Apply for our research projects

Overview

15 Doctoral Candidates will be employed to conduct research on fundamental biology leading to the development of next-generation diagnostics on ESKAPE pathogens.

We have a vibrant and multi-disciplinary team of academics and experts involved in supervision and training, and the consortium is now inviting applications for 15 doctoral candidates (DCs) for these fully-funded positions. The DCs will be employed on a full-time basis for 36 months and based at one of the eleven host institutions. They will also spend time on secondments at both academic and non-academic partners, thereby ensuring that all DCs will spend time in both academia and industry.

Please read the details of each project description and further instructions on 'How to Apply' for these positions.

The call for applications is now open for 15 Doctoral Candidates for the StraDiVarious Doctoral Network. There is one position for each of the 15 projects listed below. Click on each individual project for further information. It will increase your chances if you apply to more than one project (maximum three).

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must not have been awarded a doctorate previously.

• Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the date of recruitment. See: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/doctoral-networks ‘What does the funding cover’.

• Candidates must have a high level of English proficiency (demonstrated eg by TOEFL, IELTS certification) or by having been educated in an English-speaking country to age 18.

• Candidates must meet all eligibility criteria as outlined in the individual research project descriptions.

• Candidates must meet the entry requirements of the institution to which they apply.

Application Requirements

The candidates will be selected based on the quality of the application, expertise, work experience, and qualifications. In the first instance, an expression of interest should be lodged containing the following documents (in English) consolidated into one single PDF file. As mentioned above, it will increase your chances if you apply to more than one project.

• A current cv (max 2 pages).

• A short cover letter, no more than 600 words that covers the following:
  1: your motivation and key research experience/achievements that demonstrate independent thinking and your ability to complete a PhD.  Evidence the skills you claim with the documents you give us.
  2. the original working title of your MSc or BSc thesis.
  3. The first scientific memory that you have (max 250 words)

• A clear statement if and how and what AI tools you used. We recommend you do not use them.

• The table of contents of your thesis

• A research outline (max 500 words) related to the DC topic in which you suggest how you meet and can develop further the research project described in the project advertisement. Be specific: where in your attached certificates can we find proof of the necessary qualifications for the given position?

The following items are also needed, but not as part of the single PDF.

• If, as we suggest, you are applying for up to 3 PhD positions in StraDiVarious list your choices in order of preference. (You do not need to provide further information.)

• Details of 2 referees (names, contact details) who can provide additional information about your qualifications.

• Official Academic Record - Bachelor's and Master’s Certificates and Transcripts

• We expect that, if a Master’s Degree is required, you will either have completed it at the time of application, or will do so with the requisite grades and be able to provide a degree certificate by July 1^st ,2026. In such a case, acceptance is conditional.

• Demonstration of English-language proficiency (official certificates from language tests, or based on your schooling and where you grew up).

• Any other requirements as outlined in the individual research project description.

If we suspect unreported use of AI-generated text, we reserve the right to check using AI-text detection tools and summarily reject the application. This is consistent with our no-tolerance policy towards plagiarism.

Key Dates

• 12 Nov 2025 applications open

• 6 Jan 2026 application deadline

• 9, 13 Feb 2026 online interviews take place; candidates need to be available on both days.

• By March 2026 offers sent to successful candidates

• Aug – Sep 2026 Commencement of posts