Post Doc FAQ

Questions

• How can I enter the SEMM international post doc program?
• Are there post doc positions at the Campus IFOM-IEO outside the program?
• What academic title is required to apply to the post doc program?
• I already have postdoctoral training. Am I eligible to apply?
• What degree should I hold to apply to the SEMM international post doc program?
• Are Non-European candidates eligible to apply to the SEMM post doc program?
• Is there any age limit for taking part in the selection?
• I was awarded my Ph.D. 5 years ago; will you take into account a career break due to maternity leave, in order to make me eligible?
• I will receive my degree in the next weeks/months. Am I eligible to apply?
• When is the call for selections?
• How can I submit my application?
• Who is in charge to provide the referees with the template for reference letters?
• May I provide the reference letters on behalf of my referees?
• Can I contact the group leader in order to write the requested research project proposal?
• How long will I have to write the project?
• Will there be interviews with group leaders?
• Is there any fellowship/scholarship/stipend for international students?
• Is it possible to have a telephone interview?
• Is there a template of the application form?
• I am a German-speaking student. Must I know Italian to take part in the selection?
• When does the program start?
• Are there any tuition fees to be paid?
• In the application form I am asked to indicate the group leader of my choice. Is there a list to which I can refer?

Answers

• How can I enter the SEMM international post doc program?
  The only way to be admitted to the SEMM international post doc program is to take part in the selection procedure.

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• Are there post doc positions at the Campus IFOM-IEO outside the program?
  Post doc positions outside the program are usually available throughout the year at the Campus IFOM-IEO. Positions are announced on the Campus website. Interested candidates should contact the relevant group leader directly.

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• What academic title is required to apply to the post doc program?
  The required academic title is a Ph.D.

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• I already have postdoctoral training. Am I eligible to apply?
  You are welcome to apply to our post doc program, provided that your Ph.D. was awarded no more than four years prior to the application date.

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• What degree should I hold to apply to the SEMM international post doc program?
  The minimum requirement to apply to the SEMM international post doc program is a Ph.D. in a scientific area, awarded no more than four years prior to the application date.

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• Are Non-European candidates eligible to apply to the SEMM International Post doc Program?
  There are no citizenship restrictions for admission to the SEMM post doc program.

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• Is there any age limit for taking part in the selection?
  There is no age limit, but your Ph.D. must have been awarded no more than four years prior to the application date.

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• I was awarded my Ph.D. 5 years ago; will you take into account a career break due to maternity leave, in order to make me eligible?
  Yes, women with children can claim one additional year per child (up to a maximum of three years).

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• I will receive my degree in the next weeks/months. Am I eligible to apply?
  You can apply even if you have not yet received your Ph.D. degree, provided that you graduate within two months of your application.

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• When is the call for selections?
  Selections will take place twice a year, one in the summer, one in the winter. However, specific deadlines per each call will be announced on the website.

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• How can I submit my application?
  Submission is possible only through our website, by completing an application form that will be made available on the website when the selection is called. You will be required to submit 3 reference letters together with the application form.

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• Who is in charge to provide the referees with the template for reference letters?
  Candidates are in charge to inform the referees of their application and provide them with the appropriate template that can be downloaded from the application area on the SEMM web site.

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• May I provide the reference letters on behalf of my referees?
  Your referees should e-mail directly the reference letters to postdocsemm.it. Reference letters sent by the candidates will not be taken into consideration.

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• Can I contact the group leader in order to write the requested research project proposal?
  Yes you should contact your preferred group leader directly, in order to obtain a bibliography and information relevant to the project to be written.

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• How long will I have to write the project?
  You will be given 2 weeks to write the project.

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• Will there be interviews with group leaders?
  Yes, when candidates come for their oral examination, interviews with group leaders will be scheduled, based on candidates' and group leaders' availability.

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• Is there any fellowship/scholarship/stipend for international students?
  All students receive a fellowship, regardless of their nationality.

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• Is it possible to have a telephone interview?
  Telephone interviews are not foreseen. However, the committee might consider this possibility if there are special needs. Telephone interviews cannot replace the oral examination.

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• Is there a template of the application form?
  An example of the application form is available on our website. You will find the main information for application outlined in this document.

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• I am a German-speaking student. Must I know Italian to take part in the selection?
  The official language of the School is English. Therefore, all exams and courses are held in English.

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• When does the program start?
  Within approximately 10 weeks from application deadline, successful candidates will be invited to sign an acceptance letter. They will be given a maximum of 3 months from the signature date to relocate to the host laboratory.

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• Are there any tuition fees to be paid?
  No

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• In the application form I am asked to indicate the group leader of my choice. Is there a list to which I can refer?
  The list of group leaders offering a position is available in the application area of the SEMM web site.

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