Excellent Brains PhD Program in Neuroscience

The Excellent Brains PhD Program in Neuroscience is a prestigious, fully funded doctoral initiative spanning four years, dedicated to providing world-class education in neuroscience within Austria. It is spearheaded by the Cluster of Excellence “Neuronal Circuits in Health and Disease,” a collaborative endeavor uniting five of Austria's leading research institutions: the Medical University of Vienna (MUV), the Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), the University of Vienna (UNIVIE), the Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), and the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA/VBC). This nationwide program aims to recruit and train exceptional PhD candidates, fostering a stimulating and interdisciplinary scientific community while establishing a permanent structure for advancing neuroscience education in Austria.

The program's core focus lies in exploring the diversity and functional specializations of GABAergic cells, a crucial neuronal lineage vital for nervous system function and implicated in disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. By bringing together leading Austrian neuroscientists, the Cluster of Excellence integrates cutting-edge concepts, methodologies, and tools from basic and clinical neurobiology. This collaborative environment, coupled with joint recruitment, lab rotations, seminars, retreats, and workshops, is designed to foster community, collaboration, and comprehensive training. The MUV, MUI, UNIVIE, and ISTA serve as the legal bodies responsible for enrolling students and awarding the PhD title.

The Excellent Brains PhD Program in Neuroscience is open to talented graduates from Austria and abroad who hold a Master's degree or an equivalent qualification in relevant fields.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Academic Level: A Master's degree or equivalent in neuroscience, biology, genetics, physiology, bioinformatics, biochemistry, psychology, or human medicine. Applicants are expected to have this degree by the employment start date (typically no later than October 31, 2025).
• Field of Study: While generally open to life sciences, applications are highly encouraged from students with backgrounds in computer science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, physics, or mathematics who are interested in applying their skills to neurobiology.
• GPA: Applicants with non-European Master's degrees will be required to provide GPA scores.
• Equivalent Degree: Applicants holding a degree equivalent to a Master's degree can apply only if they possess a 4-year Bachelor's (BA or BSc) with First Class Honours and 240 ECTS in a Life Sciences related subject. They must also provide the degree certificate and academic transcripts at the time of application submission and demonstrate extensive research experience.
• Research Experience: Applicants must have research experience in relevant scientific areas.
• Language Requirements: A high level of both spoken and written English is required, though an official certificate is not explicitly mandated.
• Nationality: The program welcomes talented and motivated graduates from both Austria and abroad. The Cluster of Excellence is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, considering all qualified applicants regardless of gender identity, nationality, or background.

The Excellent Brains PhD Program offers fully funded PhD positions for four years. This comprehensive funding package generally includes:

• Tuition: Full coverage of tuition fees.
• Monthly Stipend: While a specific monthly stipend amount is not explicitly stated in the provided search results for the Excellent Brains program, "fully funded" PhD positions in similar European and US-based neuroscience programs typically include a competitive monthly stipend to cover living expenses.
• Health Insurance: It is generally assumed that fully funded PhD programs in Austria would include health insurance as part of the benefits, although it is not explicitly mentioned in the provided Excellent Brains program description.
• Relocation Guidance: The program offers guidance in relocation to Austria, which can assist international students with the practicalities of moving.
• Professional Development: Students benefit from opportunities for professional development and career advancement, including workshops focused on soft skills development.
• Research Environment: Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, and the opportunity to conduct research in dynamic, international teams led by world-class scientists.
• Training and Mentorship: The training includes joint seminars, workshops, journal clubs, and methodological courses. Students have the opportunity to participate in up to three lab rotations across different institutions of the CoE and will be supervised by two experienced and internationally renowned supervisors and a mentor.

The application process for the Excellent Brains PhD Program in Neuroscience is conducted online.

Here are the step-by-step instructions and required documents:

1. Select Key Researchers (KRs): Applicants should review the Key Researchers offering open positions during the specific call and choose three KRs with whom they would be interested in pursuing their PhD.
2. Complete Online Application Form: Fill out the online application form as provided on the official website. Clear instructions for filling the form are typically available on the website.
3. Attach Documents:
   • Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV should be attached.
   • Academic Diplomas and Transcripts: Provide copies of your academic diplomas and transcript of records. These should be combined into a single PDF file according to the instructions on the online application form.
   • Translations: If your academic documents are not in English, you must provide certified translations.
4. Provide Referee Details: Furnish the contact details for two referees. It is mandatory that at least one of these referees is your Master's thesis supervisor. Referees will be contacted via email to provide their reference directly to the program by the application deadline.
5. Tips for Applicants:
   • Ensure your application form is fully completed before the deadline, including the submission of references by your referees.
   • Highlight your research experience in relevant scientific areas.
   • Demonstrate a high level of both spoken and written English.
   • The Cluster of Excellence is dedicated to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in science, so all qualified applicants are considered regardless of gender identity, nationality, or background.

The application deadline for the Excellent Brains PhD Program in Neuroscience is July 10, 2025. The employment start date for successful candidates is typically October 1, 2025, for a contract length of four years.

The selection process for the Excellent Brains PhD Program is highly competitive, aiming to recruit up to 20 exceptional PhD candidates annually. Reviewers look for talented and motivated graduates from both Austria and abroad who demonstrate strong scientific potential and a passion for neuroscience.

Key aspects considered during the selection process include:

• Academic Qualifications: Evidence of strong academic background, including relevant Master's or equivalent degrees and, for non-European applicants, GPA scores.
• Research Experience: Extensive and relevant research experience is a crucial factor.
• Application Documents: A fully completed application form, comprehensive CV, academic transcripts, and strong letters of recommendation, particularly from the Master's thesis supervisor, are essential.
• Program Fit: The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary scientific community and a focus on GABAergic cells. Candidates who align with the research projects of the Key Researchers and demonstrate an interest in collaborative research are highly valued.
• Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The Cluster of Excellence is committed to these principles, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered regardless of gender identity, nationality, or background.

The training within the program itself is rigorous, featuring joint seminars, workshops, journal clubs, methodological courses, and up to three lab rotations in different institutions of the CoE. Students receive supervision from two experienced and internationally renowned supervisors, along with a dedicated mentor. This holistic approach ensures not only scientific excellence but also robust career development.