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. Matjaž Valant: 1 position 

Research Topic: Chemistry, Materials

The doctoral candidate’s research will focus on studying processes in electrochemical cycles for various carbon-neutral technologies, such as emission-free reduction of iron oxides, electrical energy storage, and carbon dioxide capture. The candidate will analyse physicochemical parameters including reaction kinetics, the energy efficiency of electrolysis processes, and the influence of electrolysis conditions on deposit morphology, among others. 

The experimental methods to be employed will include electrochemical characterization techniques (e.g., cyclic voltammetry, I–V measurements), structural characterization methods (e.g., electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction), and chemical analyses (e.g., titration, spectroscopy). 

The candidate is expected to have prior knowledge of general chemistry, with an emphasis on inorganic and analytical chemistry. Familiarity with the basics of electrochemistry is also recommended. 

2. mentor: prof. dr. Artem Badasyan: 1 position

Research Topic: Materials

Research within this project will focus on theoretical consideration of interactions between the adsorbed ligands and the active centers in covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and/or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). We will establish an experimentally inspired theoretical method to find a minimal cluster of atoms, involved in gas adsorption. As a relevant practical output, the energy of adsorption will be calculated using ab-initio tools and compared to experimental values, obtained with BET Surface Area Analyzer measurements. Expected results are relevant for energy applications, gas storage and biotechnology.

An ideal candidate is expected to have a Solid State/Polymer Physics or Physical Chemistry background, knowledge of DFT and Gromacs. Position is theoretical, therefore strong Math knowledge and ability to code in python/C++ is required.

3. mentor: doc. dr. Tina Škorjanc: 1 position

Research Topic: Materials

Research within this project will focus on porous materials, such as porous organic polymers (POPs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and/or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for biological applications. These materials will be synthesized using various synthetic methods ranging from room-temperature synthesis to reflux and solvothermal synthesis. Materials will be characterized by in-house powder X-ray diffraction, gas sorption, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission microscopy, and thermal analysis. The prepared materials will be studied for biomedical applications, especially antimicrobial activity with special attention dedicated to the issues of particle size and processability of these materials in biomedical uses. Porous nature of the materials will be utilized to encapsulate therapeutic cargo, such as drugs and therapeutic gas donors. The encapsulation and release of the cargo will be investigated using spectroscopic techniques before testing the performance of these materials as antimicrobials.

An ideal candidate for this position has a solid background in chemistry, materials science, or biomedical research, and a profound interest in interdisciplinary science.

4. mentor: doc. dr. Andreea Oarga-Mulec: 1 position

Research Topic: Materials

The transition to low-carbon energy and material systems requires scientifically grounded evaluation of environmental impacts across the full life cycle of technologies. Technologies originate from the environment through the extraction of raw materials, energy use, and transformation of natural resources, and for this reason their technical characteristics determine the scale of future environmental burdens. Solutions presented as sustainable may still shift impacts between life-cycle stages or impact categories if not assessed comprehensively. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is therefore a key tool for systematic evaluation of environmental performance at both the design stage and during broader implementation. 

This doctoral research will focus on the development and application of an LCA-based framework for selected low-carbon technologies or systems. The research will analyse how technical parameters, including material selection, structural design, efficiency, and lifetime, influence life-cycle environmental impacts, with particular attention to circular economy strategies such as recycling, lifetime extension, material substitution, and considerations of raw material criticality. The aim is to identify the key determinants of technological sustainability and to provide a robust analytical basis for environmentally responsible design and development aligned with climate mitigation and resource efficiency goals. 

The project is suitable for a candidate with a Master’s degree in environmental sciences, engineering, or a related field, an interest in analytical modelling and environmental impact assessment, and a profound interest in interdisciplinary science.

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

Research Topic: Architectural heritage/Ladscape/Sustainability

The selected candidate must be enrolled in the doctoral programme Heritage Studies. During the first year, the candidate is required to acquire advanced knowledge in architectural heritage conservation, international conservation doctrines, and the economics of cultural heritage. The primary aim of the research is to develop a theoretical and methodological framework for understanding architectural/built heritage in relation to its broader landscape, ecological, and

social context, and in light of contemporary climatic, environmental, and societal challenges. The research fundamentally conceives built heritage as part of a dynamic and evolutionary system that transcends the object-based treatment of an individual building. Through the analysis of selected case studies, the research will examine the relationship between material substance, spatial context, traditional and contemporary building practices, and the sustainability aspects of the life cycle of the built environment. Particular attention will be devoted to the landscape dimension of architectural heritage and to the question of how ecological and social parameters can be integrated into conservation methodology. Central to the investigation will be the evolving meaning of heritage and the criteria for its valuation in a time of climate uncertainty, environmental constraints, and social transformation. The expected results will contribute to a theoretical redefinition of heritage in relation to the principle of sustainability and to the development of an integrated approach that connects architecture, landscape, and social processes. The research will strengthen the understanding of conservation as a responsible

and adaptive discipline, capable of responding to contemporary planetary challenges.

6. mentor: dr. Marco Organco: 1 position

Research Topic: Biochemistry-Bioengineering

Antibodies are crucial reagents used in basic research, diagnostics and therapy. Nevertheless, their structure is not suitable to target some specific antigen epitopes with extremely relevant functions. This is the reason for which researchers are now developing artificial intelligence (AI)-based computational tools to generate nanobody and miniprotein binders with specific targeting. Anyway, a key challenge is integrating a good success rate while optimizing for epitope specificity, stability, anti-aggregation, solubility in E. coli and other properties at the same time, bypassing trade-off in sequence space. This will be necessary to save lab resources, while accelerating the real-world impact of AI-based protein design technologies. Our lab team possesses both the computational expertise and the wet lab competence to use AI for developing new optimized binders suitable for the study of biomarkers involved in rare oncological and neuronal diseases, hitherto neglected because of the inadequacy of conventional technologies. To fulfill this project, the ideal candidate has interest in applying AI-based tools, being proficient with Python and Linux. Moreover, the candidate is expected to do wet lab for validation. 

7. mentor: doc. dr. Ivana Zajc: 1 position

Research Topic: Literary Studies

The interdisciplinary research will examine emotions and embodiment in literary texts. The study is situated within the context of the emotional or affective turn in contemporary literary studies, a broader field that focuses on the analysis of emotions in literary works, their expression through various literary devices, and the inclusion of ethical and political issues closely tied to emotional themes (Hogan et al. 2022). Emotions are understood as states arising from an appraisal of the self or a situation, encompassing physiological changes, motor preparedness, action-related cognitions, and inner experiences (Mayer et al. 2008: 508–509). The research will combine an analysis of the poetics of emotions, i.e., various literary techniques and narrative traces of emotions, with an analysis of the politics of emotions, i.e., questions of (intersectionally understood) identities, practices, and social relations. The central focus of the study will be the concept of embodiment: the body will be approached as a dynamic space in which social and symbolic relations are established, formed, and reshaped. This conceptual framework allows the research to concentrate on the analysis of embodiment and emotions in selected literary case studies. It will focus on selected case studies from Slovene literature from the twentieth century to the present, while also allowing for the possibility of including a transnational perspective.

The ideal candidate holds a background in literary studies and an interest in contemporary approaches to literary scholarship.

Candidates for these positions are required to meet the conditions for young researcher as stated in the Rules on selection and founding 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.sino later than 5 April 2026. 

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.