I am interested in applying for an open PhD position in astrophysics in Germany this fall. The thing is, I actually already worked with the group that is advertising the position. This past summer, I worked with the group for 3 months as a summer research student, so we know each other well and it was a very positive experience for everyone.

I am hoping this gives me an advantage in the selection process because of my background. This past year, I mastered out of my PhD program in the USA after 2.5 years due to mismatch of research interests as well as issues with my previous advisor's advising style and the isolating working environment. At the internship, I feel it is a much better fit in terms of research interests, my compatibility with the PI and the group. I am concerned since I do not have a master's thesis (I received a non-thesis master's) and a first author publication, although I have a co-authored publication from my undergrad.