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.