Project Coordinator at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) | Jobs.InOkinawa

Project Coordinator

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) 📍 Onna Posted Sep 16, 2025
⚠ Stale

Coordinate R&D projects, manage budgets, and support communications for the Global Bioconvergence Center of Innovation at OIST.

The position

OIST established the Global Bioconvergence Center of Innovation, a virtual research center based on the convergence of disciplines such as biomedicine, neuroscience, AI, environmental science, and engineering funded through the JST COI-NEXT grant. The Center was co-founded by OIST faculty and OIST Innovation, and is led by Project Leader Hiroaki Kitano (Professor (Adjunkt), OIST) and the Center Administration Officer, Gil Granot-Mayer (Executive Vice President, OIST).

Research and development activities at the Center will strive towards the concept of a One World, One Health society, founded on the indivisible relationship between humanity and the natural world. The Global Bioconvergence Center will support multiple projects to achieve three goals: Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, and Healthy Environment. In addition, joint labs with companies and a startup accelerator will ensure that technological solutions developed from the Center’s research can be harnessed to benefit society by treating disease, extending a healthy life, and healing the planet.

About OIST

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University was established in 2011 to contribute to the development of science and technology worldwide and to serve as a hub of innovation in Okinawa. OIST is a dynamic new graduate university of science and technology in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan which offers a 5-year PhD program and brings together outstanding researchers from across the country and across disciplines to conduct cutting-edge scientific research.

The university is located on 85 hectares of protected forestland overlooking a beautiful shoreline and coral reefs. The campus is striking architecturally, and the facilities are outstanding. To facilitate multidisciplinary research, there are no academic departments. Outstanding resources and equipment are provided and managed to encourage easy access and collaboration.

English is the official language of the University, and the university research community is fully international, with more than 50 countries represented. OIST is rapidly gaining recognition in the worldwide academic community as a model for excellence in education and research, and our unwavering commitment to scientific and technological innovation is dedicated to generating progress that will fuel Okinawa's economic growth.

Responsibilities

  1. Monitor the progress of R&D projects in the Center to ensure managing the Center’s efficient operation.
  2. Conduct necessary communications with the researchers in the Center and assist the Chief Operating Officer in preparing required documents and materials to submit to the funding agency and other stakeholders.
  3. Manage the budget of entire COI-NEXT projects and resolve issues by consulting with COI and other divisions/organizations.
  4. Organize the duties of planning, preparing, and organizing internal and external-facing meetings, including those involving visitors from government, academia, and industry.
  5. Support the outreach and PR duties related to COI-NEXT.
  6. Organize and store a variety of records, files, data, and reports, including confidential information.
  7. The successful candidate is expected to work in a cross-functional manner in collaboration with the Office of the Dean of Research and OIST Innovation.

Requirements

(Required)

  1. Minimum 3 years of administrative experience.
  2. Sufficient skills in Microsoft 365 applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
  3. Experienced in filing and documentation management.
  4. Excellent communication skills in English (equivalent to TOEIC score of 900+).
  5. Excellent time management, multi-tasking, teamwork, and organizational skills.
  6. Ability to write a clear and concise document.

(Preferred)

  1. 5+ years of administrative experience working in an international environment.
  2. Communication skills in Japanese.
  3. Work experience in an academic environment.
  4. Working knowledge of government administrative procedures.

Benefits

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)
  • Access to Child Development Center
  • Access to Schooling Options
  • Language Education
  • Resource Center (Daily Life Support in Okinawa)
  • Remote Work System
Relocation allowanceHousing allowanceCommuting allowanceHealth insurancePension insuranceChildcare accessRemote workPaid leave
Additional Info

Locations

  • Main Campus: 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa

Employment Details

  • Job Type: Administration
  • Starting Date: As early as possible
  • Employment Term: Full-time, fixed term appointment for 2 years. Contract initially with 6-month probationary period (inclusive). This contract may be renewed by taking into consideration the performance evaluation, conduct, and behavior of the Employee and OIST’s financial and other circumstances. This contract may be renewed until the project is terminated. The project is scheduled to be completed in FY2031 (it may be extended after FY2031).
  • Working Hours: Scheduled Working hours: 9:00 – 17:30. Rest period: 12:00 – 13:00. Flextime (core time 10:00-15:00) 7.5hrs per day (Multiplied by prescribed working days per month).
  • Holidays: Saturday, Sunday, National holidays, and Year-end and New Year holidays (Dec. 29 – Jan. 3).
  • Leave: Annual Paid Holidays, Summer Leave, Sick Leave, and Special Leave.
  • Report to: Chief Operating Officer, COI-NEXT Program.
  • Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until all positions are filled. Application will be closed once the position is filled.

Application Information

Declaration

  • OIST Graduate University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action educator and employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty, students and staff.
  • Information provided by applicants or references will be kept confidential in accordance to the OIST Privacy Policy; documents will not be returned.
  • Recruiting Organization: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology School Corporation.
  • Prevention of Passive Smoking: No smoking indoors.
  • Please view our policy for rules on external professional activities: Rules for Concurrent Appointment.
  • Further details about the University can be viewed on our website.

Skills & Keywords

project coordinatorbiomedicineneuroscienceaienvironmental scienceengineeringjst coi-next grantadministrative experiencemicrosoft 365
Apply Now ↗
Related Jobs