Timeline and Process
Please note that this is an exemplary outline of the selection process. The timeline is subject to change and may vary from year to year.
Submission of your application
Make sure to submit your application via the application portal by the submission deadline. The exact application period will be announced here: How to apply?.
You may log in to the application portal anytime during the application period to update/complete your application.
Confirmation and pre-selection
If you have successfully submitted your application via the application portal, you will receive an automated email which confirms the receipt of your application.
The selection committee (including the PhD management team and the project supervisors) will review your application. You will receive feedback on our decision after the application deadline. All applications will be evaluated thoroughly by our selection committee. The evaluation might take weeks, and we would like to ask for your patience.
The pre-selected candidates will be invited to a first interview (online) with the project supervisors.
Online Interviews
If you are selected for an online interview (approximately 30 – 45 minutes), you will receive an invitation via email. During the interview you will be expected to give a short presentation. Further information will be communicated in the invitation email.
You will receive feedback on our decision after all online interviews have taken place. If you are selected for the next round of the selection process, you will be invited to our interview days (on-site).
Interview days
Selected applicants will be invited to Mainz, Germany, for a two-day interview event. During the interview days, we will explain our PhD Program in more detail, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. Furthermore, you will meet your potential supervisor(s) to discuss the project(s) they offer. You will also have the chance to meet our current PhD students through informal gatherings. Further information on what you are expected to prepare for the interview days will be communicated to the invited candidates.
Final decision
The selection committee will evaluate all participants of the interview days. Our decision on who will be offered a place in our PhD Program will typically be communicated to you around two weeks after the interview days.
Welcome to ATLAS
If you receive an offer and you accept the offer, you will become an ATLAS PhD student. Congratulations, you are joining us! We very much look forward to working with you.
Typically, the start of our PhD students is between March and October. This depends on the project and your availability.
PhD Candidate Profile
PhD students in the ALTAS program are expected to embody a combination of academic excellence, personal drive, and collaborative spirit. Here are the key qualities we look for:
Passion for research:
A strong intrinsic enthusiasm for scientific discovery and innovation is essential. PhD students must be deeply curious and motivated to explore complex problems and contribute to advancing knowledge in their field.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills:
The ability to question existing hypotheses together with developing creative solutions is vital for tackling research challenges.
Resilience and perseverance:
Pursuing a PhD requires dedication and the ability to overcome obstacles. It is important to maintain focus on the long-term goals.
Strong communication skills - both written and oral:
Students must be able to articulate their ideas clearly, both in writing and verbally, to share their findings with peers, supervisors, and the broader scientific community.
Self-motivation and independence:
PhD students are expected to take initiative, manage their time effectively, and work independently to drive their projects forward.
Collaboration and teamwork:
Students should be open to learning from others, embracing new ideas, sharing knowledge. and participating in discussions.
Commitment to ethical research:
PhD students should be aware of ethnic rules and compliance and demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and accountability.