Recruitment Process - QuanG2 | Quang2: Quantum Grenoble Doctoral Programme

This page outlines how candidates are evaluated and selected. It presents the recruitment procedure for QuanG2 applicants.

The recruitment process follows a transparent, fair, and merit-based approach, in line with MSCA requirements.

Overview of the recruitment procedure

The recruitment process is structured around the key milestones listed in the application schedule and includes the following steps:

Call opening (without application platform)
The call is officially announced and all relevant information (PhD topics, eligibility criteria, documents to be provided, and key dates) is made publicly available.
Opening of the application platform
Candidates can submit their applications through the online platform, select up to five PhD topics, and rank them in order of preference.
First webinar for applicants
An information webinar is organised for QuanG2 applicants to present the programme, answer questions, and provide guidance on the application process. Supervisors will present their PhD subject
Closing of the call
The application platform closes. No additional documents or modifications can be submitted after the deadline.
Evaluation by two external reviewers
Each eligible application is independently assessed by two external reviewers who provide detailed reports on the candidate’s profile, qualifications, and suitability for the programme.
Shortlisting
Shortlists are established based on the external reviewers’ assessments and predefined evaluation criteria by the selection committee. Candidates selected in this stage proceed to the next steps of the recruitment process.
Online interviews
Shortlisted candidates are invited to online interviews with members of the recruitment committee. These interviews will include physics-related questions linked to the selected topics.
Second webinar with supervisors
A dedicated webinar brings together shortlisted candidates and potential supervisors to further discuss research topics, expectations, and supervision conditions.
Laboratory tours and networking event
Shortlisted candidates are invited in Grenoble to participate in laboratory visits and a networking event, providing opportunities to meet supervisors, research teams, and partners.
Interviews in Grenoble
Final interviews are held in Grenoble with selected candidates, and members of the selection committee.
Results
Final selection results are communicated to candidates. Successful applicants receive an offer, subject to eligibility verification and administrative validation.

Evaluation criteria

Candidates are assessed based on the following criteria:

Step 1		Step 2	Step 3
Application file evaluation criteria, threshold > 8		Pre-selection interview criteria	Interview evaluation criteria
Experience & scientific background in particular in the field of quantum physics, quantum materials and cryogenics, or its transverse axis (applied mathematics, computer science, chemistry, electrical engineering, humanities for quantum): research experience, international network, and scientific production	Candidate Profile: -Academic trackers: Consistency of career objectives, PhD candidature, academic awards and honours -Quality of L+M Thesis, grades and test scores -Strength of recommendation letters -Personal experience or interests (openness & creativity, earlier mobility experience, oral language skills...)	Subject knowledge: solid scientific background, depth of understanding of the quantum sciences, including relevant facts, data, and insights. - Critical thinking: demonstrating logical reasoning, problem solving abilities, and the capacity to address questions thoughtfully. -Communication skills: ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely in a convincing way.	Interview quality: Quality of presentation of their master final project, including understanding of the subject and acquired research skills,ability to address a new subject	Quality of the answers to the questions of the interviewers: logical and clear answers, scientifically sound. Excellent mastering of fundamental concepts is requested. Motivation and skills matching chosen topics.
0-5	0-5	0-5	0-5	0-5
Weighting application		Weighting pre-interview	Weighting interview
50%	50%	100%	40%	60%
50% of final score		25% of final score	25% of final score

Selection committee composition

The selection committee is composed of:

Members of the QuanG2 governing board
8 External experts (4 nationals outside of Grenoble and 4 internationals).

The committee ensures transparent, impartial, and merit-based evaluation of all applications

Candidate ranking and matching

Candidates are ranked based on the evaluation of their application and interview performance. Topic preferences expressed during the application process are taken into account during the matching phase, together with referees’ assessments and programme constraints.

The final supervisor–candidate matching aims to ensure the best possible alignment between the candidate’s profile, the selected PhD topic(s), and the hosting laboratory, while respecting fairness, transparency, and gender equality principles.