You have to meet the requirements (PhD) specified in the job posting in order to take up the position. (Please note that a PhD is not required for the position in RA 5). The Freie Universität Berlin recognises the day of your successful thesis defence as your graduation. If you haven’t completed the degree at the time of submitting the application, please enclose a document confirming that you will have received your PhD when the position starts. Ideally, this document will include the scheduled date of your thesis defence. You must submit an official notice of completion (most commonly the preliminary PhD certificate) before your employment officially starts.