Brief Technical Guide for Online Submissions

In a first step, a registration form must be filled out. You will then automatically obtain a confirmation and a login account on our server to complete the application with file uploads in the second step. This file upload procedure can take place in several sessions, but we prefer that the number of submitted files is small. Please use meaningful filenames. The allowed file formats are pdf, MS Word, and jpeg, but we strongly prefer pdf format. Other file formats are not supported and might cause rejection of your application, because the data cannot be evaluated. The recommended total file size for uploads is 6 MB; our system will reject further uploads at 20 MB. Please scan your certificates with sufficient resolution, but do not exaggerate. Black&White images take considerably less disk space than color or grey scale. A resolution between 75-200 dpi is usually fine. Please scan your certificates in an upright orientation, so that they can be comfortably evaluated on a computer screen. We recommend that you print your scanned images before starting the upload process, and check the quality. With your login account, you will be able to control the quality and correctness of your uploaded files on our system. There is a possibility to delete files and upload new data, before you declare that everything is complete. Our online system also allows you to check the status of your application through the entire selection process.

Requirements and Things To Do

Applicants must hold a Master, Diploma or equivalent degree in chemistry, physics (or in a related field such as biology ...) and should not be older than 28 years. Good functional knowledge of the English language is a mandatory prerequisite since the program is offered in this language. Knowledge of German is not essential for admission. The full program is offered in English language. For living in Germany, basic knowledge of the language is recommended to be developed by foreign students, at least after arrival. It is helpful, if you attend courses in German language before arrival, perhaps at one of the worldwide locations of the Goethe-Institut.

In your application, please state the general scientific research area of possible doctoral work, including a list of 1–3 potential research group leaders from the list of members with whom you would like to carry out your PhD research. It is not necessary to contact the faculty directly. However, you should visit the homepages of these professors to learn about the research areas before registration on our online application system. A direct application with one of our professors is not possible for this particular program. Only applications are considered which are submitted via our online system.

For due consideration the following materials must be submitted:

•  a statement of purpose detailing your motivation for PhD study, your research interests and professional goals (must be in English);
•  a curriculum vitae (must be in English);
•  graduate and undergraduate transcripts detailing your academic background, and accomplishments (M.Sc./Diploma certificate, marks obtained ...). If final M.Sc./Diploma certificate has not been issued yet, then send provisional transcripts, marksheets, or any other document showing academic accomplishments. Then, in your application letter, indicate the anticipated date of issue of the final document. Please include certificates of special awards, tests and other documents indicating special achievements, if available
•  a list of 1–3 faculty members as potential research mentors; please provide specific scientific reasoning for this selection (in English).