post-doc: AutoLearn-SI Opens Applications for New Postdoctoral Positions
Where: Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, 
Slovenia
What:
Organisation / Company: Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Department: Department of Computer Systems (one position)/ Department of Knowledge Technologies (one position)
Research Field: Artificial Intelligence
Researcher profile: Postdoctoral researcher
Country: Slovenia
Application deadline: 31 December 2025 – 23:59 (Europe/CET)
Type of contract: Temporary (1.5 years)
Job status: Full-time
Hours Per Week: 40
Offer starting date: 1st June 2026
Offer description: We offer two postdoctoral positions in Automated Machine Learning and Optimization (AutoML and AutoOPT), starting on June 1st, 2026, as part of the Horizon Europe (HE)-funded project AutoLearn-SI (101187010). The primary aim of AutoLearn-SI is to establish a permanent ERA Chair research group specializing in AutoAI, focusing on AutoML and AutoOPT. This initiative will serve as a key hub for research excellence in Slovenia and its surrounding region, ensuring sustained quality, increased visibility, and stronger integration within the European Research Area (ERA). The ERA Chair will emphasize leveraging benchmarking data for automated ML and optimization, driving targeted research in three Pillar themes – Experimental Databases, Representation Learning, and Automated Algorithm Selection/Configuration – and two Horizontal themes: Single-objective Optimization and Multi-label Classification.
Roles and Responsibilities:
The main part of your work will be carried out at the “Jožef Stefan” Institute (Ljubljana, Slovenia, https://ijs.si/ijsw) within the newly created AutoLearn-SI ERA Chair supported by the Computer Systems Department (https://cs.ijs.si/) and the Department of Knowledge Technologies (https://kt.ijs.si/).
The postdoctoral project is funded for one and a half years and would start by 1st June 2026 or later.
You will also be required to participate in the training activities and workshops organized by the ERA Chair AutoLearn-SI. As a staff member within the ERA Chair AutoLearn-SI, you are also expected to contribute to the dissemination of your project´s results through public engagement and various scientific platforms.
Research Topics: The postdoctoral projects will explore concepts in experimental databases, representation learning, and automated algorithm selection and configuration, with a primary focus on single-objective optimization and multi-label classification. There is also potential to extend these concepts to other areas, such as large language models, multi-objective optimization, and natural language processing.
The ideal candidate
The primary goal of the postdoctoral position is to equip candidates for data-driven careers. Eligible applicants must possess a PhD degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline, with a solid foundation in Data Science. Key qualifications include:
Required selection criteria:
A PhD degree in a relevant field.
Experience in Data Science.
Publication record in computer science or a related field.
Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R.
Preferred selection criteria:
Experience in research project work.
Proficiency in written and spoken English.
We offer
AutoLearn-SI, based at JSI—Slovenia's largest public research institute—spans natural sciences, life sciences, and engineering. With a team of over 930 staff, JSI emphasizes high-level scientific output and the development of young scientists. Its governance includes a Board of Governors, a Director, a Scientific Council, research departments, centers, and support units. The Scientific Council, composed of senior researchers with four-year terms, oversees research and education. JSI's expertise covers AI, computer systems, robotics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and environmental sciences.
Led by the ERA Chair holder, AutoLearn-SI integrates two key JSI departments: the Computer Systems Department and the Department of Knowledge Technologies, driving success in research, development, and training. Positions at the ERA Chair are open to outstanding national and international researchers, with the possibility of contract extensions beyond the project term. Recruitment will follow an open, transparent process under Slovenian law and European Commission oversight, adhering fully to the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers1, with attention to gender and diversity.
The salary will be determined in accordance with Slovenian regulations for research positions, considering four years of employment at the institute. We offer a gross annual salary starting around € 2830 (monthly) plus regular legislation-based improvements for four years. In addition, a meal allowance will be provided for each working day, and commuting expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with Slovenian law.
We provide engaging and stimulating opportunities within a dynamic international academic environment, along with a supportive and inclusive workplace featuring dedicated and collaborative colleagues.
Jožef Stefan Institute honors and respects the diversity of our staff and provides equal opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants regardless of sex and/or gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, health condition, disability, religion or faith, age, social status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, family status or any other personal circumstance.
Application procedure:
To apply for this position, kindly provide: i) a letter of motivation including a 1-page statement of your research interests, relevant skills and experience; (ii) a CV including publication list (describe your role in each publication); (iii) copies of relevant certificates (e.g., diplomas and trasncripts for PhD studies - original oficial documents with English translation) and (iv) names and contact details of at least two referees willing to write confidential letters of recommendation. All materials should be attached as a single PDF file.
For interested applicants, please submit your application by sending an email to: info-autolearnsi at ijs.si.
Deadline:
The closing date for all applications is December 31st, 2025
Enquiries:
For further general information about the Postdoctoral Candidate positions, you may visit the webpage at https://autolearnsi.eu/ or send an email to info-autolearnsi at ijs.si.
For further specialist information regarding this position, you may contact the Assistant. Prof. Dr. Tome Eftimov or Assistant Prof. Eva Tuba at JSI.
Selection process
1st stage: Review of application documents to verify the applicant's eligibility and if the work and/or educational experiences would fit the position requirements
2nd stage: Panel interview within the ERA Chair
3rd stage: Internal deliberation and ranking of candidates. This will be based on the conducted interview, work/educational experiences, and letter of recommendation from your referees.
Who: info-autolearnsi@ijs.si
When: Until 2025-12-30 23:00
Presented at next GECCO?: yes