PhD Position in Arachnology (Fully Funded) – Slovenia

A fully funded PhD position is available under the supervision of Prof. Matjaž Kuntner at the National Institute of Biology (NIB), Ljubljana, Slovenia (https://www.nib.si/eng/). The position will commence in October 2026.

The successful candidate will be employed on a four-year contract as a research assistant at NIB and will have the chance to enroll in any doctoral program at a Slovenian university (typically the University of Ljubljana), with tuition fully covered.

The PhD project will align with the research topics of EZ Lab (https://www.ezlab.si/), focusing on evolutionary biology and/or biogeography of spiders. Projects may involve phylogenetic reconstruction, integrative taxonomy, and/or advanced evolutionary and biogeographic analyses. The focal taxonomic group and geographic region are flexible; however, Madagascar is expected to be one of the principal biogeographic areas of interest.

Applicants should hold a M.Sc. degree, demonstrate prior research experience in relevant areas, and have a record of academic publications.

Application materials (compiled into a single PDF file) should include:

·        A motivation letter

·        Curriculum vitae

·        PDFs of published papers (or accepted manuscripts)

The motivation letter should provide the name, institutional address, and email of a professor who is willing to provide a recommendation letter upon request.

Applications and inquiries should be sent no later than 15 March 2026 to:matjaz.kuntner@nib.si

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to submit their academic credentials including proof of M.Sc. degree, completed courses, and the grades obtained during undergraduate and masters studies no later than 5 April 2026. Shortlisted candidates will send these materials to both matjaz.kuntner@nib.si and kadrovska.sluzba@nib.si. The final selection will be announced soon thereafter.