Postdoc Position in Microbiology and Biotechnology at the National Institute of Biology, Slovenia (2026)
Researchers interested in microbiology, biotechnology, virology, bioinformatics, and environmental biology now have an exciting opportunity to join the National Institute of Biology (NIB) in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The institute is currently inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher position within its internationally recognized Microbiology Research Group at the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology.
This opportunity is ideal for candidates who want to work in a highly interdisciplinary and technology-driven research environment with strong international collaborations and access to cutting-edge research infrastructure.
About the National Institute of Biology (NIB)
The National Institute of Biology (NIB) is the largest independent public research institute in natural sciences in Slovenia. The institute conducts advanced research in:
- Biotechnology
- Biomedicine
- Ecology
- Marine biology
- Agriculture
- Environmental sciences
- Natural sciences
NIB is widely recognized for combining fundamental research with practical applications in biological and environmental sciences.
About the Research Group
The selected candidate will join the Microbiology Research Group within the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology (FITO).
The group includes experts from multiple disciplines, including:
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Plant protection
- Bioinformatics
- Statistics
The team works on major scientific questions related to:
- Microbial diversity and evolution
- Epidemiology
- Diagnostics
- Environmental virology
- Viral ecology
- Pathogenic microbes in plants and animals
- Viruses in environmental samples
- Viruses of invasive species
The research group is also part of the European Union Reference Laboratory for plant viruses and phytoplasmas, highlighting its international scientific importance.
Research Areas and Technologies
Researchers in the group use advanced modern techniques such as:
- Quantitative PCR
- Digital PCR
- Electron microscopy
- High-throughput sequencing
- Bioinformatics analysis
- Virome characterization
Depending on the candidate’s expertise, the work may focus on:
Laboratory-Based Research
Candidates with strong wet-lab experience may contribute to microbial diagnostics, molecular biology experiments, and virus detection methods.
Bioinformatics and Data Analysis
Applicants with computational backgrounds may work on large-scale sequencing datasets and bioinformatic analysis of viromes and microbial communities.
About the Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology
The FITO Department focuses on understanding complex biological systems using advanced systems biology approaches. Key research strengths include:
- Plant systems biology
- Bioinformatics
- Statistics
- Virus and bacterial research
- GMO research
- Therapeutic viruses
The department actively participates in:
- European research infrastructures
- International collaborative projects
- Biotechnology innovation initiatives
Notably, research from the department has contributed to the creation of two high-tech spin-off companies in the past decade.
Candidate Requirements
The institute welcomes applications from candidates with backgrounds in:
- Biology
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Biotechnology
- Bioinformatics
- Computational biology
- Related scientific disciplines
Desired Skills
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong interest in scientific research
- Creativity and initiative
- Critical thinking ability
- Teamwork and collaboration skills
- Reliability and professionalism
- Excellent English communication skills
Both experimental researchers and computational scientists are encouraged to apply.
What the Position Offers
The successful candidate will gain access to:
- State-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure
- International research collaborations
- Participation in European projects
- Opportunities to work with leading research institutes
- Collaboration with biotechnology companies
The institute also emphasizes professional development through:
- Scientific workshops
- Project management experience
- Communication training
- Quality assurance systems
- Interdisciplinary teamwork
As a certified Socially Responsible Employer, NIB promotes:
- Inclusive work culture
- Sustainability-oriented research
- Supportive research environment
Contract Duration and Start Date
- Position Type: Full-time Postdoctoral Researcher
- Initial Duration: 1 year
- Extension Possibility: Yes, depending on project funding
- Start Date: As soon as possible upon agreement
Application Process
Interested applicants should prepare:
- Motivation letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- References
Application Deadline: 10 June 2026
Contact for Scientific Questions
Application Submission
Applications should be sent to: kadrovska.sluzba@nib.si
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This postdoctoral position offers a strong combination of:
- Advanced microbiology research
- International scientific networking
- Bioinformatics and sequencing expertise
- European project participation
- Career development opportunities
For early-career researchers interested in microbial ecology, virology, biotechnology, or computational biology, this role provides an excellent platform to build an internationally competitive research career in Europe.
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