About the position:

This position allows you to conduct a fully funded 4-year PhD position with a salary. A PhD prepares candidates for careers in academic institutions, research-oriented international and national organizations, and the industry.

Centre for Circular Economy at Rudolfovo research institute is actively seeking a talented and passionate young researcher to contribute to cutting-edge publications and (both research and applicative) projects in the field of circular economy, with an emphasis on the sustainable development in the field of energy and energy efficiency. The group is interested in working with a young researcher who has a keen interest in doing research in the area of energy, energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. We expect from the candidate to have previous education in the field of engineering or natural sciences and to continue his studies in the field of engineering (mechanical engineering). Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate knowledge of thermodynamics (e.g. completed courses related to the topic, research experience in the field), have experience in using numerical simulations and have relevant experience in the field of experimental work. We expect from the candidate to be interested in laboratory work, to be interested for additional education abroad and for a scientific career path. The training program and the exact content of the doctorate will be finalized with the selected candidate.

PhD project proposal draft:

As an applicant, you must prepare a preliminary draft for the PhD project you would like to undertake within the areas as listed above. This should be a minimum of 2 pages and a maximum of 5 pages, and possible ideas for the problem should be presented, as well as relevance and theoretical and methodological approaches. The project sketch will be included in the competence assessment. You will create a final project description in collaboration with the supervisor(s) during the next months.

About the organization and what you would do?

Rudolfovo (https://www.rudolfovo.eu/) is a public scientific research institute in Novo Mesto in Slovenia, founded in March 2022 with the aim of accelerating the technological and economic development of southeastern Slovenia. The institute's focus is on four global areas: industry 4.0, digitization, circular economy, and technology transfer/intellectual property.

Your contribution is made through:

• Enrolling in, working on, and completing your PhD. Rudolfovo will cover all costs related to PhD study. The candidate will do a PhD study at a nearby university or PhD School, which will best align with the selected research topic and the candidate's preferences. Potential institutions include Faculty of Industrial Engineering Novo mesto, University of Ljubljana, University of Maribor, University of Zagreb, Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, and the faculties in Novo mesto with PhD. Programs.
• Research work with a focus on the fields related to the Centres scope and that of Rudolfovo.
• Work on projects and cooperation with other Institute researchers, as well as external academic and industrial collaborators.
• Popularization of science and outreach in the form of workshops, conference, trainings and education.

What will Rudolfovo offer to you?

• An opportunity for specialized and focused work in the area of your interest and potential to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of researchers
• Motivating compensation package reciprocal to your academic status and work experience
• The option of starting or continuing doctoral studies at any nearby university (Novo mesto, Ljubljana, Maribor, Zagreb)
• Help with finding accommodation within Novo Mesto and its surroundings.

Qualification requirements

• Completed a two-year master’s program, i.e., 2nd Bologna level of study, within a subject area that is relevant for the doctoral project. Candidates who plan to complete their master until June 2024 are also encouraged to apply.
• Documented knowledge of English (native language, provided relevant language certificate (e.g. TOEFL), or your thesis was written in English, or you have documented relevant professional experience in English or you have completed your previous degrees in the English language).
• Good grade averages from the master’s degree.

It is advantageous if the candidate has:

• Knowledge of thermodynamics (e.g. completed courses related to the topic, research experience in the field).
• Have experience in using numerical simulations.
• Have relevant experience in the field of experimental work.
• Finished 2nd Bologna level of study, i.e., master studies within the following fields: engineering or natural sciences, which will also be well-connected to the proposed proposal and the Centre's scope of research.
• Knowledge of Slovenian, Croatian, Serbian, or Bosnian languages is an advantage. If the Slovenian language is considered necessary to carry out the outlined project, good documented knowledge of the Slovenian language is a requirement.

Qualified applicants will be ranked according to the following criteria:

• The quality and relevance of the project description as delineated in this application.
• The master’s thesis and academic specialization in the master’s study.
• Grades and language skills – candidates are asked to provide context for the average grades (e.g. noting the maximum grade to shine light on your grade average).
• Relevant experience from research work, including general past work experience (including previous publication and project work).
• Your motivation for the position and general suitability for the position.

The application should include:

• Application letter with a description of your motivation to apply for the position.
• Complete CV (education, work, and teaching experience and overview of any scientific publications).
• Copy of diplomas for master’s and bachelor’s education, and any other relevant certificates.
• A PhD project draft of 2-5 pages where you explain the idea for the PhD project, general research question, theoretical and planned methodological approach and progression plan.
• Your master thesis.
• Name and contact information for 1-3 references (name, your relation to the person, email, and phone number).
• Other documentation on the activities considered relevant for the position and wished to be taken into consideration in the assessment.

For more information about the position, contact the Head of the Centre for Circular Economy, Prof. Simon Muhič, at simon.muhic@rudolfovo.eu.

For administrative issues about this position, contact kadri@rudolfovo.eu

The candidates should apply to:

kadri@rudolfovo.eu

The email should be entitled: Application to the position of Research assistant at Centre for Circular Economy

Application deadline: 10.5.2024