The selection and evaluation process of Gen-Q follows the principles of the Horizon Europe grants manual regarding excellence, transparency, fairness and impartiality, efficiency, speed, ethics and security. The participating recruiting universities also adhere to Charter and Code for the recruitment and employment of researchers and have extensive experience in recruiting researchers.

The written evaluation will be carried out by three independent evaluators.

The interviews will be carried out via Zoom, ideally by two external representatives of the scientific area of the topic who have not yet read the written application, and one external representative who has read it and a member of the hosting group. At least one member of the interview panel should be female.

In case of ex aequo in the final ranking list, priority will be given first to ‘Degree and Skills’ (written application), the match with the future hosting institution and the contribution to the proposed topic (interview phase).

Report: Candidates may receive a report from the project manager based on the external experts' evaluations after each evaluation step upon request.

Reserve list: All candidates will be informed about the creation of a reserve list, if the number of applications allows for it. Candidates on the reserve list will be notified once the process is completed, or offered a position, depending on the state of acceptance/rejection of the candidates on the main list.

Required documentation for the written application will be based on provided templates and consist of a CV of max. four pages, a motivation letter with max. two pages, a copy of a Master’s degree certificate and a reference letter (one page).
Candidates may choose up to two topics per available position in their priority ranking. His/her application will only be evaluated on the basis of the first choice.

The second choice will only be taken into consideration at the end of the evaluation process in case:

1. The candidate is not selected for her/his first choice
2. And her/his second choice is not filled by another candidate

If both conditions apply, application would then be presented to the selection committee of the second choice.
After the eligibility check, the written application will be conducted by a panel made of three independent evaluators. Evaluations which have received more than 70% in this ranking will be considered for the next phase of the evaluation phase, the panel interview.

The written application will count 60%, the interview 40% of the overall score.

• Degree and skills (based on CV): 40%
  Excellent MSc degree or equivalent qualification. Excellent skills and knowledge in quantum science and technology, as shown by a Master's degree in relevant scientific fields of physics, chemistry, materials or computation.
• Motivation letter: 30%
  Explanation why candidates wish to embark on a career in the field, have the right expertise for the topic, which skills they can contribute towards the topic's success
• Working experience (based on CV): 20%
  Proven by internships and/or results (e.g. publications, patents etc.) in the relevant area of research
• Reference letter: 10%
  1 page max. (cannot be provided by future potential supervisor)

The candidate must pass the threshold of 70% total of the written evaluation to be considered for an interview.

Gen-Q specifically encourages researchers with disabilities to apply. All partner organizations follow a strict equal opportunities policy, which will be adhered to throughout the Gen-Q project and especially during the evaluation and selection process. We will avoid any discrimination related to gender, age, ethnic, national or social origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, language, disability, political opinion, social or economic condition. Fellows with a disability have the right to ask for a disability allowance.

All candidates may apply via email to the redress procedure. Candidates can apply to the redress procedure three times, each within 2 weeks after they have been informed about the outcome: After the eligibility check; after the written evaluation report, and after the report on the outcome of the interviews. Within 2 weeks after receiving the redress letter (via email), the Redress Committee will assess the case and inform the candidate in writing about the outcome. The Redress Committee will only evaluate the eligibility and evaluation procedure and not the scientific judgment of the evaluation and selection committee members. If the redress is deemed justified, the application will be re-evaluated and the interview/s will be carried out again.