Applications
The call for applications to the 2019 edition of the PhD Program Molecular Biosciences - Biology at the Host Microbe Interface will be open between August 10, 2018, and October 15, 2018, at 16h00 Lisbon time. The program will start on February 1, 2019.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Register at the application platform.
2. Activate your account (you will receive an email for this)
3. Start the process by inserting your name and saving the form.
4. Fill in all your information in the application form. It will not be possible to upload a CV, so use the required fields for this. You can save and return later.
5. Upload a single pdf file with the Degree Certificates (First and Master Degrees only) and Transcript/Record of study (a detailed documentation of the academic record). If you are selected you will later have to bring the originals.
6. Mark the checkbox when your application is complete and press Save to seal and submit the application. The deadline for submission is 15th October 2018, 16h Lisbon time.
In the application platform, you can provide the name and e-mail of two scientists/professors who can provide a reference for you. Please do this as soon as possible (it is not necessary to have your application complete; only your name and their contact is required). We will contact them directly to ask for this reference. They will be provided with an online form, which must be submitted until 22nd October 2018.
SELECTION PROCESS
Selection of candidates follows a two-step procedure:
Step I - Written application (50%)
Applicants will register online and will provide generic personal information, academic and scientific background, professional experience, and the contact details of two referees. The referees will be contacted automatically to obtain letters of recommendation.
Applications will be reviewed by the Admission Committee and ranked based on the curriculum vitae, a personal statement and recommendation letters. The evaluation of the CV will take into account the degree classification, the publication record (if any) and research experience. The personal statement will allow assessment of the applicant´s interest in science, maturity, her/his general knowledge of biology, and motivation to apply to the programme.
Based on the ranking up up to 40 candidates will be invited for step II. The results will be communicated by e-mail on 9 November 2018.
Step II - Presentation (25%) and interview (25%)
This step is conducted by the Program Direction and the Admission Committee. This step evaluates the applicant’s ability to formulate and discuss scientific questions, to think critically, her/his interest/commitment to research, research interests, maturity, career goals (what are the post PhD plans and how will the program help), and communication skills. Candidates should be aware of the main goals of the program. Willingness to engage in novel collaborative research at the microbe-host interface bridging complimentary characteristics of the different groups involved in the Program will be valued.
Interviews will take place between November 26 and November 30 2018.
Candidates will make a 10 minutes oral presentation in English, with a personal and scientific component, focusing on their own research experience or on a paper or science topic that motivates them. Presentations will be followed by an interview. In the case of residents abroad, presentations and interviews can be organized by video conference.
Each member of the Admission Committee will individually rank the candidates. Next, the AC will produce a final ranking. Candidates will be divided between below acceptance level or above it. Both will be immediately notified. The top candidates above the acceptance level will be invited to join the program, and will have three weeks to confirm their acceptance.
The final results will be released by e-mail on December 14 2018. Selected applicants must confirm their acceptance.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are 2750 €/year. Students with a INTERFACE or FCT PhD fellowship have their tuition fees covered.
