PhD Molecular Biology Researcher Kaisar Ahmad Sheikh from Kashmir Shares His Journey of Studying at IACT-CSIC, Spain

My name is Kaisar Ahmad Sheikh, and I am from Kashmir. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Physics from Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, followed by a Master's degree in Biosciences from Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), New Delhi.

I am currently pursuing a PhD in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. The reason is simple: science excites me, and I am deeply motivated by the prospect of contributing, even in a small way, to the elimination of diseases.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Details

I was awarded the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Scholarship, hosted at IACT-CSIC located in Armilla, Granada, Spain. The fellowship amounts to approximately €34,404 annually.

Educational Background

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Physics with 66%, and my Master's degree in Biosciences with a CGPA of 8.72. My current PhD research sits at the intersection of machine learning and structural biology, specifically focusing on protein crystallisation. After completing my Master's, I worked in an industrial laboratory specialising in antibodies, which gave me hands-on experience that directly informed my PhD application and prepared me for this research.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to IACT-CSIC?

My approach was focused and intentional; I did not apply broadly. Instead, I targeted only a select few labs where I genuinely wanted to work. I prepared a polished cover letter template that I could tailor for each application, ensuring that my motivation and relevant experience came through clearly.

How Did You Find Information About Marie Skłodowska-curie Actions and IACT-CSIC?

My two primary sources were LinkedIn and Euraxess. If you are looking to apply across EU institutions, Euraxess is an indispensable platform. I would strongly recommend it to anyone pursuing research opportunities in Europe.

Did You Take Any Standardised Tests? If so, How Did You Prepare for Them?

No standardised tests were required for my application.

How Did You Prepare for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Application?

My preparation centred on three things: gaining relevant hands-on experience, crafting a compelling cover letter, and developing the ability to express my work and ideas clearly and confidently. Having relatable, field-specific experience to draw upon made a significant difference in how I presented myself.

How Is (or Was) Your Experience at IACT-CSIC?

Throughout my academic journey, I have been fortunate to work with excellent supervisors and genuinely good people. Having a Principal Investigator (PI) who adapts to support your growth, listens to you, and gives you the intellectual space to think independently is invaluable, and I have been fortunate in that regard. As for the institution itself, when it comes to protein crystallisation research, it is among the best in the world.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand out From Other Candidates?

I believe my directly relevant experience set me apart , specifically, my background in vaccine design, antibody humanisation, and protein science in general. These are niche areas that aligned closely with the research focus of the position, and being able to demonstrate concrete, applied experience in these domains gave my application a clear edge.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Just keep going, and make the most of your time. That said, do not wait indefinitely; there comes a point where continued waiting without action stops making sense. Apply, learn from the process, and keep moving forward.