Detailed Description of the PhD Application and Selection Procedure

The recruitment process for the Excellent Brains Postdoc Program consists of three steps:

 Step 1: Eligibility, Written Application, Evaluation:

• Applicants must hold or anticipate a PhD degree before the contract is issued.
• Applications are submitted online via MS FORMS.
• Referees will be contacted via email and asked to upload their confidential reference letter via MS FORMS until the end of the deadline.
• All CoE KRs constitute the review panel. Applications are reviewed by 3 KRs, who score candidates (1-5) based on qualifications, research experience, motivation, intellectual engagement, and creativity. Only applicants with an average score of at least 3 proceed to the next step (the top 20% of applicants).

Step 2: Panel Interviews and matching phase:

• Shortlisted applicants participate in a structured online interview with a panel of 3 researchers (including the first choice KR of the candidate and including at least one female KR).
• The interview includes: (i) a 15 -min presentation on their research achievements, followed by (ii) a 10-min discussion, (iii) then a 15-min discussion of future research interests and career goals.
• Applicants are graded independently by each panellist (1-5), who assess the candidates based on how curious, creative, productive, ambitious, team-oriented, and rigorous they are as scientists. The top-ranking candidates (scoring 3, top 40 %) will enter a matching phase.
• Applicants meet online one two one with their preferred KRs (and their lab members) over 3 days to discuss potential matches. Candidates and KRs submit mutual preferences, and only those who find a match are admitted to the Excellent Brain Postdoc Program.

Step 3: Research Plan development phase:

• Selection of the key co-supervisor: The postdoc and the primary KR discuss and select the most suitable co-supervisor from among the KRs of the CoE. Ideally, the co-supervisor will also act as a collaborator on the proposed research project.
• Research plan development: The primary supervisor and co-supervisor meet with the postdoc fellow to discuss the research plan that matches the scope of the CoE. Then, the postdoc fellow develops a 5-page research proposal, including detailed experimental plans. Creativity and independence are highly valued, and fellows are encouraged to incorporate new ideas and leverage their unique expertise.
• Feedback and approval process: The research plan is reviewed by another key researcher from the CoE, who provides critical feedback for improvement. The reviewing key researcher makes a recommendation on the proposal’s approval to the board of directors.
• Final approval: The Board of Directors reviews and approves the final research plan. Once approved, the postdoc fellow can begin their research project.

 Postdoc start date: Flexible, from mid-October 2025 until mid-January 2026.