How to apply to IAMT

Job oppotunities: click here

I: Guidelines for successful applications

Read the job description & requirements and reply to these point by point in a concise 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 only well-presented applications are 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 positions IAMT normally 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 very welcome. Experience with membrane technologies is highly desired. Random applications of ill-suited candidates are not considered. The recruitment process followed is:

Send a complete application to andrea.iris.schaefer∂kit.edu; there is a research skill coaching available for PhD applicants (Click here for the Research Skills).
Outline your intended funding avenue (scholarships to be applied for, DAAD being one of the most prestigious awards (CSC for Chinese PhD candidates) and provide deadline and requirements in the cover letter).
A valid driver’s licence is required to work at IAMT to enable a professional and independent working.
IA research proposal (max 10 pages) is required 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 receive feedback and following revision 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 4 years and the PhD can be submitted once three publications are published and a fourth is submitted. Completion time and success depend on the candidate’s performance and hence cannot be guaranteed beforehand, while a very structured supervision and publication process at IAMT typically enables success. All PhD candidates are required to contribute to a very small amount of teaching, laboratory team duties, as well as research management. PhD supervision at IAMT is very structured with fortnightly progress reports, meetings and a very supportive team. 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)

DAAD scholarship database (DAAD database)

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 on both projects and with personal fellowships.While applications of well suited candidates are always welcome, postdocs are expected to be able to secure their own funding and write exciting research proposals. Experience with membrane technologies is 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 as well as a research proposal to andrea.iris.schaefer∂kit.edu.
Outline your intended funding avenue (scholarships to be applied for, Humboldt, Marie Curie (EU), Starting Grants (ERC) and Emmy Nöther (DFG), Helmholtz OCPC, being some of most prestigious awards).
The research proposal (max 10 pages) requested on the chosen research topic of choice which details research questions, state of the art literature, time plan and required materials/budge is an integral part of postdoc selection.
Following positive assessment of the research proposal candidates may receive feedback and following revision be invited for skype or personal interview.
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: Bachelor & masters thesis, visiting PhD candidates and Sabbaticals

We are delighted to host a select number of bachelor & master thesis candidates, visiting PhD students and sabbatical visitors.

Besides scientific qualifications we require a minimum stay of 6 months due to the required administrative effort, for visiting PhDs a period of one year is highly recommended. To request a visit, personal contact is advised. Collaboration with the home university is very welcome.

Bachelor/masters candidates: please send cover letter with preferred topic, start date, CV and transcripts – as well as supervisor at the home university (if other than KIT). A thesis is an academic requirement and not paid, many candidates secure scholarships such as Erasmus. Note that most master candidates have the opportunity to take part in a publication at IAMT.

Visiting PhDs: Applications require the same as for PhD at IAMT with the proposal being focused on the time at IAMT while a written agreement from the PhD supervisor must accompany the application.. Funding can be applied for from various agencies, including DAAD.

Sabbaticals: there are a number of schemes available such as Humboldt, DAAD or the KIT International Excellence Fellowships. Professors on sabbatical are of course very welcome and a rewarding addition to our team. It is worthwhile thinking about the outcomes of such a stay and it helps to bring a student who would be carrying out laboratory work.

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.