Are you dynamic and enjoy new challenges?

Do you aspire to continue your academic and career path through postgraduate studies and employment, aiming to acquire not only excellent professional knowledge but also communication and leadership skills, with an open path for work both in other institutes and with industry partners?

Would you be excited about working with flexible hours in a stimulating international work environment with opportunities for professional and personal development?

Do you thrive in a pleasant team environment and contribute your piece to the puzzle of excellent performance of a socially responsible employer who values employees and cares for their personal development?

If you have answered "YES" to the questions, you will be pleased to hear that based on the Law on Scientific Research and Innovation Activities (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 186/21 and 40/23), the Regulation on Financing Scientific Research Activities from the Budget of the Republic of Slovenia (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 35/22, 144/22, and 79/23), the General Act on Stable Financing of Scientific Research Activities (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 87/22 and 103/22 - corr.), as well as the Rules on Selection and Financing of Young Researchers at NIB,

publishes a public tender for

"fully funded PhD STUDENTS (young researchers)"

We are announcing the possibility of postgraduate training of young researchers with the following mentors in the indicated program groups:

• Dr. Alexandra Bogožalec Košir, program group Biotechnology and Plant Systems Biology
• Dr. Denis Kutnjak, program group Environmental and Applied Virology: Viruses, Friends, and Foes
• Dr. Nataša Mori, program group  Structure and function of the ecosystems (P1-0255)
• Doc. dr. Tinkara Tinta, program group Coastal Sea Research 
• Doc. dr. Anže Županič, program group Biotechnology and Plant Systems Biology

A candidate for a PhD student (young researcher) must meet the following conditions:

• The candidate not yet completed a doctorate in science or acquired the scientific title of Doctor of Philosophy.
• The candidate not yet been employed as a young researcher.
• The candidate completed a second-level study program or education that corresponds to the level of education obtained through second-level study programs and, in accordance with the law governing the Slovenian qualifications framework, is ranked at level 8 or a comparable study program obtained abroad.
• As a rule, he has an average grade of at least 8.00 for all exams and exercises in the first-cycle study program and the second-cycle study program. For students who have completed their studies abroad – a comparable equivalent, if it is possible to obtain it, otherwise at least a mentor's recommendation.
• The time condition for entry into the funding scheme which is tied to the completion of studies is specified in the Rulebook on Stable Funding of Scientific Research Activities of the Slovenian Research Agency.

Selected young researchers who have not completed their second-cycle study program at the time of application must complete their studies no later than September 15 of the current year.

Applications with evidence of meeting the application requirements must be sent no later than April 5, 2024, via email to the address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please indicate in the message to which mentor you are applying.

Attach your CV, certificates of completed exams and average grades in the first and second-cycle study programs, and a description of any previous participation in research work to your application.

We will only consider applications that arrive at the specified address within the deadline.

Candidates will be informed of the results of the call via email to the address provided in the application.

More about training:

Title: Development of Advanced Measurement Approaches and Reference Materials to Improve Accuracy in the Identification and Quantification of Microorganisms

Program Group: Biotechnology and Systems Biology of Plants (P4-0165)

Mentor: Dr. Alexandra Bogožalec Košir

Field: Biotechnology / Metrology

We are announcing a position for a young researcher to join the dynamic environment of the Bacteriology & Metrology group. As an interdisciplinary team comprising biologists, microbiologists, biochemists, and biotechnologists, we explore diverse topics including research on plant, human, and animal pathogens, their biology, diversity, and detection or diagnostics (identification and quantification). We are experts in developing molecular methods and are among the leading European metrology laboratories in measuring nucleic acids. Research and diagnostic inquiries are addressed using state-of-the-art methods such as quantitative and digital PCR, electron microscopy, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics. The group is involved in various European projects and networks facilitating data exchange and hosting in European laboratories.

The candidate will conduct research in laboratories equipped with cutting-edge research equipment, in collaboration with colleagues from leading research institutions in Slovenia and abroad. Through active participation and attendance at diverse workshops, the candidate will gain a broad range of skills crucial for a successful career post-Ph.D., including critical thinking, reporting and communication tailored to different audiences, teamwork, project planning and management, and knowledge of quality systems.

We expect the candidate to be curious, proactive, reliable, possess sound critical judgment, and have teamwork skills. Interest in collaborating with research laboratories abroad and further training abroad is also expected. Due to work within international collaborations, proficiency in English is essential. We expect candidates to have a background in biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, biology, or related fields. Experience working in molecular or other similar laboratories is desirable. The research will focus on the development of approaches for direct and indirect identification and quantification of microorganisms as a basis for standardization and harmonization of molecular diagnostics within the "One Health" concept. The work will encompass analyses using both classical and advanced analytical techniques, such as microscopy (fluorescent, electron), cell counting on plates, flow cytometry, quantitative and digital PCR, sequencing, interpretation of results, and the development of new metrological approaches, all aimed at addressing current issues. The training program for the young researcher and the precise content of the doctorate will be finally agreed upon with the selected candidate.

The young researcher will work at the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology, National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana.

Information: Dr. Alexandra Bogožalec Košir, e-naslov: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Title: Research on Diversity, Survival, Evolution, and the Role of Viruses in Ecosystems

Program Group: Environmental and Applied Virology: Viruses, Friends, and Foes (P4-0407)

Mentor: Asist. Prof. Dr. Denis Kutnjak

Field: Biotechnology

We are announcing a position for a young researcher who will be involved in a dynamic and globally recognized group of virologists and molecular biologists. The team is interdisciplinary and includes biologists, microbiologists, biochemists, biotechnologists, experts in plant protection, and other profiles. In the group, we explore diverse topics ranging from the biology, diversity, evolution, epidemiology, and diagnostics of microbes to the development and validation of tools for their detection. Research and diagnostic questions are addressed using the stae-of-th-art methods, such as quantitative and digital PCR, LAMP, electron microscopy, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics. Our research is focused on pathogenic microbes in plants as well as in humans and animals, environmental virology, and viral ecology (studies of viruses in environmental samples, especially in waters), antiviral action of compounds, and the development of non-chemical methods for removing viruses from water samples. We are part of the EU Reference Laboratory for Pests on Plants - on Viruses, Viroids and Phytoplasmas. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we established a national monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants of concern in wastewater samples.

The researcher will perform their research work in laboratories with the modern research equipment within the newly built biotechnological hub NIB, with an established quality assurance system and colleagues from Slovenia and the international environment. They will participate in international projects and work with the best research institutions in Slovenia and abroad or with high-tech Slovenian and foreign companies that are our partners. Through work and participation in various workshops, the candidate will also acquire skills that enable a successful career after completing their doctorate and personal growth, including science communication skills, adapted to different audiences, teamwork, project planning and management, knowledge about the quality assurance system, and similar. We expect the candidate will desire to explore the unknown, be creative, resourceful, possess critical judgment, have the ability to work in a team, be reliable, and positively oriented. Due to work in the context of international collaborations, good knowledge of the English language is essential. We expect education at MSc level or equivalent in biological, microbiological, biochemical, biotechnological, (bio)informatic, or other related fields. Experience in working in a molecular laboratory or experience with analyses of large data sets with bioinformatics or statistical methods is desirable. The planned research work will connect knowledge from different scientific fields, especially virology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. Research will be aimed at understanding the diversity, survival, evolution, and role of viruses in ecosystems. In this, the researcher will use a range of classical and modern virology and molecular biology approaches, such as high-throughput sequencing (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore Technologies) with subsequent bioinformatic analysis of data, quantitative and digital PCR, electron microscopy, and biological infectivity tests. The training program for the young researcher and the precise content of the doctorate will be finally agreed upon with the selected candidate, depending on the current research directions in the research group.

The young researcher will perform work at the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology of the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana.

Information: Dr. Denis Kutnjak, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Title: Understanding groundwater biodiversity patterns at the catchment scale in the light of climate change

Program Group: Structure and function of the ecosystems (P1-0255)

Supervisor: dr. Nataša Mori; Co-supervisor: dr. David Stanković

Field: Molecular ecology

We are announcing an opportunity for a PhD student to join a research group at the Department of organisms and ecosystem research (EKOS) at the National Institute of Biology (NIB) in Ljubljana. The research focus of the Department is addressing the core evolutionary and ecological questions that are explaining the biodiversity patterns in space and time. Supervisor researchers are experts in groundwater ecology and molecular and eDNA research.

Slovenia is one of the global hot spots of groundwater biodiversity with well investigated karstic groundwaters in Dinaric Region, while much less is known about porous aquifers extending in the central and other parts of Slovenia. It is well known that changes in groundwater quality and quantity and consequently also groundwater biodiversity patterns and ecosystem processes. And there is more and more evidence that catchment land use and climate change affect not only surface waters but also groundwater and groundwater dependent (GDE) ecosystems. The Sava River catchment is the largest catchment in Slovenia and encompasses all three major aquifer types (i.e., karstic, fissured, alluvial). By 221 km length the Sava River represents the longest “interstitial highway” in Slovenia. Hence, it represents a good model to investigate drivers of groundwater biodiversity patterns at regional scale. The overall goal of the PhD Thesis is to use classical and novel (i.e. molecular) approaches in the field of groundwater ecology to better understand and predict groundwater biodiversity patterns within the Sava River catchment.

The successful candidate will be integrated into EKOS research team, focusing on field sampling of springs and interstitial habitats, developing protocols for groundwater biodiversity assessment using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, and developing spatial models to explain and predicting groundwater biodiversity patterns at regional scale. The doctoral research program will be developed in collaboration with the chosen candidate to align with our group's research objectives and will offer the opportunity to the candidate to closely collaborate with international research teams through ongoing research projects, such as DarCo - The vertical dimension of conservation: A cost-effective plan to incorporate subterranean ecosystems in post-2020 biodiversity and climate change agendas.

We are looking for a candidate with a background in molecular methods, bioinformatics and/or GIS-based analyses, a passion for research, creativity, initiative, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international team. Essential attributes include proficiency in English, sound critical thinking, reliability, and a positive outlook. The position requires international travel to research laboratories and participation in conferences, workshops, and project meetings, so a readiness to travel is a must.

The PhD student will perform his work at the Department of Organisms and Ecosystems of the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana.

Information: Dr. Nataša Mori, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Title: Exploring the structure and function of marine host-associated microbiomes

Program group: Research of the coastal sea (P1-0237)

Mentor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tinkara Tinta

Field: Biology

We are announcing the position of a young researcher to join our dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research community at the Marine Biology Station Piran (MBP). The MBP is at the forefront of research in physical, chemical, and biological oceanography, offering a vibrant environment for innovative scientific exploration. Our group, comprised of established researchers and professionals with a global reach, actively engages in various international research networks. This facilitates the exchange of knowledge, data, and opportunities to collaborate with leading laboratories in marine research across Europe and beyond. Equipped with state-of-the-art research facilities and a dedicated infrastructure center, MBP provides an environment conducive to employing modern and advanced methods in marine research. MBP researchers collaborate in numerous national and international projects, aligning their work with globally recognized institutions. Our overarching research focus revolves around gaining a deeper understanding of the structural and functional elements of biodiversity, essential for preserving the health of marine ecosystems and their services. In the Anthropocene era, we aim to comprehend the driving forces behind changes in the marine environment, conducting research at various levels — from genes to ecosystems.

The selected candidate will become an integral part of our research group specializing in marine microbial ecology. Studying the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors on the structure and function of the coastal microbiome, our group utilizes cutting-edge tools ranging from microscopy and omics approaches to high-performance sequencing and advanced bioinformatics tools. The research will concentrate on investigating the microbiome of diverse marine organisms, emphasizing the correlation between potential pathogenic microbiome representatives and their hosts within the context of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on coastal marine ecosystems. The training program and the specific content of the doctoral research will be tailored in collaboration with the selected candidate, aligning with the current research directions of the group. The young researcher will have the opportunity to work with classical and state-of-the-art methods in microbiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, collaborating with top researchers in our well-established international network.

We seek a candidate with a passion for research, creativity, self-initiative, and the ability to work in an interdisciplinary international team. Proficiency in English, sound critical judgment, reliability, and a positive attitude are essential. As the position may involve visits to research laboratories abroad and participation in conferences, workshops, and project meetings, a willingness to travel is welcome. A background in natural sciences, especially microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, bioinformatics/informatics, or related fields is desirable. Experience in molecular laboratories and/or analyzing large datasets with bioinformatics or statistical tools is also advantageous.

The selected PhD student will be based at the Marine Biology Station Piran, National Institute of Biology, in Piran.

Contact: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tinkara Tinta, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Title: Development of a modular digital twin for model plant organisms

Program Group: Biotechnology and systems biology of plants (P4-0407)

Mentor: Asist. Prof. Anže Županič

Field: Biotechnology

We are excited to announce an opportunity for a PhD student to join our dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research community within the Systems Biology Group at the National Institute of Biology (NIB) in Ljubljana. Our group is at the cutting edge of plant systems biology, seamlessly integrating biology, technology, and computation. We are recognized for our innovative approaches and a collaborative environment, committed to unraveling complex biological challenges with advanced experimental and computational facilities, supported by a worldwide network of distinguished researchers. Our team values diversity, creativity, and a continuous drive for scientific excellence, providing an enriching environment for ambitious young researchers aiming to significantly contribute to plant systems biology.

Our current research primarily focuses on deciphering plant responses to a variety of stressors in an ever-changing environment and developing experimentally validated computational tools for the design and development of agriculturally adapted plants to new environmental conditions. We have already established numerous knowledge bases and computational models for stress-impacted plants and are embarking on an exciting new phase: constructing a modular computational system designed to simulate plant life at various levels, from cellular intricacies to organismal behavior and environmental interactions. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in our team, focusing on computational modeling, bioinformatics, and machine learning within plant sciences. The research will involve creating computational modules, such as models for the molecular response of plant cells to pest attacks and for the metabolism and energetics of plant growth and development, as well as analyzing extensive datasets to inform these modules. The doctoral research program will be customized in collaboration with the chosen candidate to align with our group's research objectives, offering the opportunity to closely collaborate with experts in computational and experimental science within our group and with leading researchers in our extensive international network.

We are looking for a candidate with a background in mathematics, physics, engineering, life sciences or related fields, a deep-seated passion for research, creativity, initiative, and the ability to thrive in an interdisciplinary and international team. Candidates with robust mathematical/computational skills with a strong interest in biology, or a robust understanding of biology and a strong interest in learning to apply computational methods will be given preference. Essential attributes include proficiency in English, sound critical thinking, reliability, and a positive outlook. The role may require international travel to research laboratories and participation in conferences, workshops, and project meetings, so a readiness to travel is appreciated.

The PhD student will perform his work at the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology of the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana.

Information: Dr. Anže Županič, e-naslov: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.