Summary
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) invites applications for the ARISE2 Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (funded under Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action COFUND). This programme offers over 20 fully funded, 3-year postdoctoral fellowships to researchers with STEM backgrounds who wish to advance their careers in research infrastructures across academia and industry. Fellows will develop advanced methods/technologies aligned with EMBL’s research domains while receiving comprehensive training in the management and operation of research facilities and scientific services.
Key Information Overview
| Attribute | Details |
| Job Requisition ID | JR4031 |
| Designation | ARISE2 Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Number of Positions | 20+ Fellowships |
| Fellowship Duration | 3 Years (Full-time) |
| Host Institution | European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) |
| Funding Source | Horizon Europe – Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA COFUND, GA No. 101178241) |
| Salary Range | €3,228.38 – €4,118.45 / month (gross, site-dependent; or £3,383.52 / month at EMBL-EBI) |
| Application Window | 30 June 2026 – 30 September 2026 (23:59 CEST) |
| Expected Start Date | Between January – April 2027 |
Designation
- Title: ARISE2 Postdoctoral Fellow / Research Fellow
- Employment Type: Full-time (Fixed Term – 3 Years)
Locations
Fellowships are hosted across all 6 EMBL sites:
- Heidelberg, Germany (HQ)
- Hamburg, Germany
- Grenoble, France
- Barcelona, Spain
- Rome, Italy
- Hinxton / Cambridge, United Kingdom (EMBL-EBI)
Research Areas
Projects should align with EMBL’s core areas and contribute to methods/technologies with potential for wider service application in life sciences:
- Data and Computational Science: Bioinformatics, AI / Machine Learning, computational modelling, software engineering, data management, and data science.
- Imaging and Optical Engineering: Imaging and image analysis, optical engineering, detector development, advanced microscopy, and X-ray optics.
- Structural Biology and Mechanical Engineering: Automation, high-precision mechanics, microfluidics, robotics, and X-ray crystallography.
- Biotechnology: (Bio)chemical engineering, chemistry / chemical biology, and omics technologies.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Mandatory Requirements:
- Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.): Must hold a Ph.D. in a relevant STEM field by the call deadline (30 September 2026). Candidates who have successfully defended their thesis before the deadline but have not yet received formal certification are eligible.
- Academic Background: Degree in a relevant STEM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics).
- Technology Development Track Record: Demonstrated experience in technology development (from academia and/or industry) relevant to participating EMBL groups.
- Research Output: Strong research potential shown through publications, open-source software, datasets, patents, technical documentation, or technology prototypes.
- Language & Soft Skills: Fluent English proficiency (working language), strong communication skills, self-direction, and ability to work in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams.
Desirable:
- Prior experience in the development, operation, or improvement of scientific methods/tools for core facility or research service provision.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Technology & Method Development: Design, develop, and implement novel methods, software, or instrumentation within EMBL groups with potential for service translation.
- Structured Training: Undertake specialised training in research infrastructure operation, project and team management, science policy, FAIR data principles, AI integration, and innovation/technology transfer.
- Networking & Secondments: Participate in secondments and job shadowing at partner organisations and academic/industrial research infrastructures.
- Community Engagement: Disseminate findings through scientific publications, conferences, open-source contributions, and technical documentation.
How to Apply
- Select a Host Group: Review participating EMBL research and service groups and select the group that aligns with your research interests. Contact the Group Leader in advance to discuss project alignment.
- Prepare Proposal & Application: Download the official ARISE2 application and project proposal templates (including the ethics self-assessment form) from the EMBL ARISE2 portal.
- Submit via Workday: Click the Apply button on the job posting and upload your completed application package as a PDF under the CV + Cover Letter section in the My Experience tab.
- Queries: For questions regarding eligibility or application guidelines, contact the programme team at
arise2@embl.org.
Last Date to Apply
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2026 at 23:59 CEST
- Interviews for Shortlisted Candidates: 25–27 November 2026 (via Zoom)
