The CTRM PhD program is open to individuals holding an MSc
diploma (or equivalent, accepted by IST-ULisboa) in Engineering (Bioengineering,
Biomedical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Biochemical Engineering),
Medicine, Life Sciences or related areas (upon decision of the Scientific
Committee of the program). A strong academic background in engineering and
technology will be required and highly valued and favored. Applicants
particularly interested in clinical research/translational medicine and/or
technological innovation will also be given preference. Candidates with
entrepreneurship spirit will also be favored, as well as those with demonstrated
team’s work abilities and highly motivated to integrate R&D projects.
The selection of PhD candidates has to comply with the IST-ULisboa doctorate
regulations, in particular concerning pre-required skills and competences. A
requirement will be that the degree of the candidate allows him/her to follow
the CTRM program, also depending on the field/topic of choice for dissertation.
Only candidates that have obtained the MSc degree before the closing date for
applications will be considered.
Applicants need to be fluent in written and spoken English and, unless native
speakers, candidates should document their proficiency in English.
One innovative feature of this PhD program is that it will consider the inclusion of young intern/resident MDs as external doctoral students. These will be allowed to participate in the 1st year of Advanced Training and to join research teams with other (non-MD) doctoral students to develop their PhD work as part of the integrated projects approved by the program. External doctoral students will not be supported by a Fellowship from the PhD program, as they will carry on their projects as part of their clinical career.
CTRM is a program for talented and highly motivated students. Criteria for acceptance of a candidate are based on the excellence of the academic record, academic background, letter of motivation and letters of reference (see Applying). The selection and ranking criteria is a three-step procedure. Firstly, after the reception of the applications, a pre-assessment will be made to check whether each application conforms to the eligibility, taking into account the admission criteria (Phase 1).
A ranking is established (2nd Phase) considering two criteria (A and B) and according to the following:
Final Score = 0,65 x A + 0,35
x B (on a scale from 1 to 5)
Criterion A - Educational
Background Score
This criterion is composed of two
major items:
1. Candidate educational degrees (80% weight): this
evaluation is made by following the General Criteria used by FCT on their
2012 General Regulations for PhD Scholarships (http://www.fct.pt/apoios/bolsas/concursos/guiao2012.phtml.en),
with the following adaptation:
a) bonus for publications in peer
reviewed journals, congress presentations or relevant professional/academic
experience is included only in Criterion B.
2. Matching
factor (20% weight): degree of suitability of the candidate’s background for
a successful integration in a Regenerative Medicine Doctoral Degree,
calculated as below:
a)
Bioengineering, Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemical
Engineering, Medicine: 5.0
b)
Biomedical Sciences, Biomedicine, Biochemistry, Molecular Cell Biology,
Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials
Sciences: 3.5
c) Other:
2.0
The scale used for Criterion A is 1
to 5.
Criterion B - Candidate’s
Profile Score
For this item, a detailed analysis
of the candidate’s CV, his/her previous research/professional experience,
letter of motivation and reference letters will be taken into account. The
score is given in a 1 to 5 scale.
After establishing an initial
ranking based on these criteria, the 25 best candidates will be called for
an interview (3rd Phase) in person or by skype (in
exceptional and justified situations). After the interviews, the final
ranking of the candidates will be established.
The Scientific Committee will be
responsible for ensuring the accurate progression of the evaluation process
and for the overall selection process.