How to apply to IAMT

Job oppotunities: click here

I: Hints for successful applications

  • Read the job description & requirements and reply to these point by point in an cover letter.

  • Consult the IAMT website and research interests, access if your training/research experience matches (yes we get many random applications with no subject relevance).

  • Format your CV professionally, do not manipulate facts and add a high quality photo (no selfie).

  • IAMT receives high number of applicants. Screening an application takes typically 2 minutes and hence a well-presented application is selected. Discussions will take place only after complete and well-thought through applications are received.

  • Supply all required files in one pdf (zip and rar are not opened).

  • For postdoc positons IAMT requires 4 high quality first author publications from PhD (this indicates that a researcher has learnt to write scientifically and is willing to put the required effort).

  • Demonstrate independence by finding out and following scholarship/fellowship application requirements, opportunities and deadlines.

  • Show ability to take feedback by incorporating requests diligently.

  • Think about how you can contribute your gifts and talents to a very young and dynamic institute like IAMT.

  • Do not apply repeatedly after rejects, we are busy and do not running a human resources lottery; if you were in touch before and invited to reapply then refer to this clearly (and copy the previous email).

  • Addressing a female professor as ‘Sir’ results in an irreversible rejection due to socio-cultural incompatibility (yes this is quite common).

  • If you do not know how to apply for a position and cannot follow these instructions there are many consultants who can help for a fee (google can assist).

  • If you can follow these instructions, it is highly likely that you will succeed, at either IAMT or elsewhere - CONGRATULATIONS!

 

II: How to apply for PhD Positions

PhDs are recruited on a continuous basis and as such applications of well suited candidates are welcome. Experience with membrane technologies is highly desired. Random applications of ill-suited candidates are not considered. The recruitment process followed is:

  • Email CV with reference contact details, motivation letter & transcripts for screening to andrea.iris.schaefer∂kit.edu

  • Outline your intended funding avenue (scholarships to be applied for, DAAD being one of the most prestigious awards (CSC for Chinese PhD candidates)).

  • If deemed potentially suitable a research proposal (max 10 pages) is requested on the PhD topic of choice which details research questions, state of the art literature, time plan and required materials/budget. How this proposal preparation is approached is an integral part of candidate selection.

  • Following positive assessment of the research proposal candidates may be invited for skype or personal interview and references are requested.

  • Decision is made based on qualification and funding availability. Candidates able to secure their own funding will be accepted if deemed appointable at this stage.

  • All PhD candidates undergo a yearly progress review.

Please note that the employment of a researcher (salary) and enrolment as a PhD candidate in the Faculty are independent. Normally a first appointment is for a period of one year which can be continued with a 3 year PhD contract or further yearly appointments. The typical duration of a PhD is 3-4 years. Completion time and success depend on the candidate’s performance and hence cannot be guaranteed beforehand. All PhD candidates enrolled in the Faculty are required to contribute to teaching as well as research management. PhD supervision at IAMT is very structured with fortnightly progress reports and group meeting presentations. Highly motivated, independent and hard working PhD candidates will make a rewarding transition to independent researcher and receive a lot of career development opportunities for a leading role in academia or industrial R&D. Research periods abroad are strongly encouraged.

 

     Relevant Links

     Karlsruhe House of the Young Scientist (KHYS)

     German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) 

     China Scholarship Council (CSC) 

     Faculty of Chemical & Process Engineering PhD Registration Procedure

     KIT International Scholars & Welcome Office (IScO) 

 

III: How to apply for Postdoc positions

Postdocs are recruited only in exceptional circumstances and while applications of well suited candidates are welcome, postdocs are expected to be able to secure their own funding and write exciting research proposals. Experience with membrane technologies is absolutely necessary. Random applications of ill-suited candidates are not considered. The recruitment process followed is:

  • Email CV with reference contact details, motivation letter, publication list, PhD certificate & transcripts to andrea.iris.schaefer∂kit.edu for screening.

  • Outline your intended funding avenue (scholarships to be applied for, Humboldt, Marie Curie (EU), Starting Grants (ERC) and Emmy Nöther (DFG) being some of most prestigious awards).

  • If deemed potentially suitable a research proposal (max 10 pages) is requested on the chosen research topic of choice which details research questions, state of the art literature, time plan and required materials/budget. How this proposal preparation is approached is an integral part of postdoc selection.

  • Following positive assessment of the research proposal candidates may be invited for skype or personal interview and subsequently references are requested.

  • Decision is made based on qualification and funding availability. Candidates able to secure their own funding will be accepted if deemed appointable at this stage and the required host letters supplied.

  • As a guide, a successful Postdoc has typically published 4 good papers in their PhD which highlights research independence, time management, and writing skills.

 

     Relevant Links

     Karlsruhe House of the Young Scientist (KHYS) 

     Young Investigator Group Preparation Program (YIG Prep Pro)

     Alexander von Humboldt Foundation 

     European Research Council (ERC) 

     Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) Emmy Noether Programme

     Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

     KIT International Scholars & Welcome Office (IScO) 

     Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) 

Please note that these schemes are extremely competitive and hence very high quality proposals are essential. Searching for less well known schemes may be a very good strategy.

 

IV: Internships and Sabbaticals

We are delighted to host a select number of interns and sabbatical visitors. Besides scientific qualifications we require a minimum stay of 6 months due to the required administrative effort. To request a visit, personal contact with a convincing proposal is advised. Depending if undergraduate, PhD or professonial level the necessary information and proposed research activity should be supplied. For visiting PhD students written agreement from the PhD supervisor must accompany the application and collaboration with the home university is very welcome.

Please note that we do not pay financial assistance for interns, external masters or sabbaticals but will be willing to write host support letters and cover experimental costs & access to research facilities provided the proposed research activity is of mutual benefit.