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 theoretical researchers to OIST for extended visits. In keeping with OIST's interdisciplinary mission, the program spans all theoretical sciences including, but not limited to, mathematics, theoretical physics, computational sciences, and theoretical life sciences.

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.

Appointment as Visiting Scholar may be taken while on leave or sabbatical from another university. In exceptional situations, where the applicant does not receive any salary from grants or their institution at the time of their visit to OIST, 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 child care. Further details can be found at https://www.oist.jp/.

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.

Applicants should submit:

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 welcome.

All visits are subject to the availability of funding. To be considered for this year’s funding the applicant’s intended stay should start no later than March 2024.

Applications received by September 30th 2022 are guaranteed full consideration.