Junior Researcher in the Field of Viticulture and Biological Control Using Microorganisms, Slovenia
📚 About Agriculture Institute of Slovenia
The Agricultural Institute of Slovenia, within the Agrobiodiversity Research Group, is hiring a Junior Researcher and invites all interested candidates to apply. The junior researcher will work in the field of viticulture and biological control using microorganisms.
🎯 Position Overview
📝 About the research project
The work will focus on research of biological approaches for protecting grapevine against major pathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea, Plasmopara viticola, and Erysiphe necator. The research will be carried out in the laboratory, where experiments will be conducted to test antagonistic yeasts and fungi against selected grapevine pathogenic fungi. Based on these experiments, the most promising biocontrol agents will be selected for further studies on their mechanisms of action. Using metabolomic analyses, we will investigate changes in plant metabolic profiles following treatments with selected microorganisms and identify potential biomarkers associated with increased resistance. The effectiveness of the selected biocontrol agents will ultimately also be tested under real vineyard production conditions. During the training, the young researcher will gain knowledge and experience in laboratory work in the fields of microbiology (mycology), biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and multivariate data analysis, which will be combined with work on grapevine and innovative biological protection strategies.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
- Completed Master degree or equivalent education at University level;
- Fields of study: agronomy and horticulture, microbiology, biology, or a comparable natural science field;
- The candidate has not yet completed a Ph.D. or obtained the scientific title of Doctor of Science and has not been employed with the status of young researcher in Slovenia;
- No more than four years will have passed since the completion of the study by the time of entry into the funding scheme (October 1, 2026);
- Motivation for interdisciplinary research work;
🎁 What They Offer
- Employment for the duration of the doctoral studies from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2030, with the possibility of long-term cooperation;
- Opportunities to regularly attend international scientific meetings;
- New knowledge and experience in the interdisciplinary field;
- Creative and stimulating work environment with access to modern equipment;
- Work in an international and multicultural environment;
- Opportunities for personal and career development;
- Free parking, use of company bicycles, and use of an electric car charging station.
📝 Application procedure
Candidates are invited to send their applications with a CV and:
• Proof of the average grade of all exams and exercises in undergraduate studies (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
• Certificate of completed studies and the grade of the master’s thesis
• Information on whether you are already enrolled in doctoral studies (attach a certificate of enrollment)
Send applications to:
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