Research projects

Does TOUCH include opportunities to participate in international conferences?
Yes, participation in international conferences is strongly encouraged and registration and travel expenses will be fully covered.
Is Spanish proficiency necessary?
In general, a high level of Spanish proficiency is not required, but having some knowledge of the language can be helpful in day-to-day activities. However, for certain specific projects, a high level of Spanish may be necessary, such as when conducting interviews with individuals from the country. In such cases, Spanish proficiency will be a criterion in the job offer.

Calls

How many calls for applications will be conducted?
The TOUCH doctoral programme will conduct two calls for applications.
How many doctoral candidates will be recruited for each call?
For the 1st call we will recruit 13 PhD students: 6 for the UAB and 1 for each of the other Implementing Partners. For the 2nd call we will recruit 11 PhD students: 6 for the UAB, 1 CED, 1 CRM, 1 FSIE, 1 I3PT, 1 VHIR.
What is the deadline for submitting applications for the first call?
The deadline for the first call is June 30th, 2024, at 00:00h CEST.
When will open the second call?
The second call will start in January/February 2025 and it will be open for three months. The application and selection process will be the same as that of the first call.
Is it required to submit a research proposal to apply for the positions?
A research proposal is not required for the admission.
What will be the differences between the 1st and the 2nd call in terms of projects?
In the second call, we will offer new projects and we will also offer some of the projects not selected in the first call.
Do I have to apply separately for the PhD courses at the UAB or applying for this programme covers the PhD application?
After being selected, you will have to register in the PhD doctoral courses at the UAB. You can check the requirements and process to register in the UAB doctoral programme link.
What are the requirements for the recommendation letters?
There are no specific requirements or templates to prepare the recommendation letters. Please ask your supervisor to prepare it for you and submit it through the online application form.
After the first selection, will the interviews be conducted by the PIs of the research projects?
No, the interviews will be conducted by the interview panels which will include independent scientists. However, you can contact the PIs to ask for more information about the project or to have an informal contact in order to check the suitability of your application.
How many rounds of the evaluation interview will be?
There will be only one interview of 20 minutes for each of the 26 candidates selected in the 1st selection process.

Eligibility

Do I have to be a national from the European Union to be eligible to apply for the TOUCH doctoral programme?
No, candidates of any nationality are welcome to apply for the TOUCH doctoral programme. Be sure to check the Eligibility Criteria to ensure that you fulfill the necessary requirements for the positions available.
Can I submit my application via email?
No, the TOUCH doctoral programme only accepts applications through the online application platform.
Is it possible to apply for the position before completing the master’s degree?
You can submit your application without the master’s degree but, if you are selected, you will have to submit it before your recruitment. To submit your application, you need to complete and sign the declaration of compliance access to the doctoral programme and submit it instead of the master’s certificate.
Is there an age limit to apply?
No, there is no age limit.

Any questions?

Watch the video of the TOUCH Info Day