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, October 2025 – January 2026.

Contact person: For further inquiries please contact Katalin Szigeti, PhD, the Training Unit Coordinator of the CoE (margit.katalin.szigeti@univie.ac.at).