Application Process

Interested in joining a world-class PhD program in molecular medicine? Below you will find everything you need to know about eligibility requirements, the application process, and important dates and deadlines for the CeMM PhD Call.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CeMM PhD Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a subject-relevant scientific or technical field such as medicine, biology, chemistry, bioinformatics, or mathematics.
• Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree must have completed a four-year program and provide evidence of substantial research experience. A first-class honours or upper second-class (2:1) degree is required.
• Candidates may apply before completing their current degree, but must obtain their final degree certificate by the end of September in the year of enrollment.
• As English is the working language at CeMM, excellent oral and written communication skills in English are essential.

How to Apply

The application process for the CeMM PhD Program is designed to assess both academic excellence and research potential through a multi-stage selection process.

Online Application Phase

All candidates must submit an application via the CeMM online application system. This includes:

• Completed application form
• Motivation letter
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Academic transcripts or study certificates
• Contact details of at least two referees

Note: Before submitting the application, at least one referee must complete an online reference. A second reference must be submitted before the final deadline for the application to be considered.

Application Review

All submitted applications are carefully reviewed by the CeMM Faculty. Shortlisted candidates are invited to the next phase.

Video Interview Phase and Review

Selected applicants will participate in an asynchronous video interview, where they record responses to a small set of questions aimed at understanding their motivation and thinking. These can be completed at the applicant’s convenience.

All of the completed video interviews are then reviewed by CeMM Faculty and shortlisted candidates are then invited to Vienna for a three-day selection in April. Assistance will be provided for all travel, accommodation and visa processes.

In-Person Selection Event

At the selection event, you will be asked to introduce yourself through a presentation, followed by panel interviews with CeMM Faculty members covering various topics. There are also plenty of opportunities to meet research group members in a variety of social settings and also attend an informal dinner.

At the end of the second day of the PhD interviews, you will be asked to submit your preference regarding which research groups you would like to work with, and on the third day selected candidates are invited back for 1:1 interviews with the group leaders.

PhD positions are typically offered within three days of the final selection interviews.

The CeMM PhD Program begins on or around 1 October each year.

 

Application Timeline