EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships: EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships support outstanding, internationally mobile postdoctoral researchers to conduct advanced research across Europe and worldwide. The fellowship offers financial support, career development opportunities, and access to a prestigious global scientific network for up to two years.
EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships (International Postdoctoral Research Positions)
Summary Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Designation | Postdoctoral Fellow |
| Fellowship Duration | Up to 2 years (minimum 1 year) |
| Location | Europe and Worldwide (International Mobility Required) |
| Application Mode | Online Application |
| Application Cycles | Spring & Autumn |
| Next Cut-off Date | Friday, 23 January 2026, 14:00 CET |
| Funding | Salary/Stipend, relocation allowance, family support |
| Host Type | Academic and Research Institutions |
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow (EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship)
Research Area
Open to all areas of life sciences, including but not limited to:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Systems Biology
- Structural Biology
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Related interdisciplinary life science fields
Location
- Europe and other countries worldwide
- International mobility is mandatory
- Fellowship cannot be held in:
- Country where the PhD was obtained
- PhD supervisor’s laboratory
- Previous host lab (if worked for more than 6 months)
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a PhD or equivalent at the start of the fellowship
- Applicants with a PhD at the time of application must have obtained it within the last 2 years
- At least one first-author research publication accepted or published in an international peer-reviewed journal
- OR a first-author refereed preprint with verified independent peer reviews
- Must demonstrate international mobility
- Projects must not be a direct continuation of PhD work
- Candidates already in the host lab must have worked there less than 6 months
- Only one application per round; reapplication allowed only once
- Exceptions may apply for extraordinary personal circumstances (case-by-case)
Job Description
Selected EMBO Postdoctoral Fellows will:
- Conduct independent, high-impact postdoctoral research in a host laboratory of their choice
- Engage in novel and biologically significant research projects
- Benefit from:
- Salary or stipend support
- Relocation allowance
- Family and child support
- EMBO Laboratory Leadership training
- Membership in the global EMBO Fellows network
- Participate in professional development and international scientific collaboration
How to Apply
- Submit the application online only through the EMBO application system
- Upload all required documents, including:
- Research proposal
- Two reference letters
- Acceptance letter from the host institute
- Confirm application completion before the deadline
- Carefully review:
- EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship Guidelines
- FAQs and eligibility criteria
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Selection Process
- Initial eligibility and completeness check by EMBO Fellowship Office
- Pre-screening by the Fellowship Committee
- Shortlisted candidates (~25%) invited for remote interviews (90 minutes)
- Final selection based on:
- Scientific achievements
- Novelty and impact of proposed research
- Suitability of host laboratory
Last Date for Apply
Friday, 23 January 2026, 14:00 CET
(Spring Evaluation Round – hard deadline)
Important Note:
Starting 2026, the Spring round deadline will always be the fourth Friday of January at 14:00 CET.
