Postdoctoral Scholars in Terahertz Spectroscopy of 2D Quantum Materials, OIST (Okinawa)
Job Description
These postdoctoral positions in terahertz spectroscopy of 2D quantum materials are in the Quantum and Ultrafast Optoelectronics Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, a graduate university on the coast of Okinawa where research is organised into units rather than departments.
At a glance
- Position: Postdoctoral Scholar, fixed term of 2 years, renewable
- Where: Quantum and Ultrafast Optoelectronics Unit, OIST, Onna, Okinawa, Japan
- Pay: not stated in the advertisement; relocation and housing allowances, health insurance and pension are listed
- Apply by: 30 November 2026
About the role: terahertz spectroscopy of 2D quantum materials
The unit studies how quantum phenomena in low-dimensional materials interact with light, and the advertised work spans terahertz spectroscopy of two-dimensional quantum matter and the making of designer quantum materials and devices. That pairing matters: the same group that measures a sample is also building it, so the post suits someone who wants the fabrication and the spectroscopy in the same pair of hands rather than split across collaborators. The unit is led by Professor Taketo Handa.
Eligibility
The advertisement asks for a PhD in physics, chemistry or a closely related field, with a strong research background in one or more of condensed matter physics, quantum science, nanofabrication and spectroscopy. It also asks for a record of research achievement, proficient written and spoken English, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a unit.
Salary, duration and conditions
The appointment is full time and fixed term for two years, with an initial probationary period of six months, and is renewable depending on performance and funding. The advertisement does not give a salary figure. It does list relocation and housing allowances, paid leave, health insurance, pension contributions, access to childcare, language education and some remote working, which are the terms OIST normally offers research staff.
How to apply
Applications are made by email to the unit rather than through a central portal: the advertisement asks for a CV with three references, an optional cover letter, and reference letters at a later stage. Check the requirements on the official OIST vacancy page before writing. More postdoctoral openings are listed on ResearchJobs.in.
Hiring institution: Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University
Official advertisement: www.oist.jp
How to prepare for the OIST application
- Say which half you are stronger at, fabrication or spectroscopy, and show you are serious about learning the other. The unit does both.
- If you have run time-domain or pump-probe terahertz measurements, describe the setup you used and what limited it. Specifics travel well in a small unit.
- OIST is an English-language graduate university, so no Japanese is required, but say something credible about wanting to work in Okinawa rather than treating it as a detail.
- The application goes straight to the unit by email, so your first message is read by the people you would work with. Keep it short and technical.
- Line up three referees early; the advert asks for their details up front and letters later.
About OIST
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University is an interdisciplinary graduate university in Onna, Okinawa. It has no departments: research is organised into units led by individual professors, and English is the working language.
