Life as a doctoral candidate

Doctoral candidates carry out a research project under the scientific direction of their thesis director, within a time frame defined when first registering (3 years when full-time). As their work progresses, they gain autonomy and show initiative and creativity. They must regularly inform their thesis director of the progress of their work and any difficulties they encounter. They also learn to position their work in the international scientific context. They participate in discussions with the scientific community and contribute to the life of his doctoral school. 

Doctoral candidates must draw up an individual course plan, aimed at developing their skills, broadening their scientific culture and international outlook and preparing their career development. Throughout their doctoral training, they build up a portfolio of skills. 

Like all researchers, doctoral candidates must understand and respect the operating rules of their research unit, in particular health and safety rules which are set out in the bylaws of the research unit. Doctoral candidates must also follow the principles of ethics and scientific integrity which apply to all facets of the research activity (the development of knowledge, its dissemination, teaching students, expertise and evaluation).

Depending on the scientific field, specific regulations must also be understood and respected (for example, animal experimentation, use of biological material, clinical research, and copyrights).

When employed to carry out research activities, doctoral candidates must be aware of the rights and duties linked to their employment contract, whether under public or private law. Most doctoral candidates employed by universities and public research organisations have signed a doctoral contract. In this case, doctoral candidates then have the status of a non-tenured civil servant. As such, they are bound by the obligation of neutrality and perform their duties in accordance with the principle of secularism by refraining from expressing their religious opinions in the performance of their duties.

• The fundamental rights and obligations of civil servants
• Rules and procedures for health and life at work 
• General principles of private law contracts

Doctoral candidates are represented in several representative bodies, such as laboratory councils, doctoral school councils, faculty councils, the research commission of the academic council, and the commissions of the doctoral college (caesura, commission for the prevention and resolution of conflicts). Their elected representatives are thus able to make the voice of doctoral candidates heard and participate in the institution’s strategic decisions.