[Job-offers-cs] Open Call for Visting Scholar at OIST (Okinawa, Japan)

[Pekka Orponen]

Open Call for Visiting Scholars FY2026

The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is inviting 
applications for Visiting Scholars through its Visiting Program.

OIST's Visiting Program (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 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 https://www.oist.jp/visiting-program/application 
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).

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/

All the best,
Amedeo Roberto Esposito