Frequently Asked Questions

How many positions are funded by the AUFRANDE program?

The AUFRANDE Program aims to fund 64 positions in total, 35 are now open as part of Call 1. Each open position is advertised with three research project options, only one of which will be funded. You are invited to choose the research project option that is best for you.

Where can I find the open positions?

All open positions are available here.

How many calls for applications will there be?

There will be two or three calls for applications, the first opening on 14 February 2023 and closing on 11 April 2023. The second call for applications is foreseen to open in November 2023 and close in December 2023. If necessary, a third call for applications will be launched in 2024.

Will a position advertised in the previous call(s) be available again?

Different positions will be advertised in each call. Only unfilled positions will be re-advertised.

How to complete the application form?

The portal is user-friendly and intuitive, and there is a manual available should you need additional support.

The fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory. You must complete your application in English to facilitate the selection procedure. All the information provided must be accurate and complete. Incomplete applications will be disregarded.

To complete your application, you will have to accept the data protection statement and certify that the answers provided are true and complete. You can only submit your application once you have completed all required sections of the Application Form and uploaded all the requested documents.

Can I submit more than one application?

You may apply for up to three positions in each call. If you apply for more than one position, you will be required to submit a separate application for each position. Note that you are not allowed to apply for more than three positions. In case you wish to withdraw an application and apply for another position instead, contact AUFRANDE Helpdesk at least 5 days prior to the deadline.

Do I need to submit different motivation letters for positions?

Yes. Your motivation letter should be specific to the position and reflect why you would be a good fit for the chosen position. Note that in case you wish to apply for more than one position, then you must submit separate applications for the 2nd and 3rd positions.

Can I submit other documents than the ones listed?

No, only the documents listed in the Guide for Applicants can be uploaded.

Can I send part of my application/or supporting documents by post or by e-mail?

No, applications and all supporting documents must be submitted electronically through the application portal.

References are required at application or they are required only if I get shortlisted?

References are mandatory at application stage. During the application process, you will be required to provide the names and email addresses of at least two referees, who will then provide their references online via the application portal. Please note that you are responsible for ensuring that your referees submit their references letters before the call deadline (11 April 2023 at 11:59 PM CET).

My application was unsuccessful, what can I do?

Unsuccessful Applicants may lodge an appeal within seven days of receiving the notification email if they believe that the results of the eligibility checks are incorrect and/or feel that there has been a shortcoming in the way their application was evaluated at the assessment and/or interview stages. To appeal, Applicants must submit a request for redress clearly describing the reasons why they are requesting a redress. More details are provided in the Guide for Applicants.

Unsuccessful Applicants to call 1 may apply to call 2.

How will AUFRANDE use the data collected?

The data collected as part of the selection process (application form, supporting documents and interviews) will be used for the sole purpose of AUFRANDE recruitment. The coordinator will communicate information of interest to the Selection Panel and Committees and the host universities. The data will be recorded for 5 years after the termination of AUFRANDE project for audit purposes.

The collection, processing and sharing of personal data and / or special categories of personal data will comply with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 (the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)) and other applicant regulation on personal data.

I am currently finishing my MSc. and I will not have diploma until June. Is it still okay to apply for the positions?

If you are currently enrolled in a degree (e.g. Master’s) that allows you to enroll in a PhD program, you can apply to AUFRANDE position(s). However, please note that you will need to have finished by the start of the fellowship, i.e no later than October 2023. As part of the application process please submit your provisional degree and transcripts and ensure they are official (stamped and signed by the university). It they are not in English, please also submit a translation in English (see Guide for Applicants). Also please submit all of your past degrees and transcripts available (e.g. Bachelor’s, especially if you are currently enrolled in a Master’s and do not have the Master’s completed). Applicants who do not submit these documents will be deemed ineligible.

If you are selected in the recruitment process, you will be required to submit your official awarded degree and full academic transcripts to both PhD awarding institutions for admission.

I am currently pursuing my master’s degree in France. Am I eligible to the mobility rule?

You are eligible if you have not been living in France for more than 12 months (in total) between 11 April 2020 and 11 April 2023. To prove your compliance with the mobility rule, please make sure that your CV clearly indicate the countries and exact dates of your previous experiences and study periods. AUFRANDE Team might contact you if there is a doubt about your compliance with this criteria.

I am a French citizen. Am I eligible to the mobility rule?

You are eligible if you have not been living in France for more than 12 months (in total) between 11 April 2020 and 11 April 2023. To prove your compliance with the mobility rule, please make sure that your CV clearly indicate the countries and exact dates of your previous experiences and study periods. AUFRANDE Team might contact you if there is a doubt about your compliance with this criteria.

I am currently enrolled in a Doctoral Program, but I have not defended my PhD yet. Can I apply?

Yes, provided that you:
• have not been enrolled in a Doctoral Program in the country of your chosen research host for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the call deadline, and
• have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree, and
• have not defended your thesis by the closing date for applications (i.e. 11 April 2023).

How do I prove my English proficiency?

All AUFRANDE candidates must have a demonstrated proficiency in English. Evidence varies from institution to institution, so you must refer to the PDF Position Description for the project you are interested in.

If am not from English speaking country but I have completed my Integrated Master’s (5 years program) from the institute where the language of instructions and examinations were in English only. Is it necessary for me to submit any English proficiency score?

English requirements vary from an university to another. In this sense we invite you to refer to the last section of the PDF description of the position(s) of your interest as well as the website of the host universities where they provide all information about their entry requirements.

When is the maximum date to submit my English certificate?

You will be required to submit a proof of English proficiency before enrolling at the host universities if you are the preferred candidate. In this sense, if you do not have a certificate by the time you submit your application, you may instead include a statement confirming that you commit to pass the required test if selected. Note that if you are the preferred candidate but do not pass the test or obtain the required results before enrolment, the offer might be withdrawn.

Do you have positions available for postdocs?

AUFRANDE does not have any post-doc position. Only the PhD positions advertised on our website are available.

What are the next steps for successful candidates?

The successful candidates will:
• be recruited by the corresponding host institution under a fixed-term full-time employment contract, including social security coverage;
• be recruited for a total period of 36 months (in compliance with the host institution’s usual practice, the positions may be subjected to a probationary period);
• be working exclusively for the action;
• perceive a competitive remuneration in accordance with the Marie Skłodowska Curie actions regulation for Doctoral Researchers;
• be assisted by their employer in the administrative procedures related to their recruitment and settling in their new host country;
• be enrolled in a PhD program in France and in Australia.

Will the candidate need to cover university tuition fees?

If your application is successful, you will be exempted from tuition fees at both universities.

Do I have to work from the country where the research is hosted?

According to the MSCA rules, recruited doctoral candidates must work from the premises of their host organisation. While AUFRANDE is flexible in supporting researcher’s individual needs, international experience is key to the program in general and the opportunity of being embedded with research and industry partners is something you won’t want to miss!

Is it mandatory to go to Australia?

All enrolled AUFRANDE candidates must travel and conduct their study and research in Australia for 6 to 12 months (depending of their institution’s requirements).

Does AUFRANDE program help in relocation of candidates from their current country of residence to university at host country (e.g. buying the flight tickets for candidates to travel to France)?

AUFRANDE fellows will benefit from a competitive monthly salary, which should cover all their needs for relocating to France.

The host institution’s team should assist the fellows with the administrative aspects of the relocation, in particular applying to a visa or any other registration process. Yet, they will not receive extra financial support at this stage. Fellows will receive financial support for relocating from France to Australia (up to EUR 10,000) when the time of their secondment comes.

Is there any extra support available? I want to apply but would need support to be successful in my doctorate.

An additional allowance is available for researchers who require extra support, for example, those who identify as experiencing financial hardship, have a disability or are refugees.

AUFRANDE is also committed to providing flexibility for researchers who experience career breaks, parental leave and illness. Participating universities have dedicated departments, Equitable Learning Services that provides confidential support to their students and ensure they are supported to reach their goals.

If you have any questions or need further guidance to apply for extra support, contact AUFRANDE Helpdesk for more information.

· Guide for applicants

· Guide for evaluators

· MSCA website

Hiring Institution

French institution employing AUFRANDE recruited researchers.

PhD-Awarding Institution

AUFRANDE researchers will be enrolled in a doctoral program in 2 universities: 1 in France (AUFRANDE French partner or an associated university) and 1 in Australia (AUFRANDE partner).

Doctoral Candidate

Early career researcher not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment.

Double doctoral degree

A double degree refers to two separate national diplomas issued by two higher education institutions and recognised officially in the countries where the degree-awarding institutions are located.

Interdisciplinarity

The integration of information, data, techniques, tools, perspectives, concepts or theories from two or more scientific disciplines.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

The European Union’s flagship funding programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training of researchers, managed by the European Research Executive Agency (REA). The MSCA fund excellent research and innovation and equip researchers at all stages of their career with new knowledge and skills, through mobility across borders and exposure to different sectors and disciplines. The MSCA also fund the development of excellent doctoral and postdoctoral training programmes and collaborative research projects worldwide. More information: https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/

COFUND

COFUND one of MSCA schemes that provides funding for regional, national and international programmes for training and career development, through co-funding mechanisms. COFUND Doctoral Programs offer research training activities to allow doctoral candidates to develop and broaden their skills and competences. They will lead to the award of a doctoral degree.