Call for Young Researchers 2026
Interested in geology and want to build a career in research?
The Geological Survey of Slovenia announces the possibility of postgraduate training for two young researchers in the field of geology under the supervision of Dr Petra Jamšek Rupnik (P1-0419 Dynamic Earth) and Dr Luka Serianz (P1-0020 Groundwater and Geochemistry).
The Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva ulica 14, 1000 Ljubljana, on the basis of the Act on Scientific Research and Innovation Activities (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, 186/21, 40/23 and 102/24), the General Act on Stable Financing of Scientific Research Activities (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, 87/22, 103/22 - am. and 3/25), the Labour Relations Act (Official Gazette of the Republic of Slovenia, No. 21/13 with amendments and supplements), the Rules on Stable Financing of Scientific Research Activities of the Geological Survey of Slovenia of 20 December 2022 and the Rules on Amendments and Supplements to the Rules on Stable Financing of Scientific Research Activities of the Geological Survey of Slovenia of 27 June 2024, hereby announces
PUBLIC CALL FOR APPLICANTS (M/F) FOR YOUNG RESEARCHERS IN 2026
We are announcing an opportunity for postgraduate training for a young researcher (m/f) in the field of geology under the guidance of a selected mentor.
| Ref. | Mentor of mentor | Name and surname of mentor | Programme | Research area | Presentation of the training |
| 1. | 32050 | doc. dr. Petra Jamšek Rupnik | P1-0419 Dynamic Earth | 1.06.06 Regional geology | Training programme (in Slovene) |
| 2. | 50351 | dr. Luka Serianz | P1-0020 Groundwater and geochemistry | 1.06.07 Natural resources | Training programme (in Slovene) |
ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS FOR YOUNG RESEARCHERS
The candidate for the young researcher position must meet the following requirements:
- Completed second-cycle study programme or an educational qualification equivalent to the level of education obtained through second-cycle study programmes, or a comparable qualification obtained at a foreign university. Candidates who, at the time of application, have not yet completed their second-cycle study programme must do so no later than 15 September of the current year.
- No more than four years have passed since the completion of the previous study programme.
Young researcher candidates who are enrolled in an additional year of a third-level study programme at the time of signing the contract, or who have already benefited from this status, candidates who have already been funded under the Young Researcher Programme and candidates who have already completed their PhD are not eligible to apply to this call.
ASSESSMENT CRIATERIA:
- the grade point average (GPA) of all exams and coursework (excluding the thesis) from the first- and second-cycle study programmes; at least 80% of all exams and coursework must be completed;
- enrolment in a third-cycle (doctoral) study programme;
- awards or recognitions received;
- published articles;
- participation in research activities;
- experience gained through study or research work outside the country of the candidate’s home institution;
- evaluation of the interview with the candidate.
The evaluation of the criteria is determined by the GeoZS.
If, at the time of signing the contract, the candidate for a young researcher is enrolling in the second or third year of a third-cycle (doctoral) study programme, the grade point average of all exams and coursework from the first- and second-cycle study programmes is not taken into account.
THE APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE:
- application form (GeoZS MR 2026) - fully completed and signed, and separate annexes;
- evidence of formal qualifications if the applicant has already completed his/her studies (photocopy of the diploma of the second cycle programme)
- proof of the grade point average (GPA) of the second-cycle study programme (i.e. the diploma supplement or an officially certified transcript of all completed exams and coursework showing the overall GPA); at least 80% of exams and coursework must be completed;
- a written statement (GeoZS MR 2026 – Izjava 2) confirming that the candidate will complete the bachelor’s or master’s degree at the second-cycle level by 15 September 2026 at the latest, and will submit an official certificate of graduation or successful master’s thesis defence by the same date (if the candidate has not yet completed the study programme);
- a written statement by the candidate on the protection of personal data (GeoZS MR 2026 – Izjava 3);
- a written statement by the candidate confirming that they have not previously been funded within the Young Researchers Programme (GeoZS MR 2026 – Izjava 1);
- proof of awards and recognitions received;
- proof of published scientific articles, including a COBISS extract;
- proof of any previous involvement in research work – detailed descriptions of past research activities must be provided, together with references where applicable;
- CV;
- motivation letter in Slovenian and English.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT CONDITIONS:
The Geological Survey of Slovenia will conclude a fixed-term employment contract with the selected candidate for the duration of the training period, for a maximum of four years. The employment period, i.e. the duration of funding for the training, is reduced by one year if the young researcher is enrolled in the second year of a third‑cycle (doctoral) study programme at the time of signing the contract, and by two years if they are enrolled in the third year of a third‑cycle study programme.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS:
The completed application form, together with the signature, signing statements and supporting documents, should be sent to the following e-mail address kadrovska@geo-zs.si.
We will consider all applications that are submitted by 30.4.2026.
The call documents, including the conditions to be met and the application guidelines, are available online at www.geo-zs.si and at the headquarters of the Geological Survey of Slovenia, Dimičeva ulica 14, 1000 Ljubljana, until the end of the call for proposals.
The deadline for submitting complete applications is 30.4.2026.
Annexes: