The 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, the program spans all fields including, but not limited to, mathematics, physics, computational sciences, chemistry, engineering, and life sciences. Only researchers requiring access to a lab should apply as “Experimental Visiting Scholars” instead.

If you would like to visit OIST with several collaborators at the same time or plan to organize a workshop, consider submitting a pre-proposal for a Thematic Program instead (https://groups.oist.jp/tsvp/proposal-thematic-programs).

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. If special circumstances prevent a visit of 3 or more months, please inquire before applying (researchers working in Japan may consider the Domestic Visitor program instead).

[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.

[Applicants should submit]
1) 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 highly encouraged.

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 2025 and March 2026.

[Application through Interfolio]
http://apply.interfolio.com/149183
Applications received by September 30th, 2024 are guaranteed full consideration.
Please make sure that you can receive emails from tsvp [at] oist.jp and noreply [at] interfolio.com.

Number of positions: Up to 30

[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

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 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. Further details can be found at https://www.oist.jp/.

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 tsvp [at] oist.jp if you have any questions or concerns.