DC Positions (Apply) – INTEGRATE EU

Doctoral candidate positions

Please note that the vacancies for the DC positions are now CLOSED. We are currently evaluating all applications and will inform the shortlisted candidates in the first week of March.

Please find the application process & selection procedure below.

DC1 – The antidepressant efficacy of psilocybin from a pathophysiological perspective

DC 2 – The effect of psychedelic substances on synaptic transmission and plasticity

DC3 – Identification of EEG and fMRI biomarkers with potential predictive value for psychedelics’ antidepressant effects

DC4 – Mapping the subjective phenomenology of therapeutic and challenging experiences in psychedelic therapy

DC5 – Psychedelics, attachment-related changes, and mental health outcomes

DC6 – Sex/gender differences in psychedelics psychopharmacology

DC7 – The role of music and psychotherapeutic support in psychedelic therapy

DC8 – Set and Setting in Psychedelic Therapy: An Anthropological and Clinical Perspective

DC9 – Psychotherapy process and psychological intervention techniques in psychedelic therapy: safety and efficacy

DC10 – Methodological challenges in clinical psychedelic research

DC11 – Health economics of psychedelic therapy

DC12 – Analysing the obstacles and opportunities of different regulatory pathways to patient access for psychedelic therapies

DC13 – Identifying ethical, legal and societal challenges and opportunities for applying psychedelic therapy

DC14 – Harmonising Ethical Regulation of Psychedelic Therapy with Broader Medical Practices

DC15 – Evaluating the impact of controlled self-experience with psychedelics in therapist training. A clinical trial.

DC16 – Clinical development of psychedelic-assisted therapy: transdiagnostic mechanisms and contextual factors

Application process & selection procedure

APPLICATION PROCESS

Vacancy opening: 26 January 2026

Vacancy closing: 11 February 2026, 23:59 CET > The vacancy is now CLOSED.

Deadline for applications: Wed 11 February 2026, 23:49 CET;

Informing shortlisted candidates: first week of March;

Recruitment interviews: 12th of March 2026 (UCPH positions DC7 and DC12 to be determined);

Informing selected candidates: first week of April 2026;

Start DC positions: aimed for September 2026.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The INTEGRATE selection committee will evaluate the applications in a fair, transparent, and inclusive way, according to the following steps:

Eligibility check: all applications are checked for compliance with the eligibility criteria;
Scoring: applications that meet the eligibility criteria are scored to determine the suitability of the applicant for the advertised DC position. This includes scoring on academic excellence, requested skills and experience, and motivation for the DC position of interest;
Interviews: top candidates are invited for an online interview by the DC supervisors. This interview will take place online;
Selection of DC candidates: after the interview, the DC candidates are selected. When it is not possible to select a DC candidate based on the first round of interviews, either a follow-up interview for candidates of the first round, or a second round of interviews may be organized;
Communication: all candidates are informed about the decision or the need for follow‑up interviews within three weeks after the online interview.

If you would like more information or have specific questions, please contact us via [email protected].

FAQs

I am currently enrolled in a Master’s programme so I do not hold a Master’s degree yet, but expect to obtain it before the start of the DC project. Is it possible for me to apply?

Yes, it is possible to apply for the DC positions if you will obtain your degree before the start of the project (see also FAQ “When do the DC positions start?”). Please do state clearly in your motivation letter when you expect to have your Master’s degree to prevent any misunderstanding.

When do the DC positions start?

The start of the DC projects is anticipated for 01 September 2026, although there is some flexibility – this needs to be discussed with the hiring institute.

Does the EU mobility rule apply to the secondments as well?

The EU mobility rule “Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the DC position for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to recruitment (excluding short stays such as holidays, compulsory national service or time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status)” only applies to the country of the DC position itself. Secondments are not subject to this rule.

How will the funding be paid out to the DC?

Funding will be provided as a monthly salary. Please note that the salary of the DC positions is determined by the hiring institute according to their institutional regulations. Therefore, the salaries for the DC positions can differ. More information can be requested from the hiring institute.

Are the positions all full time, or is part-time work also possible?

MSCA DN DC positions are full-time positions and researchers are required to work exclusively on their DC projects. In exceptional cases, the EU authority (REA) may grant exemptions for personal or family-related reasons. This is evaluated by the REA on a case-by-case basis after employment.

Is it possible to work remotely?

All DC positions require immediate and full relocation to the country of the hiring institute, and there is no flexibility in this regard. Working hybrid or remotely is not possible.

Do I need to submit recommendation letters for the positions at the University of Copenhagen (DC7 and DC12)?

The application requirements for the DC positions at the University of Copenhagen slightly differ from the rest of the DC positions, and do not involve recommendation letters. Please find more details in the respective vacancies (DC7 and DC12).

Is it possible for the referees to send their recommendation letters separately?

The recommendation letters should be submitted as part of the application package. Please make sure to combine the letters in a single PDF document and upload them as “Optional other attachment”.

I encounter technical difficulties with the UMCG job portal that prevent me from submitting my application. Is it possible to send my application elsewhere?

Yes, you may send your complete application, including all required documents, to [email protected]. Your application will then be manually added to the system.

What is the timeline of the recruitment process?