Contact: yaakov.neiman[AT]oist.jpLocation: Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan
The Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) is establishing a research group in theoretical physics, with a focus on quantum gravity and related questions in e.g. string theory, QFT and cosmology. The group is led by Yasha Neiman, with Linqing Chen, Henry Stoltenberg and Tomonori Ugajin joining as postdocs in the fall of 2017.
We are looking to hire one additional postdoc, for a 3-year term to begin in the fall of 2018, or earlier if desired.
OIST is a young and growing research and graduate education institute, located on the beautiful Japanese island of Okinawa. The institute is English-speaking and international in nature, and enjoys generous funding from the Japanese government. Its unique structure emphasizes individual research groups over departments, providing each group with substantial freedom to define itself and to collaborate with others. OIST is just beginning to develop a population of fundamental theorists, and we have the opportunity to be at the forefront of that process. Current faculty with related interests include Shinobu Hikami and Hirotaka Sugawara.
We are looking for an independent person with an inner drive and an ability to pursue their own research direction. The aim is to have a diverse group where members can learn from each other about different aspects of fundamental theory.
A central question for the group at this moment is how to think about quantum gravity when confined to a finite region, due e.g. to a cosmological horizon. Yasha’s current personal focus is on a research program for constructing a working model of quantum (higher-spin) gravity in de Sitter space, where a holographic theory at de Sitter infinity translates into observable physics inside horizons. Current work involves both conceptual issues in de Sitter physics and the development of new tools and perspectives in higher-spin theory. Each of our three incoming postdocs follows their own line of research, quite independent from this one.
The base annual salary range for postdocs at OIST is currently 4.4-5.7 million yen. Within this range, the salary increases with each year since the Ph.D.
A postdoc in the group will generally be able to make several trips per year, including long-distance flights. The group also has funds for bringing in visitors (~6 visitor-months per year), and a postdoc in the group will have full access to this resource. Any particular budgetary needs can be discussed at the interview stage.
Please apply via AcademicJobsOnline at: https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/9561#
For any inquiries, please contact Yasha Neiman at: yaakov.neiman[AT]oist.jp
Review of applications will begin on November 15, 2017.
For further information about OIST, visit: http://www.oist.jp
For the Quantum Gravity group (still under construction), visit: https://groups.oist.jp/qgu
For a list of research groups at OIST, visit: http://www.oist.jp/research-units