Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS) – Postdoctoral Fellowship in Electrocatalysis & Green Hydrogen (2025)
Driving the Future of Sustainable Energy Research in Europe
Are you driven to be at the forefront of clean energy innovation? Imagine launching your postdoctoral career in the heart of Europe, in a research environment committed to green hydrogen technologies. Slovenia, renowned for its quality of life and scientific advancement, presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the next phase of global energy transformation. This is not just another academic position—it’s an immersive collaboration with world-class experts in electrocatalysis.
About the Program
The Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS) supports high-impact postdoctoral projects through a nationally competitive funding program. In 2025, ARIS is backing a strategic postdoctoral research opening focused on electrocatalysis for green hydrogen production. Hosted by the National Institute of Chemistry (NIC) in Ljubljana, this opportunity fosters scientific partnerships and personalized research development.
Unlike conventional postdoc fellowships, this program emphasizes joint proposal development. You will work directly with your host to design and refine a custom research agenda that aligns with your expertise and broader clean energy goals.
Field of Research: Electrocatalysis for Green Hydrogen
This fellowship addresses a cornerstone issue in renewable energy: advancing electrocatalytic materials to improve the efficiency and scalability of green hydrogen production via water electrolysis.
Key research areas include:
- Design and synthesis of nanostructured electrocatalysts
- Deep analysis of oxygen evolution (OER) and hydrogen evolution reactions (HER)
- Durability testing under industrially relevant conditions
- Application of findings to next-generation electrolyzer systems
The project capitalizes on NIC’s extensive history in electrochemical research, surface science, and applied energy systems.
Application Deadline
- Final Date for Application Submission: July 11, 2025
Early engagement is strongly encouraged. Successful applicants typically begin working with their host well before the submission deadline to ensure a robust proposal.
Host Supervisor: Dr. Nejc Hodnik
Dr. Nejc Hodnik is a renowned expert in electrocatalysis and energy conversion technologies. His research group at the National Institute of Chemistry explores:
- Fundamental principles of heterogeneous catalysis
- Operando spectroscopy and high-resolution microscopy techniques
- Bridging experimental results with practical implementation for energy infrastructure
Applicants will have the opportunity to collaborate intensively with Dr. Hodnik to define the research direction, structure the proposal, and plan the execution phases.
Contact Information: To initiate your application, email your CV and a concise motivation letter to: [email protected]
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Possess a PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline
- Demonstrate a solid background in electrochemistry, catalysis, or materials characterization
- Provide evidence of peer-reviewed publications, conferencepresentations, or past research collaboration
- Have obtained their PhD within the last four years from the time of application
- Be ready to relocate to Slovenia and work full-time at the host institution for the fellowship duration
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Make Initial Contact
Reach out to Dr. Nejc Hodnik with your updated curriculum vitae and a brief overview of your research interests and prior work relevant to electrocatalysis.
Step 2: Proposal Co-Creation
If your profile aligns with the host’s focus area, you will co-develop a full postdoctoral proposal together. This includes defining objectives, methodologies, expected outcomes, and project timelines.
Step 3: Submit to ARIS
Prepare and finalize your documents. The application, including the host confirmation letter and project proposal, must be submitted to ARIS by July 11, 2025. Submissions are accepted via the ARIS portal (accessible through the agency’s official site).
Why Choose Slovenia?
Slovenia combines scientific sophistication with a vibrant, eco-conscious lifestyle. Here are several compelling reasons to consider this opportunity:
- The National Institute of Chemistry is globally recognized for its pioneering work in clean energy, nanomaterials, and applied chemical research.
- The capital city, Ljubljana, offers a green, safe, and affordable environment with access to European cultural and research networks.
- As a member of the European Research Area (ERA), Slovenia ensures broad access to EU-wide research programs and funding initiatives.
