“la Caixa”/CNIO International PhD Programme in Cancer Research, the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Spain

“la Caixa”/CNIO INTERNATIONAL PhD PROGRAMME, 2009 CALL

During 2009, the Fundación “la Caixa” will provide support for ten highly qualified graduate students to carry out their experimental work towards obtaining a PhD degree at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO) within a new International PhD Programme.

In the context of this new “la Caixa”/CNIO International PhD Programme, we are seeking ten exceptional and highly motivated PhD students interested in receiving ample cross-disciplinary training in state-of-the-art basic and applied cancer research.

WHO CAN APPLY?

• This call is open to applicants from all nationalities.
• Students of any nationality holding a university degree (BSc, MSc, Diploma, DEA, Licenciatura, Laurea or equivalent) in biomedical sciences, or who expect to be awarded with such qualification during the first half of 2009, are eligible to apply to the Programme. This university degree should qualify for the start of a PhD thesis in the student’s home country. Non-European university degrees should be equivalent to a European diploma or degree.
• Studies should have been completed no more than two years ago.
• Applicants must have an excellent academic record and previous research experience during their undergraduate period.
• Candidates must have a solid working knowledge of English.
• Co-authorship of publication in indexed journals will be positively considered.
• Participation in the CNIO Summer training programme will be positively evaluated.
• Individuals who have worked at CNIO for longer than three months at the time of incorporation will not be eligible.

Applicants having doubts about their eligibility should contact the Training Office (PhD[ at ]cnio.es) prior to submitting their application.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

• Students who gain a place in our PhD programme will obtain full financial support including tuition regardless of nationality. During the first two years, students will receive a total annual stipend of 18,550 euros plus a one time annual payment of 1,500 euros to cover miscellaneous expenses such as university fees, expenses derived from international congress attendance and/or stays in international research centres. During the third and fourth year, the graduate students will receive an employment contract with a gross annual salary of 26,700 euros plus a one time annual payment of 1,700 euros. This employment contract will be prepared in accordance to Spanish laws and regulations, and employees will be included in the general Spanish Social Security System.
• The fellowship will be paid at the end of each month through a bank transfer to a Spanish bank account.
• The fellowships will be awarded on a competitive basis and will be renewable annually for up to four years, depending on a positive evaluation from the supervisor.
• All students will receive full health and occupational insurance benefits.
• Graduate students will also be entitled to social benefits such as paid vacation days, subsidized meals and aids for studying Spanish and/or English.
• Doctoral students at CNIO usually have their doctoral degree awarded by a Madrid university. However, international PhD students may also choose to have their doctoral degree awarded by a university of their home country.
• During the duration of the fellowship the student must devote himself entirely to research at CNIO and may not be the beneficiary of any other fellowship, grant, stipend or regular income.
• This fellowship does not imply any obligation of CNIO regarding further incorporation of the employee to the staff.
• Expenses associated with the interview: Applicants invited to CNIO for interview will be able to claim for travel expenses (including air fares) together with overnight accommodation.

DEADLINES
The deadline for the receipt of complete applications (including reference letters) will be March 15th, 2009.

The PhD thesis has to be completed in 4 years, with no exceptions.

HOW TO APPLY
Application must be submitted exclusively through the web site. A link to the Online Application Form can be found at http://www.cnio.es/PhD

For more information, or if you have any question about this application, please e-mail PhD[ at ]cnio.es