Careers of Postdoctoral Researchers

About SQUASH Calls

SQUASH, the Slovenian Quantum Science Hub, an innovative, intersectoral programme focused on career-development and trainings co-funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme and the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation. 40 talented individuals will be hired by the Jožef Stefan Institute, where they will have the opportunity to develop their own research ideas within one of 4 key areas of quantum sciences: Quantum Theory, Quantum Materials, Quantum Technology, and Quantum Computing and Information. Mobility options and top-level training in both scientific and transferable skills are additional priorities of SQUASH, made possible by the programme’s inspiring network of Associated Partners in Slovenia, the EU and beyond.

Benefits of the programme

Selected postdocs will benefit from joining one of the already well-established groups with excellent research background and will further profit from the complementary training at one or more of the esteemed Associated partner organisations. Applicants will be able to select and work with highly skilled primary supervisors to ensure the best outcomes of their individual scientific projects. Each accepted project must fall into one of the four broad research areas of specializations in quantum science covered by SQUASH. However, no restrictions will apply in terms of the exact topic of each individual project.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the evaluation process, the applicants must meet the following criteria on the date of the call deadline:

  • Have been awarded a doctoral degree (Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have not yet been formally awarded their degree will also be eligible to apply).
  • Comply with the Mobility Rule, i.e., they must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Slovenia for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the call deadline.
  • Applicants must propose a postdoctoral research project with complete freedom to choose its specifics, provided it aligns with one or more of the programme’s key research areas (see research areas).
  • Applicants are encouraged to reach out to potential supervisors, who will provide the necessary help in preparing the application.

How to apply?

Applications must be submitted through the SQUASH web portal before the call deadline. Only applications written in English will be considered.

 

The SQUASH portal requires each applicant to first register and then complete sections related to the following:

  • Personal details,
  • Eligibility,
  • Academic profile,
  • Non-academic experience,
  • Details of involvement in any communication, outreach or dissemination activities (excluding scientific publications),
  • Research area they are applying for, and
  • Questionnaire on ethical issues.

 

In addition, applicants must upload the following documents:

  • Europass CV with standard academic and research record, including a complete list of publications.
  • A motivation statement (max. 2 pages), addressing a predefined set of questions through which the applicant explains their interest in the SQUASH programme.
  • A project proposal (max. 10 pages) addressing how the proposal alligns with one or more of the four key research areas, as well as the aims and objectives of the proposed project, state of the art, originality and innovation of the proposal, research methodology and expected outputs. It should also include a dissemination and communication plan and, where relevant, an exploitation strategy. The proposal must include a Gantt chart and a financial plan, and specify any need for work on secondment with an Associated Partner or other external location.
  • Two letters of support from esteemed scientists external to the SQUASH programme, assessing the applicant’s previous research activities, research capacity, and work experience. Applicants may also include references to letters of support available on the https://academicjobsonline.org/ website.
  • Doctoral certificate or a certificate of PhD defence if the doctoral certificate has not yet been awarded (in both cases with notarised English translation).
  • Documents that explain any career breaks, if applicable.

 

Applicants are encouraged to define their research topic. After this, they may be assisted in developing their proposal by a chosen potential supervisor, if desired. The SQUASH selection process is based purely on merit-based rankings from a panel of international expert reviewers.