Summary
The LEAPS ULTRAFAST Network, funded by Horizon Europe’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), offers an unparalleled opportunity for around 50 postdoctoral researchers. Fellows will conduct groundbreaking research and receive advanced training across over 20 world-leading large-scale facilities in the field of Ultrafast Science. Beyond experimental work, fellows benefit from comprehensive career development training in transferable skills such as project management, communication, and entrepreneurship.
Designation
- Role: Postdoctoral Fellow
- Employment Type: Full-Time, Fixed-Term
Overview & Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Funder / Program | Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND |
| Positions Available | ~50 Postdoctoral Researchers |
| Program Start | Early 2027 (Call 1) |
| Application Opening Date | July 6, 2026 |
| Application Closing Date | September 30, 2026 |
| Interview Dates | Week of December 9, 2026 |
| Contact Email | leaps-ultrafast@desy.de |
Research Areas
Ultrafast Science across Matter & Materials, Energy & Environment, Health & Life Sciences, and Future Technologies.
Fellowship opportunities span across diverse key domains in Ultrafast Science:
- Matter and Materials
- Energy and Environment
- Health and Life Sciences
- Future Technologies
(Applicants must select a preferred research area and are strongly advised to contact host institution supervisors to discuss technical feasibility prior to submitting).
Location
Positions are hosted across various international partner institutions and facilities including:
- DESY (Germany)
- European XFEL (Germany)
- HFML-FELIX (Netherlands)
- HZDR (Germany)
- Paul Scherrer Institute – PSI (Switzerland)
- Synchrotron SOLEIL (France)
- CMAM (Spain)
- and other LEAPS partner facilities.
Eligibility & Qualification
- Academic Degree: Must hold a PhD degree or have successfully defended a doctoral thesis by the call deadline (ideally awarded within the past 5 years, though exceptions/flexibility apply for candidates with documented career breaks like parental or care leave).
- Publication Record: At least one original accepted, in-press, or published article in a peer-reviewed journal at the time of application. (If not the first author, confirmation of your contribution from the primary author/supervisor is required).
- MSCA Mobility Rule:
- Standard Institutions: Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately preceding the call deadline.
- International European Research Organisations (IEROs): For institutions like CERN, EMBL, ESRF, or ILL, applicants must not have spent more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the deadline at that specific organization.
- Inclusivity: Open to researchers of any nationality. Gender and diversity considerations are fully integrated into selection processes.
Job Description
- Perform cutting-edge experimental research in ultrafast photon science across state-of-the-art light source facilities.
- Engage in intersectoral mobility and collaborative international research.
- Participate in specialized career development modules covering transferable skills, including project management, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
- Produce peer-reviewed publications and present scientific discoveries at major scientific venues and international conferences.
How to Apply
- Explore & Prepare: Review all research areas and guidelines on the LEAPS ULTRAFAST Website. Contact prospective hosts to discuss project feasibility.
- Register Intent: Send an email expressing your intent to apply to leaps-ultrafast@desy.de.
- Submit Application: You will receive instructions and direct access to submit your full application (including CV and research proposal) via the online portal.
Last Date to Apply
September 30, 2026 (Evaluation of applications will begin following this deadline).
