Application process

The Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences (VDS-PhaNuSpo) offers internationally competitive doctoral training at the University of Vienna across all research fields with its three main research disciplines.

Eligibility criteria

  • The call is open to all early-stage researchers of any nationality who have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree.Applicants must hold a Master's degree or its equivalent in the field relevant to the specific call, which qualifies them to undertake doctoral studies.
  • You are eligible to apply if you are still in the process of completing your Master's programme and have not yet received your final degree certificate. However, successful applicants must provide the Master's degree certificate before the date of the work appointment and the application for admission to the doctoral programme. See application documents below.
  • Language requrements: English is required and essential (written and oral at C1 level); German is an advantage. Formal proof of English language skills is not required for the application itself, but is highly recommended tro attach. If you are invited for an interview, the selection committee will also assess your English language skills.

Online application: Rules
  • Applicants for the AIDD project positions:
    • Submit ONE APPLICATION only ! Multiple applications will not be considered.
    • Select "AIDD#1-AIDD#10: Anti-Infective Drug Discovery" from the 'Position' drop-down menu, follow the instructions and enter a maximum of 2 projects choices using the codes provided here.
  • Applicants for all other PhD positions:
    • Select the position you want to apply for from the 'Position' drop-down menu.
  • Note: Before accessing  the Apply@PhaNuSpo application platform, you must create an u:account.

Required documents

Submit the following documents in English as a SINGLE PDF file:

  • A strong motivation letter: Explain why you are applying for the specific vacancy and address your motivation and qualifications. Please summarise any relevant research experience. (maximum 1 page).
  • Abstract of your Master’s thesis: Please note that this abstract must be identical to the one you will submit separately in the dedicated field of the application form below (this requirement is waived for students with “Staatsexamen” and no MSc thesis).
  • Curriculum vitae (CV): Chronological outline of your education and academic qualifications, highlighting your technical proficiency, and if applicable, the completed and ongoing projects in which you are involved scientifically, together with a list of publications and major achievements. (maximum 2 pages).
  • Copies of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates (or “Staatsexamen”) in German or a certified English translation in addition to the original language. Including all the credit transcripts (transcript of records)! Self-translated certificates and transcripts will not be accepted.
  • Contact details of two references who have supervised your previous research projects (e.g. Master thesis) and who are willing to provide a letter of recommendation upon request by the VDS-PhaNuSpo. Enter their names and contact details in the application form below.

Attach any other relevant documents (e.g., awards, relevant internships, participation in research projects, laboratory techniques, transferable skills).

If the following point applies: If you do not yet hold a Master's degree, you must provide a letter from your supervisor on official university letterhead confirming the expected date of completion of the Master's programme and the latest date by which the Master's degree will be received.

Rules after your application

  • We don't give you any individualised information regarding individual status.
  • All applications submitted are forwarded in a timely manner to the principal investigator(s) of preferences for review, and an evaluation committee will be assigned to these principal investigator(s).

Selection process

  • The selection committee will carefully evaluate and score the quality of your application and will score it on the basis of the documents submitted in terms of academic record, research experience, scientific fit and expressed motivation. The first round of selection is therefore based solely on the documents submitted. This stage of the selection process should normally be completed within three weeks after the application deadline.
  • For the second stage of the application process, selected candidates will be invited to online interviews. For this purpose, candidates will be asked to prepare summaries of their Master's thesis, their motivation and expectations (10-15 min). The interviews will be conducted by the announcing PI together with a small PI panel, reflecting the areas of interest indicated by the applicant.  If necessary, further shortlisted candidates will be invited to more detailed interviews by the announcing PI and colleagues for final selection.
  • Successful candidates will be notified shortly after the interview and are expected to accept the position within two weeks of the notification.
  • Ideally, the selected PhD candidate will start the doctoral projects (studies programme and position) at the beginning of the winter semester at the latest. However, under certain circumstances (e.g. visa issues, care responsibilities), exceptions for later starting dates can be made after personal consultation. The VDS-PhaNuSpo values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

Timeline overview table (approx. depending on the number of applications received)

  • Application opens: 21 March 2025
  • Application closes: 13 April 1025 at 23:59 CET
  • Pre-selection meeting: April/May 2025
  • Interview days: planned for May/June 2025
  • Offers sent out: June/July 2025
  • Offer need to be accepted: Within 2 weeks after position has been offered to the successful candidate.
  • Start: The four-year positions can be filled as soon as possible, preferably no later than the start of the winter semester on 1 October 2025.

If you have any questions about the VDS-PhaNuSpo programme and/or application and recruiting process, please contact Isolde Prommer (vds.phanuspo@univie.ac.at) (she/her).