PhD Scholarships in Solar System Science ,University of Göttingen 2015
The International Max Planck Research School for Solar System Science at the University of Göttingen (“Solar System School”) offers a research-oriented doctoral program covering the physical aspects of Solar system science. It is jointly run by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research (MPS) and the University of Göttingen.
Research at the MPS covers three main research areas:
- “Sun and Heliosphere”,
- “Solar and Stellar Interiors”,
- “Planets and Comets”.
Solar System School students collaborate with leading scientists in these fields and graduates are awarded a doctoral degree from the renowned University of Göttingen or, if they choose, another university.
The Solar System School is open to students from all countries and offers an international three-year PhD program in an exceptional research environment with state-of-the-art facilities on the Göttingen Research Campus. Successful applicants receive an attractive scholarship covering relocation support, housing and living expenses and are exempt from tuition fees.
The language of the structured graduate program is English, with German language courses offered (optional). The program includes an inspiring curriculum of scientific lectures and seminars as well as advanced training workshops and provides travel funds to attend international conferences.
Applicants to the Solar System School should have a keen interest in Solar system science and a record of academic excellence. They must have, or must be about to obtain, an M.Sc. degree or equivalent in physics or a related field, including a written Masters thesis (or a scientific publication), and must document a good command of the English language.
Review of applications for a starting date of September 2015 will begin on 15 November 2014, but other starting times are also negotiable. Scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis. Applications will be accepted through the online application portal starting in October 2014, where applicants will be required to submit:
- an application form to be filled online, including two short texts describing the applicant’s scientific interests and their motivation to apply for PhD projects in the Solar System School, along with the applicant’s choice of up to three PhD projects;
- a curriculum vitae in pdf format;
- degree certificates and full transcripts of all academic records: i.e. scanned copies of B.Sc. and M.Sc. degree certificates (or equivalent), and lists of all courses with credits and grades issued by the respective school or university, with English or German translations;
- contact details for two or more referees who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of the applicant. The referees will be contacted by the School and will be asked to submit their letters through the online portal.
It is highly recommended to also submit
- certificate to prove proficiency in the English language, for candidates whose native language is not English or German (e.g. transcript of TOEFL / IELTS scores or equivalent);
- GRE Physics test scores or equivalent for candidates who have obtained their Master’s degree at a university outside of Europe.
The Solar System School is committed to increase the diversity of its student body and particularly encourages applications from members of under-represented groups.
To apply, please register then login at the Online application portal (link coming soon). For further information, please browse the answers to Frequently Asked Questions and direct any further inquiries to the IMPRS scientific coordinator, Dr. Sonja Schuh, at
info[at]solar-system-school.de.
Official Website: http://www.mps.mpg.de/3773654/application2014
