Notes on the application procedure
All information on the application process, the required documents and FAQs are summarised on this page.
The application should be submitted by the web-form
Application Process
Choosing a doctoral project
On the Research Projects page you will find an overview of the positions/projects that are being called for proposals in the current year. Think about which topics are best suited to your interests and skills. You can list up to three projects from the groups in your application. Please prioritise your list (1 = highest priority). Unsolicited applications for groups that have not explicitly advertised a position in the current year or a proposal for a project are also possible.
Compile your application
The following documents must be submitted as one PDF for the application:
- Personal statement (specify which PIs, max. 4 pages, plus, if available, a brief overview of previous project work)
- CV (in tabular form)
- Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates (the Master's certificate can be submitted later until August)
- Course overview (transcripts of records): Which courses were taken in the Bachelor's and Master's programmes? If the course titles are unclear, please provide 2-3 keywords with the most important course contents.
- Two letters of recommendation (professors)
- Other relevant certificates and evidence
If you have any questions, first check the FAQs at the bottom of this page. If your question is not listed, please contact the coordinator of the PhoQS - FUTURE Graduate Program Dr. Anna Bauer.
Submit application by December 15th
The completed application documents (one PDF!) must be submitted by the web-form
First review of applications by end-January
During the initial review of the documents by the coordinator and PIs, the fit of the applications with the projects and groups is checked. Each applicant then receives feedback on the news regarding the status of their application. This may take until mid-February. Please do not email us to ask for an update before then.
Job interviews in March
On two days in March, virtual interviews will be conducted with all remaining applicants. You will receive further information about this via email.
End of March - acceptances and cancellations
By the end of March, applicants will be notified whether they have been offered a position
From May: Recruitment process & onboarding
The official recruitment process with the Paderborn University administration will start in May. Hiring of PhD students will continue through the end of the year.
During this phase, the coordinator of the PhoQS FUTURE Graduate Programme, Dr Anna Bauer, will support all applicants with questions and concerns. The Welcome Service of the International Office of Paderborn University also supports international applicants in finding accommodation, dealing with authorities, etc.
Official start of the graduate program
Regardless of when the appointment at Paderborn University takes place, the official and joint PhoQS-FUTURE Program will start on 01.01. in the following year.
FAQs
Yes, if you choose the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems for your PhD, you will get an all year fully funded postition. You will be both, a phd student and an employee of Paderborn University. The salary is granted according to the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz) (TV-L/TVöD E13). Please note: The regular working hours with 75-100% depend on the project and research field. You will get the information in the final job interviews.
Yes, you can apply with a Transcript of Records (ToR) including the marks of all completed courses so far. The call for applications is explicitly intended for Master's students who are expected to complete their Master's degree by the next year. The Master's certificates can be submitted later during the recruitment process.
Your Personal Statement should outline and describe why you wish to undertake a research degree in the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems, the type of research you would like to do, and how it fits with your longer-term plans. Please explain your interest in research and your motivation for taking on a research degree.please do relate this to your own direct experience of conducting a research project, of any scale and in any field. A few more tips can be found here.
The transcript of records serves two purposes:
1) In the case of foreign degrees, the curriculum sometimes differs significantly from the German one. In this case, we can only assess how well the skills match the requirements of the Graduate Programme on the basis of the courses attended.
2) The transcript of records is used as part of the individual support process upon admission to the graduate programme in order to identify suitable offers.
Please list all stages of your education in chronological order. The CV must contain a clear statement about your current status and/or occupation including information on current employment, unemployment, or parental leave. Any prizes, scholarships, extraordinary social, cultural or sportive activities may also be part of your CV.
The application should be uploaded via the web-form
Links to sharing platforms or applications sent by post cannot be considered.
Please send an email to future@phoqs.upb.de.
Living expenses in Paderborn are very affordable. You will need between 700€ and 800€ per month on average. You are expected to arrange your own housing for the duration of the programme. However, we are happy to help in finding appropriate accommodation in a student dormitory, or in a private or shared flat to rent. The salary you'll receive is easily enough to cover the living costs in Germany.our Welcome Service from Paderborn University will support you.