publishes a public tender for

»YOUNG RESEARCHERS / PhD STUDENTS«

The application deadline is May 8, 2026.

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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, 40/23, 102/24 and 40/25), 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, 103/22 - corr. and 3/25), 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 RESEARCHERS / PhD STUDENTS

 

We are announcing the opportunity for postgraduate training of young researchers with the following mentors in the listed research programme groups:

• Dr. Tanja Dreo, Research Programme Group: Biotechnology and Systems Biology of Plants (P4-0463)
• Dr. Tjaša Lukan, Research Programme Group: Biotechnology and Systems Biology of Plants (P4-0463)
• Prof. dr. Maruša Pompe Novak, Research Programme Group: Biotechnology and Systems Biology of Plants (P4-0463)
• Assist Prof Dr Anamarija Žagar, Research Programme Group: Communities, interactions, and communications in ecosystems (P1-0255)

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

• He / she has not yet completed a doctorate in science oracquired the scientific title of Doctor of Philosophy.
• He / she has not yet been employed as a young researcher.
• He / she 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 / she 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 May 8, 2026, 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.

The notice to candidates pursuant to Article 13 of the General Data Protection Regulation is available at the following link: HERE

More about training:

Title: Genome-informed characterisation and diagnostic development of Pantoea stewartii and related plant pathogenic bacteria

Research Programme Group: Biotechnology and Systems Biology of Plants (P4-0463)

Mentor: Dr Tanja Dreo

Field: Plant pathology / microbiology / molecular biology / genomics

We are inviting applications for a PhD position in the field of plant pathogenic bacteria at the National Institute of Biology (NIB) in Ljubljana. The successful candidate will join an internationally active research group that works at the intersection of microbiology, molecular diagnostics, genomics and the epidemiology of plant pathogens.

Their doctoral research will focus on Pantoea stewartii subsp. stewartii and related bacteria that are important in agriculture. The project aims to enhance our biological understanding of this pathogen and translate genomic and phenotypic insights into improved diagnostic and surveillance approaches.

This will involve a comparative analysis of available genome sequences, the identification and interpretation of functionally relevant traits, and the development or refinement of molecular detection strategies (e.g. qPCR-based approaches), paying particular attention to challenging matrices such as seeds. Depending on the candidate’s profile and the development of the project, the research may also include phenotypic characterisation, growth and fitness analyses, and selected studies of host–pathogen interactions.

The PhD programme combines computational and laboratory approaches, leading to at least three peer-reviewed scientific publications addressing genomic characterisation, diagnostic development and the biological interpretation of key traits.

The research will be conducted in well-equipped laboratories within the NIB Biotechnological Hub. These laboratories operate under established quality management systems and collaborate closely with national and international partners. The successful candidate will participate in ongoing projects and may have the opportunity to undertake research visits abroad.

We are looking for a motivated individual with a background in biology, microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, bioinformatics or a related subject. Experience with molecular laboratory techniques and/or the analysis of biological data would be an advantage. We value intellectual curiosity, methodological rigour, structured thinking, the ability to plan work independently, reliability and constructive teamwork. A good command of English is required.

The final structure of the doctoral research plan will be agreed with the successful applicant based on their expertise, interests and the ongoing projects.

The PhD candidate will conduct their research at the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology at the National Institute of Biology in Ljubljana.

Contact: Dr Tanja Dreo, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Title: Characterization of Newly Discovered Plant Viruses Using Synthetic Virology Approaches and Experimental Evolution

Research Group: Plant Biotechnology and Systems Biology (P4-0165)
Supervisor: Dr. Tjaša Lukan, Co-supervisor: Dr. Denis Kutnjak
Field: Biotechnology

The work of the PhD student will focus on investigating biological properties and adaptive potential of newly discovered plant viruses. The student will use modern molecular biology approaches, including high-throughput sequencing with accompanying bioinformatics analysis, quantitative or digital PCR, and synthetic virology techniques. This will include advanced molecular cloning methods for the construction of infectious viral clones, their modification, and laboratory plant inoculations. An important part of the research will involve the preparation of mutant libraries and comprehensive assessment of mutation effects (deep mutational scanning, DMS), as well as conducting experimental evolution under different selective pressures. The work will be closely linked to the ongoing SNEP-VIMS project (https://fito-micro.nib.si/projects/) and will take place in well-equipped modern laboratories, with opportunities for collaboration with national and international partners. The student will study at the Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School (MPŠ).

The student will be integrated into a dynamic and well-established microbiology group (https://fito-micro.nib.si/) within the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology. The group is interdisciplinary, comprising biologists, microbiologists, biochemists, biotechnologists, plant protection specialists, and other experts. Our research covers diverse topics, ranging from the biology, diversity, evolution, epidemiology, and diagnostics of microbes to the development and validation of detection methods. We address research and diagnostic questions using state-of-the-art techniques such as quantitative and digital PCR, electron microscopy, high-throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics. Our work focuses on pathogenic microbes in plants and animals, environmental virology, and viral ecology (e.g. studies of viruses from environmental samples and invasive species). We are part of the European Reference Laboratory for plant viruses and phytoplasmas.

The student will conduct their work in laboratories equipped with cutting-edge research infrastructure within the NIB biotechnology hub, operating under an established quality management system and collaborating with colleagues from Slovenia and abroad. They will participate in international projects and collaborate with leading research institutions in Slovenia and internationally, as well as with high-tech Slovenian and foreign companies that are our partners. Through their research work and participation in various workshops, the candidate will also develop skills essential for a successful postdoctoral career, strong employability, and personal growth, including critical thinking, effective communication tailored to different audiences, teamwork, project planning and management, and introduction to quality management system.

We expect candidates to demonstrate a strong interest in research, creativity, initiative, sound critical judgment, teamwork skills, reliability, and a positive attitude. Due to international collaborations, excellent English proficiency is required. Applicants should have a background in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, (bio)informatics, or a related field. Experience working in a molecular laboratory or experience with the analysis of large datasets using bioinformatics or statistical methods is desirable.

Contact: Dr. Tjaša Lukan (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), Dr. Denis Kutnjak (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Title: The influence of daily rhythm on plant responses to viral infection

Program group: Plant biotechnology and systems biology (P4-0463)

Mentor: Prof. Dr. Maruša Pompe Novak

Field: Biotechnology

We are looking for a motivated candidate who enjoys research work in the field of microscopy and molecular biology and would like to join an interdisciplinary research team in the Systems Biology Group at the National Institute of Biology (NIB) in Ljubljana, which is one of the world's leading research groups in the field of plant systems biology and is distinguished by its use of advanced experimental techniques in laboratories with state-of-the-art research equipment in the newly built NIB biotechnology hub and its strong integration into international research networks.

The research work of the young researcher will focus on investigating the temporal dynamics of plant defence response to viral infection. Plants have adapted to daily changes in light and temperature in the environment by rhythmically regulating various processes. It is known that the internal biological clock in plants triggers a defence mechanism against certain pathogens at a specific time of day when conditions are most favourable for pathogen attack. However, it is not yet known how circadian mechanisms influence the course of viral infections in plants, although preliminary results indicate that they have a very significant impact.

The work will be interdisciplinary and will combine the fields of plant physiology, virology, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. The work will include studies using classical and advanced techniques of molecular biology (such as quantitative PCR and high-throughput sequencing), microscopy (confocal and electron), and phenotyping with subsequent bioinformatic analysis and interpretation of results.

The young researcher's work will be carried out in close collaboration with experts from the NIB's Systems Biology Group and in collaboration with colleagues from leading research institutions in Slovenia and abroad. While completing their doctoral work, the young researcher will acquire a wide range of skills that are key to a successful post-doctoral career, including critical thinking, scientific communication with different target audiences, teamwork, planning and managing research projects, and knowledge of the quality system.

We expect candidates to have a good knowledge of English, curiosity, independence, initiative, responsibility, and reliability, as well as a willingness to collaborate with research groups abroad and participate in scientific conferences and professional meetings.

A master degree in biology, microbiology, agronomy, biochemistry, biotechnology, bioinformatics, or other related fields is desirable.

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

Information: Prof. Dr. Maruša Pompe Novak, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Title: Lizards and snakes as bioindicators of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems

Programme group: Communities, interactions, and communications in ecosystems (P1-0255)

Mentor: Assist Prof Dr Anamarija Žagar

Field: Biology

We are advertising a position for a young researcher to join the dynamic research group of the Department for Research on Organisms and Ecosystems. The research group is interdisciplinary and includes internationally renowned researchers. Research into animal ecology and ecophysiology is a core area at the EKOS department, contributing to a better understanding of the effects of climate and other environmental changes on organisms, which can be applied to understanding population dynamics and the structure and functioning of ecosystems.

The young researcher’s work will focus on ecophysiology, ecotoxicology, and behaviour in model species of ectothermic organisms from the group of lizards and snakes. Terrestrial ecosystems and terrestrial vertebrates are among the least studied regarding exposure to, and the consequences of exposure to, microplastics in the environment. To date, no research has been conducted on the chronic effects of microplastics on lizards and snakes in Europe to better understand how it affects organ function, behaviour, the endocrine system, and life traits such as reproduction, growth, and colouration. The young researcher’s work will include field and laboratory experimental work with reptiles. A longer visit to a foreign research institution (Zagreb, Croatia) is planned, where the candidate will carry out experimental tests. A large part of the work will involve the analysis of microplastics in the samples obtained, including sectioning, microscopy, and various chemical procedures, which will be carried out at the home institution (NIB). With the new NIB infrastructure, the young researcher will be able to conduct research using modern field and laboratory equipment and work in a team of leading researchers. During their work, they will be able to participate in national and international projects and collaborate with domestic and foreign partners. Through research visits abroad and participation in various conferences, the candidate will develop the skills necessary for independent research after completing their doctorate, gain international recognition, and improve their employability. We expect the candidate to have a desire for research work and to create cutting-edge science from the perspective of data analysis and interpretation, as well as the search for new, as yet unknown phenomena and processes, creativity, self-initiative, the ability to work in an interdisciplinary and international team, a good knowledge of English, sound critical judgement, and reliability. A degree in natural sciences, particularly in biology, and previous experience with field and laboratory work with reptiles are desirable. Basic knowledge of the R programming environment is also desirable. The training programme for the young researcher and the exact content of the doctorate will be finalised with the selected candidate.

The young researcher will work at the Department for Research of Organisms and Ecosystems at the NIB in Ljubljana.

Information: Assist Prof Dr Anamarija Žagar, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.