Researcher Position in Bioinformatics / Microbiology / Biology or Related Fields
publishes a
»Researcher Position in Bioinformatics / Microbiology / Biology or Related Fields«
The application deadline is March 15, 2026.
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.
We are advertising a position for a postdoctoral researcher who will be integrated into a dynamic and well‑established Microbiology research group (https://fito-micro.nib.si/) at the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology.
About the Research Group
The group is interdisciplinary and includes biologists, microbiologists, biochemists, biotechnologists, plant protection specialists, and other experts. Our research covers a wide range of topics, including microbial biology, diversity, evolution, epidemiology, and diagnostics, as well as the development and validation of methods for microbial detection.
Research and diagnostic questions are addressed using state‑of‑the‑art methods such as quantitative and digital PCR, electron microscopy, high‑throughput sequencing, and bioinformatics. Our work focuses on pathogenic microbes of plants and animals, environmental virology, and viral ecology (e.g., studies of viruses from environmental samples and viruses of invasive species). We are part of the European Union Reference Laboratory for plant viruses and phytoplasmas.
About the Department
At the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology (FITO), we generate cutting‑edge knowledge aimed at a holistic understanding of biological processes, with a particular emphasis on the functioning of complex biological systems. This is achieved through the use of state‑of‑the‑art equipment, participation in European research infrastructures, and involvement in numerous European and other international projects. The department is well known for its work in plant systems biology, bioinformatics and statistics, virus and bacterial research, genetically modified organism research, and therapeutic viruses. The transfer of cutting‑edge research into biotechnological applications has led to the establishment of two high‑tech spin‑off companies in the last ten years.
About the Institute
The National Institute of Biology (NIB) is the largest independent public research institute in the natural sciences in Slovenia. Its core activities include basic, developmental, and applied research in natural sciences and biotechnology, biomedicine, marine biology, ecology, and agriculture.
Planned Research Work
The selected candidate’s research will focus on virome analyses of environmental samples and organism samples, in connection with several ongoing projects within the research group
(https://fito-micro.nib.si/projects/). Initially, the work will include laboratory sample preparation, however, the main emphasis will be on bioinformatic analyses of high‑throughput sequencing data aimed at characterizing viromes (e.g., from environmental water samples and invertebrates). The research will address both eukaryote‑infecting and prokaryote‑infecting viruses. There will also be the possibility of short‑term training abroad.
What We Expect
We are looking for a candidate with a strong interest in research, with creativity, initiative, sound critical judgment, the ability to work in a team, reliability, and a positive attitude. Due to international collaborations, excellent command of English is required. A PhD degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, (bio)informatics, or a related field is expected. Experience with the analysis of large datasets using bioinformatic or statistical methods is an advantage.
What We Offer
The researcher will conduct their work in laboratories equipped with state‑of‑the‑art research infrastructure within the NIB biotechnology hub, operating under an established quality management system, and in collaboration with colleagues from Slovenia and the international research community. The candidate will participate in international projects and collaborate with leading research institutes in Slovenia and abroad, or with high‑tech Slovenian and international companies that are our partners. Through research work and participation in various workshops, the candidate will also acquire skills that support a successful postdoctoral career, strong employability, and personal development, including critical thinking, communication with diverse audiences, teamwork, project planning and management, and familiarity with quality assurance systems.
Start Date and Duration
The position can start as soon as possible by agreement with the candidate and will be funded for one year, with the possibility of extension through additional projects.
Application
For additional information, please contact Dr. Denis Kutnjak (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Applications including a motivation letter, CV, and references (or the names and email addresses of potential referees) should be submitted by 15 March 2026 to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
