We have set up a multi-step recruitment process with the goal of identifying people with the right mix of skills, experience, and future potential. This includes the assessment of the online submitted application including academic accomplishments and professional experience, as well as online presentations, panel discussions and interviews.
Our selection process has the following structure
Application
Applications are submitted through our online recruitment portal and shall include: i) academic education, ii) research experience, research interest and motivation, iii) two reference letters, iv) an optional short video, v) CV, vi) academic degree certificates and transcripts.
Applications via email will not be accepted.
After submission of your application, you will receive an automatic email confirming that your application has been received. To be eligible for review, your application must be submitted before the application deadline.
Application screening
Following the application deadline, your application will be checked for eligibility and will be subsequenbtly reviewed by the participating group leaders of the HEIBRiDS partner institutions.
Applicants will be chosen based on their academic qualification, aptitude, motivation, scientific interest and letters of recommendation. Priority will be given to applicants that have had little or no experience with the recruiting/destination lab, so that they help establish new connections between the labs involved and bring in new expertises.
Short-listed applicants will be invited to the online interview week. You can expect invitation letters 5-6 weeks after the application deadline.
Online Interview Week and One-on-One Interviews
Online interviews, held via a videoconference platform, consist of of a welcome session, a group leader presentation session, panel interviews, and Q&A sessions with the HEIBRiDS Office, HEIBRiDS PhD Representatives, and social sessions with other applicants.
The 30-min panel interview includes discussion of a pre-recorded presentation submitted by the applicant, discussion of a pre-selected scientific publication, and a general discussion. Candidates receive scores based on their maturity and knowledge of the field, general knowledge, ability to express their motivation for pursuing a PhD within HEIBRiDS, and clear interest in a specific research direction.
Candidates are ranked according to the panel scores, and are subsequently invited by interested group leaders to online One-on-One Interviews.
Outcome and Offer
On the final day of the one-on-one interviews, candidates provide names of the research group(s) they would like to join for a PhD project. In a closed plenary session, the HEIBRiDS Steering Commitee determines the candidates that will be accepted to the HEIBRiDS PhD Program. Results of the plenary session are announced within 1 week.
All candidates will receive feedback within a few days from the end of the one-on-one interviews. Successful candidates will receive an offer and are expected to start their research projects between January and March 2025.
Transparency of the recruitment process
We value diversity and are committed to carrying out a transparent recruitment process for every position.
Our communication policy aims to maintain an objective and fair hiring process for all applicants. Communication between candidates and institute will be primarily by e-mail. We acknowledge every submitted application immediately with an automatic e-mail response. During the hiring process, all successful applicants will receive notifications on the next steps via e-mail. In due course, candidates who have not been short-listed will be informed by email.
We adhere to principles of responsible research, good scientific practice, openness and transparency, and are committed to setting a good example as a scientific environment where scientists can flourish and grow, independently of their national or ethnic background, functional variation, sex/ gender identity/ alignment/ orientation, family configuration, or other such feature of their persons or contexts.
The working language of the program is English.
