Eligibility criteria

Doctoral Networks are limited to researchers (Doctoral Candidates; DNs) who, at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, shall be in the first four years (full-time equivalent research experience) of their research careers and have not been awarded a doctoral degree.

At the time of recruitment by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date. Compulsory national service and/or short stays such as holidays are not taken into account.

As far as international European interest organisations or international organisations are concerned, this rule does not apply to the hosting of eligible researchers. However, the appointed researcher must not have spent more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment at the host organisation. The researchers may be a national of a Member State, of an Associated Country or of any other third country. Candidates can apply even if they have not already finished their Master. They just need to graduate before the date of recruitment.

English language
DNs must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high (min. B2 level) for them to derive the full benefit from the network training.

Definitions

Date of Recruitment
Normally means the first day of the employment of the fellow for the purposes of the project (i.e. the starting date indicated in the employment contract or equivalent direct contract).

Full-Time Equivalent Research Experience
Is measured from the date when a researcher obtained the degree which would formally entitle him/her to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the researcher is recruited or seconded, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate is or was ever envisaged.