Assistant young researcher om the field of standardization in breath sampling and analysis (m/f/o)

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

The position pertain to the following PhD adviser:

1. 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.

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. This project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing and interdisciplinary field with significant potential for clinical and environmental applications. The research will be conducted in the Laboratory for Environmental and Life sciences. Applicants should have a background in chemistry or a closely related field in the chemical or biological sciences, including analytical sciences or biochemistry, and demonstrate a strong interest in analytical methodologies."

Candidates for this position 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 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 21 July 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

Jasna Vukmir
phone: +386 5 6205 822
e-mail: careers@ung.si