The Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences, a partner of the GeoPlanet Doctoral School, offers the opportunity to pursue doctoral studies leading to the PhD degree in the following scientific disciplines:
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Astronomy
- Automation, Electronics, Electrical Engineering, and Space Technologies
Information about the proposed doctoral thesis topics currently active in this recruitment process can be found at the provided link. Before submitting an application, candidates are expected to contact their potential supervisors to obtain more information about the research topics.
Recruitment for the GeoPlanet Doctoral School for the academic year 2025/2026 is carried out through a competitive selection process conducted by the recruitment committee in cooperation with the scholarship committee.
To be admitted to the doctoral school, candidates must hold a Master’s degree, an Engineer-Master’s degree, or an equivalent qualification. Doctoral students receive a statutory scholarship and a scientific scholarship. The statutory scholarship is granted for a period of four years and amounts to PLN 3,466.90 gross/month for the first two years, and PLN 5,340.90 gross/month after a positive mid-term evaluation. The scientific scholarship of PLN 5,000 gross is awarded by the scholarship committee during the recruitment process.
All candidates must demonstrate aptitude for research and a good command of English. Other specific requirements are provided with the individual doctoral research topics. Candidates are encouraged to contact their chosen supervisor as early as possible.
Deadlines:
- Application submission deadline: June 12, 2025
- Meetings with the scholarship committee: June 16–27, 2025
- Interviews: July 1–9, 2025
- Recruitment results: July 22, 2025
- Start of the PhD programme: October 1, 2025
Required documents:
- Application for admission to the doctoral school along with consent for the processing of personal data for recruitment purposes by the recruitment and scholarship committees, and a declaration of familiarity with the GeoPlanet Doctoral School Recruitment Regulations and NCN regulations on awarding scientific scholarships in research projects funded by NCN. Link to candidate’s statement
- Copy of Master’s diploma or certificate of graduation. Note: If the candidate does not yet possess these documents, they are required to submit them before the start of the doctoral programme. For candidates with degrees earned outside of Poland and not holding a diploma equivalent to a Master of Science, it is suggested to use the NAWA Qualification Tool to demonstrate eligibility for doctoral studies.
- Transcript of grades obtained during first- and second-cycle studies, or during uniform Master’s studies.
- CV, including a record of education and employment. A CV template is available here.
- Motivation letter outlining scientific interests, achievements, a list of publications, involvement in scientific activities (e.g., student research clubs, participation in scientific conferences, internships, training, awards), and a justification for pursuing doctoral studies. A motivation letter template is available here.
- Certificates or documents proving English language proficiency, if available.
- At least one recommendation letter from a current academic supervisor or another academic staff member evaluating the candidate’s previous scientific activity.
Documents must be submitted in a single PDF file to: szkolageoplanet@cbk.waw.pl
Subject line: Recruitment SDG 1/2025
The recruitment process consists of two stages:
Stage I – Evaluation of documentation:
- Scientific achievements (0–5 points) based on academic performance, scientific and popular-scientific publications, patent applications, awards, and scholarships.
b. Scientific and professional experience (0–2 points) based on participation in conferences, workshops, training, internships, research and commercial projects, student societies.
c. Motivation and aptitude for scientific work (0–2 points) based on the motivation letter and recommendation letter.
The recruitment committee determines a minimum score required to qualify for the second stage.
Stage II – Interview:
- Candidate’s knowledge at the Master’s level in the chosen discipline (0–3 points).
b. Candidate’s presentation of previous research work (0–3 points). The format (e.g., interview or short presentation) will be the same for all candidates and defined in the interview invitation.
c. Motivation and aptitude for scientific work in the selected PhD topic (0–4 points).
The scholarship committee will simultaneously recommend candidates for the scientific scholarship.
Candidates will be informed of the results by July 22, 2025.
Study Conditions
During the four-year programme, PhD students attend lectures (including interdisciplinary ones), participate in seminars, conduct research under the supervision of their advisor(s), and prepare their doctoral thesis. Studies can take place at the Space Research Centre PAS in Warsaw, Wrocław, or Zielona Góra, depending on the supervisor’s location.
A PhD Student Council operates at the Space Research Centre (email: sd@cbk.waw.pl).
The doctoral school regulations, including the study program, are available on the CBK PAN website, and here.
For further information, please contact the doctoral studies coordinator:
- Dr. hab. inż. Karol Seweryn, email: szkolageoplanet@cbk.waw.pl
or - Doctoral School Secretariat:
Monika Kowalczyk, email: szkolageoplanet@cbk.waw.pl, phone: +48 22 49 66 236