Applications for the 15 Doctoral Candidate (DC) positions within the GENIUS Doctoral Network opened on 15 October 2025. We are pleased by the strong interest received in this programme, which focuses on innovative and breakthrough research in energy geostructures integration, including buildings, infrastructure, and underground storage.
Applications are now closed for all positions, with the exception of DC 15, which remains open and is currently accepting applications.
Key Dates
Applications are open until filled for:
DC 15: Bringing abandoned coal mines back to life for heat decarbonization
Please note: if you have previously applied for this position, your application will not be considered.
All other DC positions are currently closed.
Recruitment procedure
Recruitment will be carefully executed and monitored in accordance with the principles of the European Charter for Researchers and Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers and in the DN mobility rules. Following an open, transparent, merit-based, impartial and equitable recruitment procedure which are tailored to each DC offering.
The DC positions will be advertised until all positions are filled. All applications proceed through the central on-line recruitment site via the University of Edinburgh. Candidates apply electronically for one to a maximum of two positions and indicate their preference. All candidates must email their documentation to genius-dn@ed.ac.uk. Below is the documentation required for submission:
Degree Certificate(s) (and translations if not English)
Transcript/interim transcript (and translation if not English)
Syllabus/Course description (and translation if not English)
Research Proposal (maximum 2 pages)
CV
English Language Certificate
Reference contact information (references will only be contacted for shortlisted candidates)
During the application candidates must declare that they are eligible and meet the criteria mentioned under ‘Eligibility’ above.
How to apply
The application process follows two steps:
Step One: Submit an online application here:
GENIUS Doctoral Network PhD Application.
Step Two: Email the required documentation to:
Key Information
Eligibility
Supported researchers must be a doctoral candidate (i.e. not already in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment).
Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will not be considered eligible.
DC’s must be recruited and enrolled in a doctoral programme leading to the award of a doctoral degree in at least one EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country.
Recruited researchers can be of any nationality.
Recruited researchers must comply with the mobility rule:
They must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting beneficiary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date.
Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays and time spent by the researcher as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention140 are not taken into account.
English Language
Doctoral Candidate (DCs) must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training.
Exclusivity
The candidate must be working exclusively for the action.
