Assistant young researcher on the field of solid state spectroscopy (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: 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 researcher not having completed his second cycle study when applying to the tender must complete his study by 15 September 2025 at the latest.

University of Nova Gorica shall conclude employment contract with the selected young researcher candidate.

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 22 August 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

Nina Cotič
phone: +386 5 6205 817
e-mail: careers@ung.si

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