Job title: Reserach engineer in Muscle Cell Biotechnology
03. 02. 2026
Company name: COBIK
Job location: Ajdovščina, Slovenia
Contract: Full-time, 3 years
Start date: from 1 March 2026
Project background
We invite applications for a reserach engineer position in muscle cell biotechnology. The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of muscle cell biology, cell culture technology, and applied bioprocess development.
The successful candidate will join the COBIK research team under the supervision of Marko Ušaj, collaborating with academic and industrial partners.
Key responsibilities
The selected candidate will contribute to research activities that include:
- Establishment and maintenance of mammalian muscle cell cultures
- Adaptation of muscle cells to different culture formats (e.g. 2D, 3D, scalable systems)
- Optimization of cell culture conditions supporting proliferation and differentiation
- Development and application of functional assays for muscle tissue characterization
- Analysis of muscle-specific protein expression, purification and functionIndependent experimental planning, data analysis, documentation, and contribution to scientific publications
Candidate profile
Essential qualifications
- Postdoctoral candidate: PhD in biotechnology, bioengineering, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field
- PhD candidate: MSc degree in relevant life-science discipline
- Hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture
- Solid understanding of cell proliferation, differentiation, and phenotype analysis
- Strong interest in experimental cell lab work
- Good written and spoken English
Additional merits
- Experience with (primary) muscle cell cultures
- Background in cell culture optimization or media development
- Familiarity with bioprocessing and suspension cell culture approaches
- Experience with (muscle) protein expression, purification, or functional assays
You’ll thrive in this role if you:
- Enjoy working independently while collaborating in small interdisciplinary teams
- Like solving open-ended experimental problems
- Are organized, curious, and comfortable in a dynamic research environment
- Are motivated by applied research with clear translational potential
What we offer
- A full-time research position in a dynamic research environment with strong application focus
- Close collaboration with academic and industry partners
- Competitive salary in accordance with Slovenian regulations
- Opportunities to contribute to research with tangible real-world relevance
How to apply
Please send:
- CV
- Short motivation letter (max. one page)
- Contact details of 1–2 referees
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
