The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is inviting applications for Visiting Scholars through its Theoretical Sciences Visiting Program (TSVP). The TSVP was launched in June 2021, with the goal of bringing leading researchers to OIST for extended visits. In keeping with OIST's interdisciplinary mission, the program spans all theoretical projects including, but not limited to, mathematics, theoretical physics, computational sciences, and theoretical life sciences. Experimental researchers may apply where they plan to work on theoretical projects while at OIST.

Visiting Scholars will have the opportunity to carry out independent research at OIST, and to interact with one or more OIST Research Units during their stay. Visits will usually be of 3 to 12 months, with support provided for travel, accommodation and living expenses at the level of per diem. No teaching duties come with the position. However, Visiting Scholars are expected to give a general-audience lecture about their field of research within the first month of their visit. Research seminars and/or lectures for graduate students are also strongly encouraged. Proposals for additional outreach activity, short courses for graduate students, or career talks are highly welcome.

Appointment as Visiting Scholar may be taken while on leave or sabbatical from another university. In exceptional situations, successful candidates may be able to apply for support with salary, where this is necessary to facilitate the visit, and they can provide evidence of their need. Visits of 1 to 3 months may also be approved where special circumstances prevent a longer visit.

OIST is an institution with no departments, which aims to eliminate barriers between people working in different fields. We are an equal opportunity educator and employer and are working actively toward increasing the diversity of our faculty, students, and staff. We have implemented policies to promote a diverse, inclusive, and family-friendly culture. These include supporting dual career couples, gender neutral facilities, “stop the clock” options, and on-site childcare. Further details can be found at https://www.oist.jp/.

[Eligibility]

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. Exceptions can be made for scientists with a proven potential to soon become independent researchers. Note: Previously accepted candidates may apply for another visit.

[Application Instructions]

1) a CV including a list of publications;

2) a proposal of 1-2 pages containing a brief description of their research to date, and 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 general-audience talk. Proposals for additional outreach activity, research seminars, short courses for graduate students, or career talks are encouraged.

4) (Optional) statements of support of a few sentences from two OIST Principal Investigators (requested through Interfolio)

All visits are subject to the availability of funding. To be considered for this year’s funding, the applicant’s intended stay should start between April 2024 and March 2025.

[Application through Interfolio]

http://apply.interfolio.com/128509

Complete applications received by September 17th, 2023 are guaranteed full consideration.

Please make sure that you can receive emails from tsvp [at] oist.jp and noreply [at] interfolio.com.

[Evaluation criteria]

1) Scientific quality

2) Benefit to OIST, e.g. through interactions with and across OIST Units

3) Interdisciplinary nature of OIST

4) Considerations of diversity and ensuring a spread of academic career stages

5) Planned outreach and teaching activity, e.g. general-audience lectures, seminars, (mini) courses, career talks, activities for children/at schools