Application and Selection Process

The information here provides an overview of the general application requirements. Slight variations in the process exist across each host institution. The specific hosting institution process takes precedent; please review information carefully.

The application deadline for some positions remains open: Tips for submitting your application:

Some positions remain opened, please click on the individual description to find the specific requirements and deadlines.

  1. Carfeully review all information before applying.
  2. Ensure you meet eligibility requirements for the position(s).
  3. Collect all needed documents prior to clicking the ‘start application’ button. The website portal can time out if left open for more than 10 minutes, so be sure to save regularly and ensure all documents are attached before submitting.
  4. Only upload the correct documents to the correct designated option.

Application Process

All questions on the TACsy project, the individual positions, and the application procedure are welcome, and can be directed via email to Prof. Daniel Merkle –

The application is to be submitted via the direct application link available in each position description, and must include:

  1. A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project(s) in question (max. two pages), followed by the TACsy-Application-Form.docx. This should all be combined into no more than three pages. You can apply for up to three different positions. Attach under the “Application form” option.
  2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), including list of relevant publications and personal contact information of two or three references. Attach under the “CV” option.
  3. Grade transcripts and certificates/diplomas (MSc). Attach under the “Certificates” option. Please note that some positions may have specific requirements for their PhD School admission, such as 60 ECTS MSc courses completed or a full MSc degree. These are listed in each position description.
  4. A research proposal/description of your approach to the project(s) in question (max one page excluding references). Attach under the “Project description” option.
  5. At least two signed letters of reference, combined into one file and attached under the “References” option. Should your referees instead wish to send their letters directly to us, they should send them to and mention your name and the title of the position in the subject line. Please note that these also need to reach us before the deadline.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated.

The Recruitment Selection procedure

Doctoral Candidate (DC) supervisors for each position will evaluate candidate application materials on a rolling basis in Spring 2023. All candidates will be assessed based on the TACsy rubric below. Candidates scoring above 80 will be invited for an online interview with the DC supervisors for that position. Each recruitment team reserves the right to conduct a 2nd interview.

TACsy Recruitment Rubric

In the selection process, the suitability of the applicant is rated using a scoring system. In each round, a committee organized by the host institutions will evaluate the candidate considering four criteria and give a score for each criteria. The criteria and maximum are:

  • Motivation & Enthusiasm (10 points)
  • Research excellence (60 points)
  • Initiative & Independency (15 points)
  • Communication (15 points)
  • All candidates need to fulfill the general requirements. Within one month after the application deadline, an application is reviewed and the applicant will be informed if their submission meets the requirements to be invited for the video interview.
  • Candidates that score below 80 points are not eligible for an interview.
    Candidates that score at least 80* points are eligible for a virtual interview; not all candidates scoring 80 points may be invited for an interview depending on the applicant pool.
    Each recruitment committee reserves the right to hold a 2nd interview round, if needed.

    *Candidates with a score of at least 80 points may be considered, at the discretion of the TACsy Consortium, also for positions in TACsy not initially applied for. In this case candidates will be contacted directly.
  • The candidate with the highest score, but with a minimum of 80 points, will be offered the position.

The TACsy Consortium will take all measures to implement the principles set out in the Commission Recommendation in the European Charter for Researchers and the EURAXESS Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.

The appeal process is handled at the host institution – information about this can be found through the host institution’s website or recruitment portal. Questions on a specific position should be directed to the lead supervisors. Questions on the TACsy project can be directed to Project Manager, Eleni Bakou .