publishes a public tender for

»YOUNG RESEARCHER / PhD STUDENT«

The application deadline is June 6, 2025.

The National Institute of Biology (NIB) is a public research institution whose primary activity involves research in the field of biology and related natural sciences. We are active in areas such as environmental conservation, climate change, ecological, and biotechnological research.

• 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,
 

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGY, Večna pot 121, Ljubljana, Slovenia, publishes a public tender for YOUNG RESEARCHER / PhD STUDENT

 
Title: Viromic Research of Invertebrates and Associated Samples

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

Mentor: Dr. Katarina Bačnik 

Field of Study: Biotechnology 

 
We are announcing an open position for a young researcher to join a dynamic and internationally recognized group of virologists and molecular biologists. The group is interdisciplinary and includes biologists, microbiologists, biochemists, biotechnologists, and other scientific profiles. We investigate a wide range of topics, from microbial diversity, evolution, epidemiology, and diagnostics of pathogens, to the development and validation of methods for their detection. Our research and diagnostic efforts employ cutting-edge techniques, such as quantitative and digital PCR, electron microscopy, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatic data analysis. Our work focuses on pathogenic microbes in plants and animals, environmental virology, and viral ecology. We are part of the European Reference Laboratory for Viruses and Phytoplasmas in Plants.

The young researcher will carry out research in laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure within the BTS NIB, operating under an established quality system. He or she will participate in international projects and collaborate with top research institutions in Slovenia and abroad, as well as with high-tech Slovenian and international companies that are our partners. Through active participation in research and various workshops, the candidate will also develop essential skills for a successful postdoctoral career and strong employability, including critical thinking, communication tailored to different audiences, teamwork, project planning and management, and knowledge of quality systems. We expect candidates to be motivated for research, creative, proactive, capable of critical thinking, good team players, reliable, and positively minded. Due to the international nature of our collaborations, good knowledge of English is essential. A degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, (bio)informatics, or a related field is required. Experience with molecular laboratory work or with the analysis of large datasets using bioinformatics or statistical methods is highly desirable. The young researcher will focus on viromic studies of invertebrates and their associated samples. The topic will include the use of viromic approaches to explore viral diversity in invertebrates (e.g., invasive species), as well as investigating the survival of viruses outside their hosts. The researcher will employ a range of classical and modern techniques from virology and molecular biology, such as high-throughput sequencing (Illumina, Oxford Nanopore Technologies) followed by bioinformatics analysis, quantitative and digital PCR, electron microscopy, and biological infectivity assays. The work will be carried out as part of ongoing projects.The doctoral studies are expected to be pursued at the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School. The research will be conducted at the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology at the National Institute of Biology (NIB) in Ljubljana.

• Contact for further information: Dr. Katarina Bačnik, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A candidate for a young researcher must meet the following conditions:

• He has not yet completed a doctorate in science oracquired the scientific title of Doctor of Philosophy.
• He has not yet been employed as a young researcher.
• He has 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 June 6, 2025, 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, motivational letter, 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.