Applications are assessed through a four-step selection and recruitment process. To ensure equal opportunities for all applicants, supervisors are not involved at any stage of the candidate selection process.
A - Eligibility check
The Programme Management Team will first verify that each application meets all eligibility requirements described in the "How to Apply > Eligibility Conditions" section. They will also ensure that all required supporting documents have been submitted and are complete.
Only eligible and complete applications will proceed to the first evaluation round.
B - First Evaluation round – Application review
Eligible applications will be evaluated remotely by independent expert reviewers. Each application will be assessed on a total score of 100 points based on the submitted documents, including the curriculum vitae, letters of reference, cover letter, degree certificate(s), academic transcripts, and any other supporting documents.
The evaluation will follow the criteria below:
• Relevance of the academic background to the programme requirements (/20)
• Academic records (ranking of the applicant in their class if available) (/20)
• Honours and distinctions (/10)
• Letters of reference (/10)
MOTIVATION (/30)
• Clarity of the professional project (/10)
• Motivation to join the PhD programme and PSL research environment (/20)
EXPERIENCE (/10)
• Mobility/international experience (exchange programme, Erasmus, etc.)
• Work experience
• Training (scientific and non-scientific courses)
• Extracurricular activities
Applicants must obtain a minimum score of 70/100 to be invited to the interview stage (second round). The score obtained during this first evaluation will account for 40% of the final selection score.
Applicants selected for the second round will be informed of their results, their ranking, and the interview arrangements. Applicants who are not selected will receive an individual evaluation report by email.
C – Second Evaluation round - Interview
Applicants who score 70/100 or above in the first evaluation round will be invited to an interview that will be structured with a presentation of the applicant (max 10 minutes) and a series of questions from the jury, including technical aspects on the PhD project (10 minutes).
During the interview, candidates will be assessed by a selection committee according to the following criteria:
• Motivation for joining the PRISM programme /20
• Experience and training in the field (/20)
EXCELLENCE(/40)
• Knowledge of the scientific literature on the chosen research topic /20
• Answer to the questions (accuracy) /20
COMMUNICATION(/20)
• Quality of the presentation (clarity, accuracy) /10
• English level /10
Applicants must obtain a minimum interview score of 70/100. The interview score will represent 60% of the final selection score.
The final score will be calculated by combining the weighted results from both evaluation rounds:
• First evaluation round: 40%
• Interview: 60%
Candidates will then be ranked according to their final score. The highest-ranked candidates will be offered a position, additional successful candidates may be placed on a reserve list, and applicants who do not achieve the required minimum scores will not be selected.
D - Recruitment
Once a candidate accepts the offer, the Programme Management Team will initiate the recruitment process.
For certain nationalities, French regulations require a mandatory security clearance procedure, which will be conducted during the final stage of recruitment.
If a selected candidate declines the offer or is unable to complete the recruitment process, the position may be offered to the next eligible candidate on the reserve list.
International candidates who accept an offer will receive an official invitation letter to support their visa application.
The detailed selection and evaluation process is described in the Guide For Applicants document, available in the "How to Apply > Guide for applicants" section.