PhD Opportunities with EDICT

Overview

EDICT (Advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Clinical Trials) is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe programme. We are recruiting 16 fully-funded PhD researchers for projects across 7 European countries, working on innovative projects that will help shape the future of more inclusive and equitable clinical trials. Doctoral candidates will be enrolled in leading European universities and benefit from international secondments with academic, industry, and non-profit partners.

Who Can Apply

All applicants must meet the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) eligibility criteria and the requirements of their chosen project and host institution.

Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have lived or carried out their main activity (work, study, etc.) in the country of the recruiting institution for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the start of their employment at the host institution (contract start date).

Academic Requirements: Candidates must hold a degree that formally qualifies them to embark on a doctorate. Requirements vary by position but typically include:

• A Master's degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline
• A strong academic record, typically at least a 2.1 honours degree (or international equivalent) at undergraduate level
• Project-specific requirements, which are detailed in the individual project descriptions

Language Requirements: Excellent written and spoken English is required for all positions.

Doctoral Degree: Candidates must not hold or have been awarded a doctoral degree at the date of recruitment.

What We Offer

As an EDICT doctoral candidate, you will receive:

• Competitive Salary: A living allowance in accordance with MSCA rates (€4,010/month, gross), adjusted by country. Mandatory deductions (tax and social security contributions) in accordance with national and institutional regulations will apply. The exact net salary will therefore vary by country.
• Mobility Allowance: A mobility allowance to support relocation costs
• Family Allowance: Additional support for researchers with family responsibilities
• Research Budget: Dedicated funding for research activities, conferences, and training
• International Secondments: 3 months at partner organisations
• Network Training: Access to joint training events, summer schools, and workshops with all 16 doctoral candidates
• Career Development: Transferable skills training and mentorship from world-leading researchers

How to Apply

Applications will open 2nd March 2026 for positions starting in September 2026. The application process will include:

• Online Application: Candidates submit one central online application and may apply to up to five projects, ranked in order of preference
• Your application must include the following:
  1. CV

     Maximum 3 pages (11pt Arial font, single-spaced, 1-inch margins), including: Education; Research experience; Methods and tools (a short section listing methodological and technical skills - e.g. statistical software, qualitative methods, laboratory techniques, coding languages).

     Complete list of publications or outputs, or link to Scopus or ORCID page; Awards; Other relevant items. Link to open repositories where possible.

     Include undergraduate and postgraduate dissertation titles and supervisors if applicable.

     File name: Lastname_Firstname_CV.pdf.

  2. Motivation statement

     Maximum 2 pages (11pt Arial font, single-spaced, 1-inch margins).

     Must cover long‑term goals, why EDICT, why your ranked projects, the relevant skills you bring, and what you want to learn. This statement is used at the shortlisting stage to assess both project fit and written communication.

     Please only upload one motivation statement, even if applying to multiple projects.

     File name: Lastname_Firstname_Motivation.pdf.

  3. Academic transcripts for all relevant degrees

     Upload one PDF of all official transcripts for all degrees that qualify you for PhD enrolment. If the final degree is pending, include a completion letter from the University with the expected date and degree classification/grade.

     If your grading scale is not ECTS or 0–100, add a one‑line scale explanation.

     File name: Lastname_Firstname_Transcripts.pdf.

  4. English language proficiency evidence (if applicable)

     If applicable to you and your selected project(s), provide a test score accepted by the host doctoral school or evidence of a prior degree taught in English. If neither is available yet, add a short statement explaining how you will meet the requirement by the start date.

     English language evidence is used to confirm eligibility for enrolment at the host institution and is not separately scored at the shortlisting stage, where assessment of language is based on written clarity in the application materials.

     File name: Lastname_Firstname_English.pdf.

  The details of two academic references are requested in your application. Should you be successful at shortlisting, your referees will be contacted. You may wish to inform your referees that they may be contacted.

• Shortlisting: The selection process follows an open, transparent, merit-based, and equitable procedure, in line with the European Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. Shortlisting is based on the essential criteria, and interview/selection decisions consider academic achievements, research potential, and commitment to EDI in clinical trials.
• Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a structured online interview with predefined questions and scoring system (expected to take place in May 2026). Applicants may request reasonable interview adjustments (for example, adjusted timing). Requests do not affect scoring.
• Offers: Successful candidates will receive formal offers with contract details.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Academic Excellence: Quality of academic record and relevant qualifications
• Research Experience and Potential: Evidence of research skills, critical thinking, and scientific curiosity
• Motivation and Project Fit: Clear articulation of interest in the project and commitment to EDI in clinical trials
• Communication Skills: Ability to communicate effectively in written and spoken English
• International Training: Readiness for international and intersectoral training

EDICT is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, both in our research and in our recruitment. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and ensure that selection decisions are based on merit, transparency, and fairness.

Questions?

If you have questions about the application process, please contact us:

Email: edict@universityofgalway.ie

For questions about specific projects, please contact the relevant project supervisor.