PhD Position: "Laser-synthesized nanomaterials for new biological applications" Aix-Marseille Université & RMIT University

Applicants should hold a master's or equivalent degree with research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall high distinction or a master's degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average and meet English proficiency requirements.

Successful candidates for this position will be enrolled as PhD candidate in 2 institutions and must comply with their specific entry requirements, as detailed in the position description available on AUFRANDE website.

AUFRANDE offers the recruited researchers an outstanding experience with excellent working conditions, including full-time employment contract in France with attractive salaries including social security benefits, a unique international research environment, and an innovative research training program in which they will deepen core scientific skills and develop new ones in complementary disciplines and sectors.

Benefits for recruited researchers include:

• Enrolment in a doctoral program in 2 entities in France and Australia, with the chance to be awarded dual doctorates;
• Work on innovative projects of high commercial and societal value;
• Be recruited in France under a full-time employment contract for a minimum period of 36-months;
• Earn an above-national standard salary including social security coverage;
• See the world with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including a 6 to 12 months residential stay in Australia;
• Form part of a rich multidisciplinary network of researchers and supervisors;
• Work closely with industry leaders and gain experience with the AUFRANDE’S pool of industry supporters.

Applicants must fulfill ALL the following minimum eligibility criteria at the date of the call deadline (24 January 2024):

1. Applicants must have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will NOT be considered eligible to apply.

2. Applicants may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the call deadline (i.e., since 24 January 2021). Time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention (1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol), compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

3. Applicants may not be already permanently employed by the chosen Research Host at the time of call deadline.

4. Applicants must meet the academic criteria for admission to the doctoral programs at both the French and the Australian enrolling universities.

5. Applicants must have a demonstrable C1 level of English (both speaking and in writing). 

1 - Online application: Submit your complete application through the online portal before 24 January 2024. Note that applications not complying with AUFRANDE and the 2 PhD awarding institutions’ requirements will be disregarded. 

2 - Eligibility check: AUFRANDE Team and both PhD awarding institutions will check whether your application complies with the requirements and meets the MSCA eligibility criteria.

3 - Assessment of eligible applications and first ranking: Applications that meet the eligibility criteria will be assessed by the assigned Selection Panel against the Evaluation Criteria (refer to the Guide for Evaluators, available on AUFRANDE website for more information).

4 - Interviews: Applicants shortlisted by the Selection Panel will be invited for an interview (by videoconference). Applicants will be contacted at least 5 days before the date of the interview.

5 - Final ranking and allocation of positions; If you have been successful at the interview and are the preferred candidate for the position, you will receive a conditional offer letter for admission into the AUFRANDE Program.

6 - Onboarding of successful Applicants: You will need to complete the registration process to be enrolled as a Doctoral Candidate at your 2 PhD awarding institutions, in France and Australia, and formalize your employment contract at your research host. You will then receive your offer letters issued by the institutions.

7 - Start your PhD between July and October 2024.