Asistent-Z (m/ž) / Assistant-Z (m/f)

Objavlja razpis za delovno mesto

Asistent-Z (m/ž),
v D12 – Odsek za sintezno biologijo in imunologijo

Doktorski študij na področju sintezne biologije in genskega inženirstva

V novi raziskovalni skupini, ki deluje v okviru Odseka za sintezno biologijo in imunologijo na Kemijskem inštitutu, razpisujemo doktorsko mesto (m/ž) na področju genskega inženirstva in sintezne biologije. Projekt poteka v okviru projekta Evropskega raziskovalnega sveta (ERC) in se osredotoča na razvoj novih encimov za urejanje genoma.

Opis projekta:
Natančen nadzor nad velikimi fragmenti DNK je ključna lastnost naprednih tehnologij za urejanja genoma. Tirozinske rekombinaze omogočajo natančno preurejanje dolgih fragmentov DNK ter tako predstavljajo obetavna orodja za genske terapije.

Njihovo reprogramiranje za ciljanje izbranih mest v genomu ostaja izziv zaradi zapletenega načina vezave na DNK. Naš cilj je odkriti nove naravne rekombinaze in njihova tarčna zaporedja,
ter razviti metode za razširitev njihove specifičnosti. Pri tem uporabljamo pristope sintezne biologije ter evolucijske vpoglede, ključni metodološki pristopi pa vključujejo bioinformatske analize, načrtovane knjižnice DNK ter visoko zmogljive metode sekvenciranja naslednje generacije (NGS).

Naloge delovnega mesta:
• opravljanje študijskih obveznosti;
• izvajanje podiplomskega raziskovalnega dela in usposabljanja v okviru raziskovalnega programa pod vodstvom mentorja;
• študij domače in tuje strokovne literature; pomoč mentorju pri pripravi člankov in predstavitvah raziskovalnega dela;
• glede na vir financiranja opravlja dela in naloge na projektih;
• druga dela po navodilih nadrejenega.


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Assistant-Z (m/f)
at the Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology D12

PhD Position in Synthetic Biology and Genome Editing

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student to join a new research group within the Department of Synthetic Biology and Immunology at the National Institute of Chemistry (NIC), Ljubljana, Slovenia. The position is fully funded through a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant and will focus on the development of novel enzymes for genome editing.

Project Description:
Precise control over large DNA fragments is a key feature of advanced genome editing technologies. Tyrosine recombinases are small enzymes capable of rearranging long segments of DNA with high precision, making them promising tools for gene and cell therapies. However, retargeting these enzymes to specific genomic loci remains challenging due to the complex DNA-binding mode.

Our goal is to discover novel natural recombinases and their target sequences, and to develop strategies for expanding their specificity. To achieve this, our group is applying principles of synthetic biology, evolutionary insights, and cutting-edge molecular techniques, including bioinformatic analyses, design of DNA libraries and next-generation sequencing.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities:
• Fulfilling ongoing study requirements;
• Undertaking postgraduate research and training as part of a research programme under the guidance of a mentor;
• Studying national and international scientific literature; assisting the mentor in preparation of manuscripts and presentations of the research;
• Work on projects and tasks depending on the source of the funding;
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Profil kandidata:
Iščemo motivirane kandidate, ki jih zanima delo na stičišču sintezne biologije, molekularnega inženiringa in terapevtskih inovacij.

Zaželeno je:
• zaključena 2. bolonjska stopnja (magisterij) s področij biotehnologije, biokemije, mikrobiologije ali sorodnih ved
• želja po raziskovanju, samoiniciativnost, sposobnost kritičnega razmišljanja
• dobro znanje angleškega jezika

Praktične izkušnje z laboratorijskim delom ter osnovno poznavanje bioinformatike in programiranja v Pythonu bo obravnano kot prednost, ni pa pogoj. Program usposabljanja in tematika doktorata bosta dokončno določena skupaj z izbranim kandidatom, glede na njegove interese in ozadje. Kandidat mora ustrezati pogojem za vpis na izbrani študijski program.

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Candidate Profile:
We are looking for motivated candidates eager to explore the interface between synthetic biology, molecular engineering, and therapeutic innovation. Preferred qualifications:
• Completed MSc in life sciences (biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, or related fields)
• Strong motivation, self-initiative, and critical thinking skills
• Good command of the English language (written and spoken)

Hands-on wet-lab experience and basic knowledge of bioinformatics and Python programming are considered an advantage but are not required. The final PhD topic will be defined together with the selected candidate, based on mutual interests. The candidate must meet the admission requirements of the selected doctoral study program.

Kaj ponujamo:
• zaposlitev za celotno trajanje doktorskega študija (4 leta), v celoti financirano iz sredstev ERC
• delo v dinamičnem in mednarodnem raziskovalnem okolju
• sodelovanje z vodilnimi strokovnjaki in dostop do vrhunske raziskovalne opreme
• možnosti izobraževanja, sodelovanja na konferencah in strokovnih izpopolnjevanj
• seznanitev s širokim naborom metodologij
o osnovne molekularno-biološke tehnike
o delo s sesalskimi in bakterijskimi celičnimi kulturami
o pretočna citometrija, konfokalna mikroskopija
o delo z načrtovanimi knjižnicami DNK ter sodobnimi metodami sekvenciranja (NGS)

Nudimo prilagojeno mentorstvo glede na izkušnje, interese in razvojne cilje kandidata. Spodbujamo interdisciplinarnost, odprto sodelovanje ter samostojno razmišljanje in znanstveno ustvarjalnost.

Začetek zaposlitve: po dogovoru oziroma od oktobra 2025 dalje

Čas trajanja zaposlitve: zaposlitev je za določen čas, do 31.5.2029 (s trimesečno poskusno dobo) ter možnostjo podaljšanja zaposlitve.
Dodatne informacije: tel. št. 01/4760 424 (dr. Tina Lebar), tina.lebar@ki.si

Kandidati naj pošljejo pisne ponudbe (življenjepis, kratko motivacijsko pismo) v slovenskem jeziku do vključno 31.5.2025 na elektronski naslov zaposlitev@ki.si in tina.lebar@ki.si, pripisom »za razpis
Asistent- Z na D12«.

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What We Offer:
• Full-time employment for the entire duration of the PhD (4 years), fully funded by ERC
• A dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international research environment
• Collaboration with leading experts and access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure
• Opportunities for training, participation in conferences, and professional development
• Exposure to a wide variety of experimental techniques and methodologies:
o standard molecular biology techniques
o mammalian and bacterial cell culture methods
o flow cytometry, confocal microscopy
o DNA library screening and next-generation sequencing workflows

Why choose Slovenia?
Slovenia offers an excellent balance between cost of living and quality of research infrastructure. Ljubljana is a vibrant, green, and safe capital city with a high quality of life and a lively student scene.

As a PhD student, you will benefit from:
• affordable rent and living costs, and access to nature, hiking, skiing, and cultural events
• a friendly, English-speaking scientific community and EU-level research opportunities

How to Apply: Send your CV a short motivation letter to: zaposlitev@ki.si and tina.lebar@ki.si until May 31st 2025.
Duration of Employment: The position is for a fixed term, starting upon employment until May 31st, 2029.

Start Date: October 2025 or as negotiated.
Additional Information: +386 1 4760 424, tina.lebar@ki.si (dr. Tina Lebar)