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. 

A PhD position is currently open in the research group of Wine Research Centre, University of Nova Gorica, Slovenia.

The position pertain to the following PhD adviser:

1. mentor: doc. dr. Melita Sternad Lemut: 1 position

Research Topic: New trends in sustainable viticulture: Impact on grape and wine chemical and sensory profiles

This project focuses on investigating the impact of new and developing sustainable viticultural practices on grape and wine chemical composition and sensory properties. In response to climate change and increasing societal demands for sustainable production, viticulture is increasingly adopting microorganisms as biocontrol agents for disease management, biostimulants to enhance vine resilience to biotic and abiotic stress, and new plant materials. Previous research has mainly focused on plant-level responses to these approaches, while their broader role in grape and wine production remains largely unexplored. The research will be based on laboratory and pot or vineyard trials, complemented by small-scale vinifications, chemical analyses, and sensory evaluation of wines. The results are expected to provide new insights into the sustainable viticultural innovations and their broader implications for grape and wine production.

Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should have a background in oenology, viticulture, wine microbiology, biotechnology, or related disciplines. Experience in laboratory, analytical, sensory, or microvinification work is an advantage. Knowledge of wine chemistry, fermentation processes, and data analysis is desirable.

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.si no later than 10 July 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.