How much is a HOSST fellowship? The fellowship will be 1365,-€ and 103,-€ material expenses per month.. This is equal to the netto income of PhD positions in Germany (TvöD 13 - 66%). The fellowship is tax free and meant to cover your living expenses.
Will I be an employee of GEOMAR or CAU? This is not a working position with GEOMAR or the CAU and thus you will need to take care of your own health and other private insurances. Health insurance costs between 100 and 250 € per month. HOSST covers 50% of these costs up to 100,-€ per month.
Will I be a student of CAU? You need to register at CAU and you will recieve your degree with CAU. The University does not charge tuition fees, but there is a registration fee of 113,50 € per semester (one summer and one winter term per year). Being a registered student of CAU you can use the public transport in Kiel for free and recieve reduced prices for example at the University canteen. CAU also offers german classes for registered students.
Will the fellowship be good enough to cover my living expenses in Kiel? The costs of living in Kiel is reasonable and the fellowship will cover for a decent life (however, you wont make it to a five star Restaurant from it - unless you want to starve the rest of the month).
For how long will a fellowship be granted and is this long enough to do a PhD? The HOSST Fellowships will be granted for a maximum of three years. This is the possible funding time for a PhD in Germany and it is the time in which you can obtain your degree.
Are the PhD 's based in Kiel? Yes, all HOSST fellows will be based in Kiel. One of your supervisors will be in Kiel, the interdisciplinary character of the school and planned afternoon video-seminars with our partners in Canada require that you work at GEOMAR and that you live in Kiel or the close vicinity. In the second year you will need to spend en expanded period of time in Halifax with your (co)-supervisor and to attend classes at our partner institutes. This will be arranged by HOSST.
Where will I have my workplace? All HOSST PhD Fellows will have an office at GEOMAR Eastshore building, in the same house, on the same level. If you need to frequently use labs in your supervisors institute you will need to talk to her/him to provide additional workspace for that time.
Could I have a (co)-supervisor in a different department or institute than those listed on the Pi's pages? Not formally. External collaboration is encouraged, however. Ask us.
Does the CV have to be in american style? It is not an formal mistake if you use that style, but you can also do in the German way. This means providing gender and age information and a photo.
Should the letters of recommendation be sent to you directly? Yes. In your application only provide the names and contact details of your referees.
