PhD in Sustainable Viticulture — University of Nova Gorica

Key details

• Host institution: University of Nova Gorica
• Location: University of Nova Gorica, Vipavska cesta 13, Nova Gorica, Slovenia
• Application deadline: July 10, 2026

Funding

Not funded by a EU programme

Funding level (from listing): partial or not via EU framework — confirm on the official call.

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

We invite applications for an Assistant Young Researcher (doctoral candidate) position at the University of Nova Gorica, a student-friendly and research-oriented institution. The successful candidate will join the Wine Research Centre and engage in dynamic research supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure and international collaborations. They will enroll in the appropriate postgraduate study program at the Graduate School of the University of Nova Gorica.

PhD Advisor and Research Topic

Mentor: doc. dr. Melita Sternad Lemut (1 position)

Research Topic: New trends in sustainable viticulture: Impact on grape and wine chemical and sensory profiles

This project investigates the impact of emerging sustainable viticultural practices on grape and wine chemical composition and sensory properties. In response to climate change and societal demands for sustainable production, viticulture increasingly adopts microorganisms as biocontrol agents, biostimulants to enhance vine resilience, and new plant materials. While previous research has focused on plant-level responses, the broader role of these approaches in grape and wine production remains largely unexplored. The research will involve laboratory and pot or vineyard trials, small-scale vinifications, chemical analyses, and sensory evaluation of wines. Results are expected to provide new insights into sustainable viticultural innovations and their implications for grape and wine production.

Candidate Profile

• Background in oenology, viticulture, wine microbiology, biotechnology, or related disciplines.
• Experience in laboratory, analytical, sensory, or microvinification work is an advantage.
• Knowledge of wine chemistry, fermentation processes, and data analysis is desirable.

Eligibility Requirements

• Has not yet completed a doctorate or obtained the title of doctor of science.
• Has not yet been employed as a young researcher.
• No more than four years have elapsed since the year of completion of the second-cycle study program (or equivalent) that qualifies for doctoral admission. This period may be extended for parental leave or continuous health-related absence of more than six months.
• Prior to funding, the young researcher must obtain the habilitation title of assistant, as per Article 6 of the University’s regulations.

Selection Criteria

• Interview assessment: up to 5 points
• Published papers: up to 3 points
• Participation in research work: up to 3 points
• Awards or recognitions: up to 1 point
• Average grade of second-cycle study program: 1 point for grade 9–10, 0.5 point for grade 8–8.99

Selected candidates who have not completed their second-cycle studies at the time of application must do so by 15 September at the latest. Employment contracts will be concluded by the University of Nova Gorica. Training funding is provided until PhD completion or for a maximum of four years.

Application Requirements

Please submit a single PDF email attachment to [email protected] no later than 10 July 2026, including:

• Short motivational letter
• CV
• Copy of degree certificate, list of passed exams, grade point average, and other relevant documents

The application must include the first and last name of the mentor (doc. dr. Melita Sternad Lemut).