one of the available time slots and indicate how long and how many times they propose to visit OIST during this time window. Available time slots are listed below
5. statements of support of a few sentences from two OIST Principal Investigators (requested through Interfolio).
   NOT required for researchers from OIST's partner universities.

All visits are subject to the availability of housing. Application is possible at any time, however, selection will be made twice per year in July and January.

All visitors and participants are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct.
Successful candidates' name, home institution, field of research, and visit dates will be listed on the OIST website.

Note: Organizing research events at OIST, such as workshops, may also be possible. However, funding for this is not included in the position. If you plan to visit OIST with several collaborators you might consider submitting a proposal for a Thematic Program.

Website: https://www.oist.jp/visiting-program/domestic-visitors
Informal inquiries are welcome: please contact academic-partnerships@oist.jp
Please also check this page of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding proposals/applications.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity educator and employer and are committed to enhancing and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the university community. As such, we are actively working to increase the diversity of our faculty, students, and staff, and cultivating an environment where all members can thrive and are valued. We have implemented policies to engender and cultivate a diverse, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. These include supporting dual career couples, gender neutral facilities, pro-active equity-focused policies including “stop-the-clock*” options, an on-site bilingual childcare facility and after school programs, an on-site health center, and relocation and post-arrival support.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need support during any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the appropriate email address listed in the job posting. Determinations for granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

*See "3.2.5.2.2 "Stop-the-Clock" Policy for Tenure-track faculty