Assistant young researcher (m/f/o)

We welcome candidates for assistant young researcher (doctoral candidate) positions at the student-friendly and research-oriented University of Nova Gorica . Successful candidates will join research activities in the dynamic research environment supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure through involvement in international research collaborations. Successful candidates will enroll in the appropriate postgraduate study program at the Graduate School of the University of Nova Gorica.

The positions pertain to the following PhD advisers:

1. mentor: doc. Dr. Andraž Mavrič: 1 position

Research Topic: Materials

The research work will focus on mixed metal oxynitride thin films as model systems to investigate surface properties relevant to ammonia synthesis and decomposition. It will provide the information needed to design and optimize oxynitride-based catalysts. Films will be deposited using reactive PVD sputtering. The structure and morphology of thin films will be investigated using X-ray diffraction, X-ray reflectivity, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and conventional X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. To establish the relationship between structural and electronic properties, steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy techniques will be used to analyze optical band gaps, defect states, and charge carrier dynamics. Advanced surface characterization techniques, such as synchrotron-based atmospheric pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy will be used to investigate the interaction of nitrogen and ammonia with thin film surfaces.
The ideal candidate for the young researcher position should have a background in Chemistry, Physics, or Materials Science, and an interest in one of the following areas: solid-state, spectroscopy, surface science, or surface chemistry. Candidates should be willing to travel for experiments at large-scale facilities, such as synchrotrons.

2. mentor: prof. dr. Saša Dobričić: 1 position

Research Topic: Sustainably built environment and urban regeneration

The selected candidate must be enrolled in the doctoral study program Cultural Heritage Studies. The first year will focus on organized lectures covering key areas such as:

• Fundamentals of architectural conservation
• International heritage doctrines
• Heritage economics
• Urban renewal
• Cultural tourism

Building on this foundation, the candidate is expected to conduct research on sustainable heritage preservation, management, and planning, with a focus on the following thematic areas:

• The Landscape Dimension of Heritage Assets

Heritage buildings and sites will be considered as integral parts of broader urban systems and landscapes. The research will explore the dynamic relationships between heritage structures and the surrounding landscape.

• Heritage as Living Landscape

The investigation will focus on heritage assets as components of "living landscapes" and their contribution to a comprehensive understanding of sustainability. Special attention will be given to heritage’s role in:

• Supporting urban ecosystems
• Enhancing environmental resilience

• Enriching social and cultural narratives

• Reconceptualizing Sustainability

The research will examine how heritage preservation contributes to placing sustainability at the core of urban development strategies and to redefining the role of nature in heritage discourse.

• Heritage as a Driver of Ecological and Cultural Regeneration

The study will explore how heritage can act as a key driver of ecological and cultural regeneration in contemporary urban and cultural contexts.

3. mentor: prof. dr. Artur Stepanov: 1 position

Research Topic: theoretical and experimental linguistics, cognitive science of language

The young researcher will investigate the psycho- and neurolinguistic aspects of comprehending sentences with non-canonical word order in flexible word order languages. The investigation will involve adult Slovene- and Russian-speaking populations, with a possible extension to multilingual speakers. It will employ behavioral psycholinguistic methods (e.g., acceptability judgments, self-paced reading) alongside EEG-based tracking of event-related potentials (ERP), complemented by advanced statistical analysis techniques. Most of the young researcher’s neurolinguistic experimentation will be conducted using state-of-the-art EEG/ERP technology at the Center for Cognitive Science of Language, in close collaboration with international partner laboratories. The researcher’s training will take place within the doctoral program in Cognitive Science of Language.

4. mentor: doc. dr. Iain Robert White: 1 position

Research Topic: Standardization in breath sampling and analysis

Exhaled metabolites have the potential to serve as non-invasive diagnostic markers for various diseases, as well as providing tools to monitor the environment to which we are exposed. Despite this potential, breath remains an under-studied medium. It has been suggested that a lack of standardization during almost every step of the sampling and analytical process has hampered progress in breath research, limiting the comparability of results and thus preventing validation. The aim of this project is to refine the sampling and analytical procedures that are available to breath researchers by identifying and controlling the parameters that affect breath profiles. This project aims to refine sampling and analytical procedures in breath research by identifying and controlling key parameters that influence breath profiles. The study will include an inter-comparison of different breath sampling technologies, as well as high-sensitivity measurements of the elemental and molecular composition of breath using a range of analytical techniques. The research will be conducted in the Laboratory for Environmental and Life Sciences. This position is suitable for applicants with a background in chemistry, biochemistry or a related field and an interest in analytical science and technology.

5. mentor: prof. dr. Martina Bergant Marušič: 1 position

Research Topic: In vitro toxicology

The overall objective is to develop and validate a battery of in vitro toxicity tests based on non-animal in vitro assays. The platform will enable rapid and relatively inexpensive testing of environmental pollutants, other substances hazardous to health and biocompatible materials. The platform will consist of two modules. The basic module will be used for the assessment of standard human toxicological endpoints, while the advanced module will be proposed and developed for selected organ-specific models for which standardised non-animal tests are still under development. The tests to be included in the platform will be selected based on their readiness level (validation status by ECVAM) and their feasibility to be performed in a simple high-throughput format with multiwell plates.
Work performed in the Laboratory for Environmental and Life Sciences will include basic and advanced techniques in molecular and cell biology, microscopy and flow cytometry. The position is suitable for applicants with a background in life sciences or related fields.

6. mentor: dr. Johannes Schmidt: 1 position

Research Topic: Solid State Spectroscopy

The Laboratory of quantum optics at the University of Nova Gorica is seeking an enthusiastic and curious PhD candidate to investigate the ultrafast dynamics of magnetic materials using light across a broad spectral range, from extreme ultraviolet (XUV) to terahertz (THz) frequencies. This research aims to uncover how intense THz fields, in combination with XUV light, interact with magnetic systems, inducing novel ultrafast responses. A central focus of the project will be the generation and manipulation of high-peak THz fields to probe their effects on both electronic and magnetic properties of materials.

The candidate will gain deep insights into cutting-edge spectroscopy techniques, including THz time-domain spectroscopy, XUV magneto-optical Kerr effect (XUV-MOKE) measurements, and transient grating methods. The project also offers access to the advanced THz facilities at TeraFERMI, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste. The diverse array of experimental tools available will be employed to investigate the intricate interactions between THz-driven excitations and high-energy electronic responses. These experiments will extend the frontiers of ultrafast spectroscopy, providing new perspectives on the light-induced control of magnetism and the emergence of novel material properties.

More information about the Laboratory of quantum optics are available here:

• https://www.elettra.trieste.it/lightsources/labs-and-services/citius/citius.html;
  More information about the TeraFERMI facility:

• https://www.elettra.eu/lightsources/fermi/fermi- beamlines/terafermi/terafermi.html.

Candidates for these positions are required to meet the conditions for young researcher as stated in the Rules on selection and funding of young researchers at University of Nova Gorica.

Conditions for the selection of a young researcher candidate:

• Has not yet completed a doctorate in science or obtained the title of doctor of science;
• Has not yet been employed as a young researcher;
• No more than four years have elapsed since the year of completion of their second cycle programme of study or the programme of study leading to eligibility for admission to the doctoral programme. In the event of absence due to parental care after the completion of the study programme, with which they have enrolled/will enrol in doctoral studies, this period shall be extended for the duration of the justified absence. In the case of justified absence determined in the health insurance regulations, after the completion of the study programme, with which they have enrolled/will enrol in doctoral studies, this period shall be extended only in the case of continuous absence of more than six months (absence of more than six months means at least six months and one day), and only for the duration of the justified absence.

Prior to the beginning of the funding of the training, the young researcher shall obtain the habilitation title assistant. Conditions for obtain the habilitation title assistant are set out in the Article 6 of Regulations concerning conditions and appointment procedures for research and teaching positions at the University of Nova Gorica.

Criteria for the evaluation and selection of young researcher candidates:

• Assessment of the interview with the candidate (up to 5 points); Published papers (up to 3 points);
• Participation in research work (up to 3 points);
• Awards or recognitions received (up to 1 point);
• The average grade of the second cycle study programme or the study programme which qualifies the candidate for admission to the doctoral programme (1 point for an average grade between 9 and 10 inclusive and 0.5 point for an average grade between 8 and 8.99 inclusive).

The selected young researchers not having completed their second cycle studies when applying to the tender must complete their studies by 15 September at the latest.

University of Nova Gorica shall conclude employment contracts with the selected young researcher candidates.

Young researchers' training shall be funded until they have obtained a PhD or for a maximum of four years.
The provisions of the Act on Scientific Research and Innovation Activities (Uradni list RS, št. 186/21, 40/23 in 102/24), the General Act on Stable Financing of Scientific Research Activities (Uradni list RS, št. 87/22, 103/22 in 3/25), the Employment Relations Act ZDR-1, the Rules on the Selection and Founding of Young Researchers and Regulations concerning conditions and appointment procedures for research and teaching positions at the University of Nova Gorica shall be applied in the selection process of young researchers.

The following must be attached to the application:

• a short motivational letter;
• CV;
• a copy of your degree certificate, list of passed exams, grade point average and other relevant documents.

Please send your application, along with the required attachments which evidence the fulfillment of the formal requirements by e-mail to careers@ung.si no later than 7 April 2025.

The application must include the first and last name of the mentor to whom you are applying.

The application should be sent as a single PDF e-mail attachment.

Contact

Tea Stibilj Nemec
phone: + 365 5 6205 822
e-mail: careers@ung.si

Nina Cotič
phone: +365 5 6205 817
e-mail : careers@ung.si