The Interview Days
It is important for us to personally get to know you. This is the cornerstone for a successful relationship between a PhD student and his/her future supervisor. The interview days are challenging. On the other hand you will have a great opportunity to learn about what MFPL scientists are doing, to meet students from many different countries – and to get a glimpse of what life in Vienna looks like.
The MFPL will refund all travel expenses and provide accommodation. You are welcome to arrive in Vienna on the day before (i.e. Sunday, 20 May) and stay until the day after the interviews (Friday, 25 May). Your participation during the interview procedure in Vienna is essential if you want to join the program.
Our welcome session will start on Monday afternoon. You will briefly introduce yourselves, and MFPL group leaders who offer PhD positions will give a short overview on their research and current projects. After that, we will show you the MFPL building and visit some of our facilities. In the evening, a dinner in the campus cafeteria together with the MFPL group leaders will allow you to get to know them and ask first questions.
Tuesday will be dedicated to the first round of interviews. Each candidate will be interviewed by a panel of four faculty members. This committee evaluates the candidates’ overall qualification. You will have to give a 15-minute presentation of your master thesis and a 15-minute presentation/critical analysis of a scientific paper. You can choose a paper from a list that will be sent together with the invitation. In addition, we will ask questions about your background and research interests. The presentation has the format of a chalk talk – Powerpoint presentations are not possible. Feel free to bring your master thesis.
To unwind from this day and refresh yourself, we will invite you for dinner and introduce you to some Viennese specialties. Two PhD students from each participating lab will also be present. You can now get a different perspective and meet some of your potential future colleagues. Ask them about daily life on campus and Vienna, and the groups you are interested in.
On Wednesday morning, the group leaders will discuss the results of the interviews. Based on this assessment, the top-ranked candidates can proceed to the individual interviews with the group leaders of their choice on Wednesday and Thursday morning. On Wednesday evening, there will be a social program for all candidates, regardless of whether they have passed or not.
Offers of admission
After the individual interviews, you will name your preferred research group. Admission is granted if the group leader, on his or her part, is willing to offer you the position. The final results will be announced on Thursday afternoon. With this last session, the selection is officially closed.
We expect the selected students to accept the offer in writing within 3 weeks and start within 6 months after the selection. The starting date will be agreed with the group leader.
You will receive our Welcome Guide that provides lots of information about how to get started in Vienna. Also, those of you who need to apply for a visa will get the necessary help to speed up the application procedures.