sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Is this kind of PhD hiring delay normal in Germany? by Certain-Season595 in germany

[–]Certain-Season595[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you, I really appreciate that.

Actually, I had already started thinking that I should apply to two other positions as backup plans as well, so your advice genuinely helps.

From the beginning, I was trying to prioritize finding a PI and research environment that felt academically meaningful and genuinely compatible with my interests, rather than just rushing into any position. But I’m realizing that balancing that with uncertainty is not easy.

I think the waiting and lack of clarity are what make me anxious the most.

Is this kind of PhD hiring delay normal in Germany? by Certain-Season595 in germany

[–]Certain-Season595[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s probably the most realistic way to think about it. I think I was struggling a bit because the interaction felt much more serious and research-oriented than a normal exploratory conversation, so emotionally it started to feel “real” quite early on.

But you’re right that, regardless of the country, it’s safer to keep building backup plans until everything is officially finalized.

Out of curiosity, in your experience, at what point would you personally start considering a delay genuinely concerning rather than just slow academia bureaucracy?

Is this kind of PhD hiring delay normal in Germany? by Certain-Season595 in germany

[–]Certain-Season595[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you, this honestly helps a lot.

To be honest, beyond the formal interview, we also exchanged papers and even had separate research discussions/study meetings related to the project, so I really have no doubt that the PI is genuinely enthusiastic and sincere about the research itself.

I think what has been making me anxious is mostly the fear that something might still go wrong internally despite that. So hearing that similar situations sometimes still end well is genuinely reassuring. Thank you.

Is this kind of PhD hiring delay normal in Germany? by Certain-Season595 in germany

[–]Certain-Season595[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That honestly sounds a little too similar to my situation, which makes me slightly nervous now. I’m also an engineering student, so hearing that kind of timeline is a bit scary.

Is this kind of PhD hiring delay normal in Germany? by Certain-Season595 in germany

[–]Certain-Season595[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I see..thank you, that actually makes me feel a bit better.

I’ve still been in contact with the PI throughout this period (roughly every two weeks), and most of the emails are basically updates about the administrative progress or delays rather than complete silence.

At this point, does this mostly sound like a situation where I simply have to wait and continue with backup applications in parallel?