Notes on the application process
All information on the application process, the required documents and FAQs are bundled on this page.
Steps of the application process
Choosing a PhD 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. Unsolicited applications for groups/professors that have not explicitly offered a position or suggestions for other projects in the current year are welcome. Think about which topics best suit your interests and skills. You can list up to three projects from the groups in your personal statement. Please prioritise your list (1 = highest priority).
Compile your application
The following documents must be submitted as one PDF (!) for the application in German or English:
- Personal statement (specify which PIs/topics, max. 4 pages, plus, if available, a brief overview of previous project work)
- CV (in tabular form)
- Bachelor's and Master's degree certificates (Submission of proof is required at least four weeks prior to the start of the contract)
- 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 15.12.2024
The completed application documents (one PDF!) will be sent to the PhoQS - FUTURE email address by December 15th, 2024.
First review of applications by mid-January 2025
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 status of their application.
Beginning of February 2025 - Virtual short interviews
At the beginning of February, short virtual interviews will be conducted with all remaining applications. The aim is to get to know each other personally and to clarify any open questions on both sides.
April 2025 - Final job interviews
In the final job-interviews, the applicants will give a short presentation (20 min) on a topic of their choice (typically the Master's project). In the follow-up interview, the PhD project, the Institute of Photonic Quantum Systems and open questions will be discussed. Whether the interviews will take place on site in Paderborn or virtually will be announced at the beginning of February. Travelling expenses will not be covered.
End of April 2025 - acceptances and cancellations
Directly after the final job interviews, applications are informed by email in which group and on which project they will be offered a PhD position.
From May: Recruitment process & onboarding
The official recruitment process with the Paderborn University administration will start in May 2025.
During this phase, the coordinator of the PhoQS FUTURE Graduate Program, 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.
01.09.2025 - Official start of the graduate program
Regardless of when the appointment at Paderborn University takes place, the official PhoQS - FUTURE program will start on 01.09.2025.
FAQs Application Process
Yes, if you choose the Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems for your PhD, you will get a all year fully funded postition. You will be both, a phd student and a 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 in April.
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 August/September 2025. 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 conducing a research project, of any scale and in any field. A few more tips can be found here.
Letters must be written in German or English and come from faculty members or other individuals well acquainted with your academic work.You need letter of recommendation for your application.
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 Program 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 program 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 documents should be sent by e-mail as ONE PDF to the following address: future@phoqs.upb.de
Links to sharing platforms or applications sent by post cannot be considered.
Please send an email to future@phoqs.upb.de.
You will receive a confirmation of receipt after sending your application to future@phoqs.upb.de. Final decisions shall be made by April next year.
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 program. 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.