Eligibility criteria & Application process

The Vienna Doctoral School of Pharmaceutical, Nutritional and Sport Sciences (PhaNuSpo) offers internationally competitive doctoral training across all research fields in the area of pharmaceutical, nutritional and sport sciences at the University of Vienna. Announcement of open positions are basically possible at any time. 

The application submission portal may vary from call to call: either via the University of Vienna's Job Center platform or via the recruitment portals of the doctoral schools, resp. via Apply@PhaNuSpo. Applications by email or other means are not considered for review.

In order to apply via Apply@PhaNuSpo, register yourself at the University of Vienna and open an u:account first. With your u:account user-ID you can apply via this platform.

PhaNuSpo values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.

Eligibility criteria

  • Master degree or equivalent in a discipline relevant for the open position.
  • PhaNuSpo's prevailing programme language is English; therefore, written and oral English proficiency is required (at least B2 level).

We expect from all successful candidates

to participate in research, teaching and administration, including:

  • Participation in research projects/research studies;
  • Participation in publications/academic articles/presentations;
  • To present publicly the planned thesis project and to sign a doctoral thesis agreement within 6-18 months;
  • Participation in teaching and independent teaching of courses as defined by the collective agreement;
  • Supervision of students;
  • Involvement in the organisation of meetings, conferences, symposiums;
  • Involvement in the department administration as well as in teaching and research administration.
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Application Portfolio

Please submit the following application portfolio in English as a single PDF document:

  • A motivation letter explaining why you apply to VDS - PhaNuSpo and the particular vacancy, also addressing your qualifications and summarising your previous research experiences. (max. 1 page).
  • Abstract of your master thesis, please note that this abstract must be identical to the one you will paste separately into a dedicated field of the online application form. (waived for students with “Staatsexamen” and no master thesis)
  • Curriculum vitae (CV) (max. 2 pages) indicating your education with time line and academic degrees, and listing your technical skills, past/ongoing projects you were scientifically involved in, as well as publications and awards if applicable.
  • Transcript of records of your MSc curriculum and copies of Bachelor and Master Diploma: certificates in German or in (certified) English translation in addition to their original language. Self-translated transcripts of your certificates are not be accepted.
  • Contact details of at least one reference

If the following points apply:

  • Optional: In case the Master thesis is not available yet, a confirmation letter of your supervisor is required including the expected date the MSc degree will be obtained the latest. The degree certificate must be available before start of the doctoral programme and employment.
  • Optional: Language Proficiency: Please be aware that English is the prevailing programme language, in case available provide proof of English proficiency (B2 or above) such as TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, School leaving certificate with English as graduation subject or similar.
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Selection process

  • Your application will be evaluated and scored based on the submitted documents regarding academic performance, research experience and expressed motivation. This stage of the selection process is usually to be completed within three weeks after the application deadline.
  • With the invitation to the interviews, selected candidates will be asked to prepare short talks (approx. 15 min) summarising their master thesis (or a provided scientific paper, if no MSc thesis was prepared in the course of your study) and their motivation to apply. A panel of expert PIs (≥ 2) (optional: + future team members) will host and chair the interviews. The interviews are held online or in presence.
  • Successful candidates are notified approx. 2-3 weeks after the interview, and expected to accept their position within two weeks of the notification.
  • Ideally, the selected PhD candidate should start his/her PhD studies within three months after the final decision has been made. However, under certain circumstances (e.g. visa issues) – exceptions can be made.
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Timeline (for bundled calls)

The selection procedure is expected to take 2 months after application deadline, dependent on number of applications.

  • Application closes: 21 days after opening date
  • Pre-selection meeting: about 2 weeks after deadline
  • Student interview days: within one months after pre-selection meeting
  • Final selection meeting: about 4 - 6 weeks after pre-selection meeting
  • Offers sent out: latest 2 weeks after final selection meeting
  • Offer to be accepted: within 2 weeks after position has been offered
  • Start: within 3 months after offer has been accepted - both, employment and PhD studies

If you have any questions about the PhaNuSpo programme, please contact the executive manager, Ms. Isolde Prommer

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Gender equality, diversity and non-discrimination

© Manuel Lavoriero

The University pursues a non-discriminatory employment policy and values equal opportunities, as well as diversity (http://diversity.univie.ac.at/). The University lays special emphasis on increasing the number of women in senior and in academic positions. Given equal qualifications, preference will be given to female applicants.

The University of Vienna has an institutionalised gender equality policy and within this framework PhaNuSpo strives to strengthen the career development of female scientists at all qualifications levels and to support compatibility between family and work/ training.

The Gender Equality and Diversity unit of the University of Vienna provides services which, based on the issue of gender equality, aim at ensuring equal opportunities for all university members.

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