Online applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed of recruiting PIs from all programs. Two to three weeks after the call deadline, candidates whose application has been retained are invited to the Zoom pre-selection. About 10 to 15 % of applicants are usually longlisted at this stage.
Zoom pre-selections are generally held early in January for the Winter call, and mid-May for the Summer call. Pre-selected candidates receive a list of recruiting PIs and a link to pre-recorded video presentations from each recruiting research group.
On days 1 and 2, candidates give a virtual 10-minute scientific presentation followed by a 5-minute question and answer session. An advisory committee composed of non-recruiting members of the PhD School evaluates the different candidates and decides on their eligibility to the PhD School.
On days 3 and 4, candidates have virtual one-on-one interviews with recruiting PIs. Candidates are encouraged to interview with as many PIs as they wish. PIs may decline interviews.
At the end of the Zoom pre-selection week, candidates are asked to give a preliminary list of the research groups they like, and recruiting PIs are asked to rank the candidates. The selection committee takes these preferences into consideration to shortlist candidates for on-site interviews. Candidates are notified by email at the end of the pre-selection week whether they are invited for on-site interviews. Usually, the number of shortlisted candidates corresponds to 1.5× the number of open positions.
Interview Days are generally held in Geneva from Monday to Wednesday in weeks 5 or 6 for the Winter Call and in weeks 26 or 27 for the Summer Call. Candidates can visit the research groups they are interested in and interact with host students. At the end of the Interview Days, candidates are asked to provide a list of labs they would like to join. PIs can then make offers to candidates. The candidate’s preference determines the final match. Only those candidates who have received an offer from a PI are officially accepted by the PhD School.