PhD degree in physics at an international graduate school (Germany)
The research topics for doctoral theses address scientific problems from all areas of Solar System research represented at the institute, from geophysics and planetary physics to Solar and stellar physics as well as the underlying fundamental physics, computational physics, and space technology. High-profile space missions, outstanding projects for ground-based instruments and data analysis as well as theoretical and extensive numerical modeling provide a wide range of research possibilities for PhD students.
During their three-year PhD education, the candidates are advised by senior scientists. About 50 highly qualified doctoral candidates from more than 30 countries study at the Solar System School at any given time. The language of instruction is English. The curriculum has been designed to impart a broad, interdisciplinary and solid scientific education in astronomy and astrophysics, solar physics, and planetary sciences. It also includes additional qualification courses relevant for academic or non-academic careers.
Admittance to the programme is competitive and requires a Master of Science degree in physics or a related field. Calls for applications are issued once a year. Scholarship holders in the program receive attractive financial support to cover their housing and living expenses and are exempt from tuition fees. Graduate students obtain their PhD degree in a major scientific discipline with optimal career opportunities.
Application and admission
The Solar System School calls for applications for PhD Scholarships in Solar System Science once a year. In the regular recruitment cycle, applications for the following year may be submitted through the online portal from October 1 to November 15.
The Solar System School seeks excellent applicants with a keen interest in Solar System Science. Please see the latest call for the qualifications required to apply. Generally, PhD opportunities are announced and students are admitted to the Solar System School once per year. The next regular application deadline will be 15 November 2014 for a starting date in September 2015.
Alternatively, candidates can choose to submit their application outside the regular recruitment cycle. Off-cycle applications will normally be stored and reviewed during the following recruitment round. It is therefore important to submit an application strictly on time before the deadline if it is intended for a start in the upcoming academic year!
The School will use those documents that are submitted off-cycle to create an applicant pool which may be considered when new PhD project possibilities open up. Highly-qualified and well-motivated applications may alternatively be fast-tracked for review at any time of the year.
Please note that for technical reasons, off-cycle applications are not possible in the current period before October 1 2014. This option will only be available again after November 15 2014.
The school makes offers to successful candidates after completion of the interview phase. While the starting date can be negotiated at that stage, the recommended starting date is in September, as the introductory curricular courses start in October each year.
If a candidate has accepted an offer, the school will send out an invitation that is conditional on the successful completion of a relevant Master's degree (or equivalent). Since the regular recruitment cycle spans close to a year from call for applications to recommended starting date, applications are definitely encouraged even if the required Master's degree has not yet but will soon be obtained.