Discover SQUASH
Timeline
- 22nd October 2024
- 1st March 2025
Official project launch event
Project commencement
First call
- 1st June 2025
- 31st August 2025
- 30th November 2025
- from 1st March 2026 onwards
First call opening
First call closing
Notification of first call results
Postdoctoral appointments (first call)
Second call
- 1st March 2026
- 31st May 2026
- 31st August 2026
- from 1st December 2026 onwards
Second call opening
Second call closing
Notification of second call results
Postdoctoral appointments (second call)
Why the SQUASH postdoctoral programme?
SQUASH is not just a research programme—it’s a postdoctoral researcher’s gateway to career development in the quantum sciences. Embedded in the strategic goals of Slovenia and the European Union, SQUASH is designed to propel young postdoctoral researchers to scientific maturity and independence across a range of exciting quantum fields, from physics and chemistry to materials science, computer science, and engineering. With four dynamic research areas and unparalleled expertise at the Jožef Stefan Institute, you’ll be at the forefront of cutting-edge research.
Collaborating with 46 prestigious partners across Europe, North America, India, and Japan, we offer an unmatched opportunity to build global connections. Along with highly attractive working conditions, our programme provides world-class mentoring from renowned quantum experts. You will be empowered with a toolkit of transferable skills in Leadership, Personal Development, and Communication, tailored to your unique career path.
Why quantum sciences?
In 2025, we are celebrating the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking a century since quantum mechanics was born. Quantum mechanics elucidates the basic principles of matter formation, from subatomic particles to patterns of galaxies. It has also led to some of the most profound technological developments of the last century and underpins cutting-edge future technologies. By joining the SQUASH programme, you’re stepping into a global movement, driving international collaboration and technological breakthroughs that will define the future. The European Commission recognizes this and is committed to building a robust European quantum ecosystem, making this an exciting time to get involved!
Why the Jožef Stefan Institute?
The Jožef Stefan Institute is the heart of quantum science excellence located in the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, ranked as top research facility in the country since its founding in 1949. As a co-founder of QUTES (Slovene quantum science and technology community) and a key partner in cutting-edge projects like SiQUID (Slovenian Quantum Communication Infrastructure Demonstration), the Institute is shaping the future of quantum science, and plays a key role in popularizing quantum science and technology. Here, you’ll work hand in hand with world-leading experts and have the opportunity to conduct groundbreaking projects.
Why Slovenia?
Small in size but mighty in impact, Slovenia is one of Europe’s most vibrant and dynamic countries. It excels in education, with the number of PhD students, the rate of higher-education qualification, and the number of new doctoral graduates exceeding the EU average. Slovenian researchers are very active internationally and rank among Europe’s most prolific authors according to the number and impact of scientific publications. Slovenia’s quantum science and technology community—led by QUTES—is a powerhouse in European quantum initiatives, including QuantERA, EuroHPC JU, and EuroQCS-Italy.
Organizational chart
