It's okay the gap penalty score is 0.

PhDs are paid positions, enough to live comfortably even in a big city like Vienna, and include all health insurance, social benefits, pension contributions. Usually with low to no teaching requirements (but opportunities to get involved if interested!). Main focus is your research.

Perhaps if helps at this point to outline how the academic path works outside the US. I can speak for Austria, but many EU countries are similar. Students usually do a BSc (3 yrs) then an MSc (2 yrs) then apply for PhD positions (range 3-5 yrs, average around 4).

I would assume that the students and research employees are paid using 85% direct costs. Only the administrative employees would need to be paid from the indirect costs.

Is it the case that these indirect rates are the major source of funding for the institutions? I would have assumed that they receive separate funding by the government for maintaining the facility which then also controls administrative costs.

My initial thought (as non american) is that 15% for administration and 85% for direct project related expenses seems to be a good ratio, but I assume I am missing something. I would be happy to know more.

Other than entangling, could there be other issues that make them not work? 🤔

Imo, Faster RAM, better Networking == Redbull for cluster.