Call for a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Environmental Sciences

Organisation/Company

Institut Jozef Stefan

Research Field

Environmental science

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Positions

PhD Positions

Application Deadline

15 Apr 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Ljubljana)

Country

Slovenia

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Horizon Europe

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Position title:
Research Assistant (PhD) (m/f)

Field: Environmental health / Molecular biology

Job description and responsibilities:

The selected candidate will perform and implement molecular techniques to investigate genetic susceptibility and early biological effects of human exposure to environmental pollutants. Their key responsibilities will include:

• Organizing and supervising work in the molecular laboratory;
• Working with human biological samples (blood, urine, umbilical tissue, placenta, etc.);
• Isolation of DNA and RNA from various human tissues and fluids;
• Performing and supervising molecular techniques, especially PCR, qPCR, and related methods;
• Planning, performing, and supervising genotyping of human DNA;
• Establishing, optimizing, and validating procedures for RNA expression analyses;
• Introducing methods from the field of epigenetics (e.g., DNA methylation);
• Participating in research investigating:
  • exposure levels of the general population to environmental chemicals,
  • genetic susceptibility of individuals to environmental exposures,
  • biological effects of environmental factors;
• Participating in the preparation of research projects, reports, grant application documentation, and publishing scientific-research and research-development works;
• Presentations at international meetings;
• Training abroad;
• Mentoring and providing professional supervision to students and technical staff.

Required education and qualifications:

• PhD in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biomedicine, or a related field;
• In-depth knowledge and several years of experience working in a molecular laboratory;
• Experience with:
  • isolation and analysis of human DNA,
  • PCR and related molecular techniques,
  • genotyping of human DNA;
• Experience with RNA analyses and epigenetics methods is desirable.

Special Conditions

• Mentoring abilities;
• Ability to conduct independent research.

Expected knowledge and competencies:

• Precision, responsibility, and reliability in laboratory work;
• Ability to think critically and solve problems;
• Good command of English (written and spoken);
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate in interdisciplinary environments.

We offer:

• The selected candidate will be employed for a fixed term of 2 years, with the possibility of extension, and with a 3-month probationary period.
• Work in a research-oriented, interdisciplinary environment;
• Opportunities to develop and implement advanced molecular methods;
• Participation in national and international research projects;
• Opportunities for professional and scientific development.

The position is located at the Reactor Centre, Brinje 40, 1262 Dol pri Ljubljani, Slovenia.

Applications should be submitted by email to janja.tratnik@ijs.si no later than 15 April 2026. Applicants should include a short curriculum vitae (CV) with proof of meeting the requirements and a motivation letter.

E-mail

janja.tratnik@ijs.si

Research Field

Environmental science

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Level

Excellent

Research Field

Environmental science

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Inštitut "Jožef Stefan"

Country

Slovenia

City

Ljubljana

Postal Code

1000

Street

Jamova cesta 39

Geofield

City

Ljubljana

Website

https://ijs.si/ijsw/IJS

Street

Jamova cesta 39

Postal Code

1000

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