Novartis Post Graduate/Post Doc Epidemiologist interview questions

JD requirements say that master student and Phd will both be considered. I was invited to onsite as a master student and I did a great presentation. According to the JD, a master is good enough for this opening. Hiring manager kept ghosting me after two weeks of onsite interview and I have to call HR to know that I am not selected. They chose a PhD candidate. It is very frustrating for a master level student and totally waste of my time to go through such a long interview process. I will let all my friends know that PhD is the only way for you to get a job here.