Thanks so much for your interest in the EXPECT-AGRI position(s) I advertised. As I am getting a lot of recurring questions, here’s a first overview of answers to FAQs. I hope this answers your query.
- The application portal is not working for me; can I send you my documents via email? Or can you help me?
Unfortunately, I cannot consider applications that are only sent to me via email. Please submit your application through the portal. If you are having technical difficulties, please review the help section or get in touch with the University of Basel’s IT support. I am unable to help you with technical issues.
- I would like to have a call with you to talk more about the position and/or my qualifications.
Given the numbers of applicants, and for reasons of fairness, I cannot have informational interviews. If you are interested, please apply – I will be happy to answer your questions about the position during the selection interviews if you are in the next round.
- Should I apply for this position, given my qualifications (e.g. my degree, my language skills, my background, etc.)?
Only you can answer this question. Please review the criteria listed in the job ad, and in your application make a case for why you still feel you are a good fit even if you do not meet some criteria. Generally, the further away you are from the core requirements (e.g. in terms of degree type, language knowledge, skills), the better the case you will need to make to be competitive and enter the second round, as we will use these requirements to filter candidates.
- Can I apply, coming from country X?
Yes – there are no limitations with regard to country of origin.
- Can I still apply for the PhD position if my Master’s grades do not meet the minimum grade as stated in the job ad?
The minimum grade is a hard requirement from the University of Basel to be accepted as a PhD student, there is no negotiation space there.
- Can I take this position and work remotely/not from Basel?
No; all these positions require the successful applicants to be physically in Basel as their place of work for the majority of any given week, apart from when they are on fieldwork.
- Can I submit a second professional, non-academic reference?
If this reference is able to speak to your research skills, that is fine.
- The application portal is asking for letters of reference; do we need to already provide those?
No; the contact information of your references is sufficient at this stage of the process.
Janina Grabs 