PhD in Biology at the Host Microbe Interface

General characterization

Degree pre-requisites

Excel in their acquisition of knowledge aiming to contribute to the advancement of science in general.

Understand the guiding principles of host microbe interactions from the microbial as well as host standpoint, and how the host responds to pathogenic microorganisms and/or find novel strategies that may be used therapeutically to prevent the spread of infectious diseases or otherwise contribute to the improvement of human health.

Conditions of admittance

Admission of candidates is competitive and based on the educational background, academic qualification, research experience and motivation.

Educational background: Candidates with a background in in Life, Physical, or Exact Sciences, including Medical Doctors, are encouraged to apply to this PhD Program.

Non Portuguese academic degrees can only be considered upon recognition by Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior or by a Portuguese Higher Education Institution, according to the applicable legislation (Decreto-Lei n.º 341/2007, de 12 de outubro, and Decreto-Lei n.º 283/83, de 21 de junho). This recognition must be obtained by the application deadline.

Academic qualification: Candidates must have a strong academic record and meet the minimum following requirements:
##Holding a Masters degree or legal equivalent, or a Bachelor’s degree with a total number of academic credits equal or above 240 (pre-Bologna degrees). This degree must be obtained by the application deadline;

- Exceptionally, an applicant from the above countries with only a Bachelor degree with an excellent academic or research record may be considered at the discretion of the Directive Board of the PhD program. Students must require this exception by sending an email to interface@itqb.unl.pt, justifying the request and attaching their CV;
- Applicants should comply with the FCT regulations, namely:
a) Be Portuguese citizens, or citizens of other European Union member states;
b) Be third-­country nationals holders of valid residence permits or who have acquired long‐term resident status, pursuant to Law no. 23/2007, of 4 July and amended by Law no. 29/2012 of 9 August;
c) Be nationals of third‐countries with which Portugal has signed reciprocity agreements;
d) Be nationals of third‐countries when, in the respective call for funding, an individual interview-­based selection method is foreseen.

Evaluation rules

The INTERFACE program totals 240 credits (ECTS); most correspond to the PhD thesis (203 ECTS) and the remaining 37 ECTS correspond to curricular units and research rotations. The program has duration of 4 academic years, with advanced training and rotations focused mainly in the first year.

From the beginning, and until the end of the curricular phase of the PhD program, students will have a tutor, which will be assigned from the pool of researchers from the three participating Institutions. The role of the tutor is to provide guidance and assistance in any issue pertaining to the involvement of the student in the program, and to facilitate access to global ITQB/IGC/IMM research and academic infrastructures.

The program is organized in three modules (see more at http://www.itqb.unl.pt/education/phdhostmicrointerface/course-structure)

Structure