Open PhD Positions at the National Institute of Chemistry (Slovenia) | PROSPER & B3PO Projects

2 PhD Positions | MSCA Doctoral Network PROSPER Project @ National Institute of Chemistry (Slovenia)

[Key Research Areas]

• In silico design of photoactive reactors with diverse photocatalyst matrices
• Computational fluid dynamics (CFD): simulating convection, diffusion, and light distribution (optional)
•  Reactor benchmarking (suspension, coated surfaces, packed beds) to maximize illuminated active area
• Development of digital twins integrating micro-kinetic models (e.g., CERRES, DynoChem)
• Model-based performance prediction: selectivity, yield, and intrinsic kinetics

[Expected Outcomes]

• Atomistic models of catalytic materials
• Ab initio-based photocatalysis kinetics
• Experimental validation through spectroscopy
• Full-scale digital twins with geometry and operating condition input

[Key required expertise] chemical / mechanical / physics engineering expertise / having previous modelling knowledge (Python, Matlab, C+...) is nice to have.

1 PhD Position | The Better Biobased Polymer Network B3PO Project @ National Institute of Chemistry (Slovenia)

[Research Focus]

• Biomass-based alternatives to MMA in thermoset coatings
• Resin modification with alkyl-ε-caprolactones
• Advanced polymer/resin characterization
• Performance benchmarking vs. industrial coatings
• Functionalized lignin nanoparticles for corrosion protection in coatings

This position includes secondments to TU Graz (Prof. Kargl) and University of Maribor (Prof. Likozar).

Job details:

Start Date: October 1, 2025

Duration: 3 years

Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia

Eligibility Criteria:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
• Excellent English proficiency
• For B3PO: Candidates must not have resided or worked/studied in Slovenia for more than 12 months in the 3 years before the recruitment date (mobility rule)

Interested? Send your pre-application interest (CV, letter of motivation) to [email protected]

Official calls for applications will be published soon.