Description:
The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) is a joint program of graduate studies between the universities of Bonn and Cologne. Research areas at the two departments of Bonn and Cologne span almost the entire range of current physics; from astrophysics, biophysics and condensed matter research to particle physics, quantum optics and string theory.
The BCGS is now accepting applications for funding for four PhD positions in physics at University of Bonn and Cologne. Prior to applying for funding, candidates need to identify and contact a prospective PhD supervisor, either in Bonn or in Cologne, who will take on the candidate as a PhD student if the application for funding is successful.
Successful candidates will receive a BCGS stipend (1300 EUR per month) for three years, as well as a research assistant position (450 EUR per month) conferring social benefits including health insurance, amounting to total funding of approximately 1600 € per month.
This call is open to graduates from abroad, from within Germany, and to physics students of Bonn and Cologne Universities holding or about to graduate to an MSc degree in physics or related fields, or an equivalent degree. The selection of candidates will be based on their academic performance, previous research, and professional experience in the field. As the teaching language is English, adequate proficiency in English language is required.
Application Procedure and Documents:
1- A statement of purpose letter that clearly states the name of the prospective supervisor willing to accept the applicant as a PhD student. Please note that we cannot consider applications that do not fulfil this condition. Lists of research groups can be found at the departmental homepages of Bonn and Cologne. All prospective supervisors are informed about the possibility of the BCGS funding and the possible influx of inquiries.
2- Curriculum Vitae
3- MSc certificates/academic records and transcripts
4- Proof of English language proficiency: TOEFL (80 points, internet-based) or equivalent, e.g. IELTS (score 6.5), or an official document stating the language of instruction issued by the university of the candidate. Native English speakers are are exempt from this requirement.
5- Two recommendation letters sent independently from the institutional account of the recommender (pdf-files preferred). Candidates should not send these letters themselves.
The deadline for applications is 01 February 2017. Please send documents 1.-4. as a merged file in a pdf format to us (bcgs.phd@uni-bonn.de) and arrange to have the recommendation letters sent on time.
Selection Procedure:
Pre-selected applicants will be invited to attend to a one-week-long BCGS Admissions Academy to present their previous research, for discussions with our selection committee and interviews. The Admissions Academy will take place on 25-31 March 2017. During the Admissions Academy, candidates will also have the opportunity to visit both universities and meet their prospective supervisors. All costs, including economic air travel, will be covered by BCGS. Candidates will be informed of the outcome soon after the end of the Admissions Academy.
Tuition Fee
There are no tuition fees at the universities of Bonn and Cologne. Enrolment fees are due at the beginning of every semester, and amount to about 300 EUR per semester.
Further information
For further information on the vibrant research environment offered by the BCGS, lecture courses in Bonn and Cologne, intensive weeks, our mentoring program, student activities and much more, see http://www.gradschool.physics.uni-koeln.de. Lists of research groups can be found at the departmental homepages of Bonn and Cologne.