PhD studies

PhD students account for about 1/3 of the research personnel at IPAG. All PhD students have a contract, are paid and are affiliated with one of the following doctoral schools of the Université Grenoble Alpes:

These websites, and the general website of the University (here) will give you detailed information in English on carrying out a PhD ("doctorat") in Grenoble. We provide a brief IPAG-oriented summary below.

Choosing a topic
We usually advertise PhD topics on the websites of the doctoral schools during the autumn term for a start the following autumn. Do contact directly the scientists working on themes that interest you. It is common in France that a Master 2 internship continues into a PhD. Checking the list of the offered internships is a good way to get an idea of potential PhD topics. The French Astronomical Society (SF2A) collects on this server all the Master 2 internships advertised in France (see here for the internship list limited to IPAG).

Getting funding
Doctoral schools fund a limited number of PhDs. This is awarded through a competition that occurs in June (see websites above for details). The majority of PhDs are funded by research projects awarded to scientists at the Institute or through call for projects targeting specific themes or countries. Again, it is best to contact scientists directly and to check their webpage for open PhD positions.

The diploma
All PhD students have similar contracts and are paid during their studies. PhD students may teach undergraduates and must follow a selection of training courses in complementary skills. PhD studies are expected to last three years and extensions are exceptional. In the third year, the student is expected to write up a manuscript, evaluated by two external referees who advise the doctoral school on whether the PhD can be defended or not. If positive, the PhD is defended publicly in front of a jury of experts who award the diploma.

Training professionally successful PhD students for and through research is very important to us. There are many activities at IPAG organised by or for PhD students: a support group, a yearly PhD day, a presentation of permanent staff competitions, meetings with PhDs in the private sector, etc.