u/Common_Wealth_9372

I recently finished my Master’s degree in Chemical Biology with a 3.9/4 GPA and I’m currently applying for PhD positions in Germany.

During the past year, I did not hold a formal research job or position. Instead, I spent this time:

• Travelling
• learning and reviewing research techniques (molecular/cell biology methods, lab skills, etc.)
• preparing and applying for PhD positions

I’m wondering how this kind of gap is viewed in German PhD admissions. Will it negatively affect my chances, or is it generally acceptable as long as the Master’s and research experience are strong?

Would really appreciate any insight from people who went through similar situations or are currently working in German labs.

I recently finished my Master’s degree in Chemical Biology with a 3.9/4 GPA and I’m currently applying for PhD positions in Germany.

During the past year, I did not hold a formal research job or position. Instead, I spent this time:

• Travelling
• learning and reviewing research techniques (molecular/cell biology methods, lab skills, etc.)
• preparing and applying for PhD positions

I’m wondering how this kind of gap is viewed in German PhD admissions. Will it negatively affect my chances, or is it generally acceptable as long as the Master’s and research experience are strong?

Would really appreciate any insight from people who went through similar situations or are currently working in German labs.

I recently finished my Master’s degree in Chemical Biology with a 3.9/4 GPA and I’m currently applying for PhD positions in Germany.

During the past year, I did not hold a formal research job or position. Instead, I spent this time:

• Travelling
• learning and reviewing research techniques (molecular/cell biology methods, lab skills, etc.)
• preparing and applying for PhD positions

I’m wondering how this kind of gap is viewed in German PhD admissions. Will it negatively affect my chances, or is it generally acceptable as long as the Master’s and research experience are strong?

Would really appreciate any insight from people who went through similar situations or are currently working in German labs.

Do professors read master’s thesis for PhD applications in Germany? If so, what aspects do they focus on?

I defended early and not all the techniques I used are included in the thesis. Then, stayed after the defense at the same lab and continued working on the same project using more techniques, included in my CV. By the time I left the lab, our collaborator was struggling with certain part of the project, so I didn’t publish.  And to avoid complicating things, I decided to not mention this part because my official graduation date was the time I left.