Description

A challenging master research project is an important steppingstone on which to develop an ambitious research career. The INSPIRE Potentials – SPIN Master's Fellowships aim to attract and empower excellent female students to conduct their Master's thesis research in one of the laboratories belonging to the NCCR SPIN network on "spin qubits in silicon".

The initiative seeks to increase the number of women researchers in the fields of the partaking laboratories of the SPIN network, all belonging to fields of science where women are still strongly underrepresented even at the student level.

Candidates

The program targets excellent female Master students pursuing a MSc degree at their home institution who would like to perform their Master's thesis research projects in one of the research groups of NCCR SPIN, who

·       demonstrate excellence, potential and motivation to conduct their Master research project in a laboratory of a principal investigator from NCCR SPIN

·       meet the scientific visitor requirements for the corresponding SPIN university/institution.

Candidates are expected to apply in preparation of the MSc thesis research but can also apply during the first two months after starting their research.

Application procedure

Application deadlines: May 1; December 1

Required documents:

·       CV (curriculum vitae)

·       Motivation letter

·       letter of acceptance from the host laboratory for the master thesis (must contain the starting date and duration of your thesis, the thesis topic and if the student comes from a country outside of Switzerland and the EU, a couple of sentences that confirms that the student will be supported financially either by themselves or by your PI’s budget so they are able to apply for a Visa in Switzerland)

·       1-2 recommendation letters (recommended)

·       Copy of your University degree(s) / transcripts from all grades

·       Copy of identity card or passport (foreigners who live in Switzerland: + residence permit)

·       If available: documents such as TOEFL or GRE scores

All documents should be in English. Diplomas in French, German or Italian will be accepted, too.

Selection

Selection is done on a competitive basis by members from the NCCR SPIN Scientific Committee. The selected candidates are asked to confirm their venue within 2 weeks. Otherwise, the award may be attributed to another candidate.

The award is granted only to selected applicants who have completed enrolment at their home university. Selected candidates are asked to start their Master thesis research in the host laboratory within 8 months. Payment of the award money is subject to ongoing activity of the Master research project.

This award was initiated in close collaboration with the NCCR QSIT and NCCR MARVEL.