Description
Open Call for Visiting Scholars in FY2027
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is inviting applications for Visiting Scholars through its Visiting Program (TSVP).
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, 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 (see this overview of all OIST's Visiting Programs for other options).
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).
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.
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.
Application Instructions
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 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 2027 and March 2028.
Applications received by September 15th, 2026 are guaranteed full consideration.
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/application-visiting-scholars
Informal inquiries are welcome: please contact [email protected]
Please also check this page of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding proposals/applications.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.
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