<p>Just another remark: we must keep in mind that, although the requirements for a doctorate may be somewhat softer in France or Germany when compared to the US, the value of a doctoral degree as an entry-level qualification for an academic career is on the other hand somewhat lower in Europe than in the America. </p>
<p>In other words, anyone with a PhD degree could in theory apply for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the US and, if hired, have full privileges in terms of being the head of his/her own research group and advise graduate students. In Germany or France, to achieve a similar status, one would have to do a [Habilitation](<a href=“Habilitation - Wikipedia”>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habilitation</a>) first, which in turn would require several years of research experience beyond a doctorate.</p>