FAQ

CALL IS NOW CLOSED!

• Can I apply for a post-doc in the DSSC COFUND programme?
  No, the DSSC COFUND programme is exclusively a PhD Program.

• Does the DSSC COFUND programme provide family allowance?
  No , the DSSC COFUND programme does not provide family allowance.

• What is the duration of the appointment in the DSSC COFUND programme?
  The DSSC PhDs will receive a fulltime appointment of 1 year with the perspective of extension for another 3 years. The extension depends on the outcome of the PhDs’ evaluation after 9 months from the beginning of their appointment. The evaluation assesses the possibility that the PhD student will successfully complete their thesis within the following 3 years. All DSSC PhDs are required to complete a PhD thesis by the end of the employment period.

• Is the DSSC Programme open to researchers from any country?
  Yes, the DSSC Programme welcomes researchers from any country, provided they comply with the Trans-national Mobility rule: Researchers may not have resided or carried out their main activity in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before  the reference date of the DSSC COFUND call deadline (15 July 2017) unless it was as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention.

• Is there an age limit for candidates applying to the DSSC Programme?
  The DSSC Programme has no age limit for its applicants. Applicants must be in the first four years of their research careers, and not have been awarded a doctoral degree, by the reference date of the DSSC COFUND call deadline (15 July 2017). They also need to be in possession of a Master’s degree or its equivalent in one of the fields relevant to the DSSC (e.g. mathematics, statistics, computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, physics, bioinformatics, astronomy). If the Master's diploma is not available by the closing of the call (15 July 2017), the applicant should include a letter from their Institution/Department confirming that the diploma will be issued no later than 1 September 2017. Failure to deliver the diploma by 1 September 2017will result in the rejection of the application.'

• How will the applicants’ eligibility be confirmed?
  The applicants’ match with the eligibility criteria will be checked upon application. In case an applicant is selected for admission to the Programme, and before the issue of an employment contract, the qualifications and references listed in the application will be checked to confirm compliance with the rules at the University of Groningen.

• How are applications submitted?
  Applications can only be submitted through the online application system that can be accessed from this website and the website of the University of Groningen. Referees can submit their reference letters to f.van.mastrigt rug.nl with the mention DSSC COFUND REFERENCE.

• In what language should the applications be submitted?
  Only applications written in English will be accepted. Academic diplomas and transcripts that are not in English should be accompanied by a non-certified translation in English. A certified translation of your diplomas and transcripts might be requested in case you are selected to the Programme.

• Is it possible to update my application or to submit additional material/information after the call deadline?
  No, applicants cannot submit additional material or information once their application has been submitted and online application system is closed.

• What happens to my submission if it is incomplete?
  Applicants must verify that their application is complete upon submission. Incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible during the eligibility check.

• If I am offered a DSSC PhD position, when should I start?
  Applicants must confirm their acceptance of the DSSC letter of offer within 2 weeks since its receipts. Applicants are expected to start their positions no later than March 1 2018.

• How long / where should the industry secondment be?
  Secondments can last up to 6 months and take place at partners selected together with your Supervisory team.

• What training will I receive as part of the DSSC programme?
  As a DSSC PhD student you will benefit from a combination of scientific training in Big Data and Complexity, general academic skills (including mandatory ethics training) and transferable skills (including entrepreneurship) that will be overseen by a team of experienced researchers who will act as your supervisors. You will also be placed on temporary secondments with the DSSC partners, following the guidance of your supervisors. Together with your supervisors you will outline a Training and Supervision Plan at the beginning of your appointment.
  
  More information about Training is available here.

• Where can I find practical information about living and working in the Netherlands?
  Information about living and working in the Netherlands is available on the website of the University of Groningen where the DSSC Program is embedded.

---

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No. 754315.