Submit Applications for Postdoctoral Fellowship Program

The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports internationally mobile early-career researchers undertaking postdoctoral research in a country different from where they completed their PhD. Fellowships normally last two years and provide financial support, professional development, international scientific networking, and additional allowances for relocation, travel, childcare, and family-related needs.

What Is the EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship Program?

The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports promising researchers who want to undertake postdoctoral research internationally.

The programme is designed to promote:

• International scientific mobility.
• Research collaboration across countries.
• Career development for early-career scientists.
• Scientific exchange between laboratories.
• Professional networking through the EMBO Fellows’ Network.
• Development of leadership and research-management skills.

A central requirement is international mobility. Applicants must move to an eligible country that differs from the country in which they completed their PhD, subject to the programme’s specific mobility rules.

What Does the Fellowship Provide?

The fellowship normally lasts two years, although the minimum duration is one year.

Financial arrangements depend on the location of the host laboratory.

Fellows in EMBC Member States

For fellows hosted in EMBC Member States, the fellowship provides funding to the host institution so that it can issue an employment contract to the fellow.

Fellows in Other Countries

For fellows working in eligible countries outside the EMBC system, the award is provided as a stipend intended to cover living expenses.

Additional support can include:

• Travel allowance.
• Relocation allowance.
• Childcare or daycare support.
• Dependent child allowances for eligible non-EMBC fellows.
• Parental leave.
• Possibility of part-time work.
• Access to the EMBO Fellows’ Network.
• Participation in Laboratory Leadership courses.

These benefits are intended to support both scientific development and practical needs associated with international relocation.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility depends partly on the applicant’s nationality, PhD location, current location, and proposed host country.

Applicants must generally:

• Hold a doctorate or equivalent qualification by the start of the fellowship.
• Have obtained the PhD within two years before submitting the application.
• Have at least one first-author publication or a preprint that has received independent peer review.
• Meet the applicable international mobility requirements.
• Propose a research project that is not simply a direct continuation of their PhD research.
• Meet restrictions concerning previous affiliations with the proposed host laboratory and country.

International Mobility Requirements

The mobility rules differ according to the host location.

Host in an EMBC Member State

Applicants can work in an EMBC Member State regardless of their nationality or the country where they obtained their PhD, provided they satisfy the programme’s international mobility requirement.

Host in an EMBC/EMBO Global Partner Country

Applicants must meet the programme’s specific requirements concerning:

• Where they are moving from.
• Their nationality.
• Where they obtained their PhD.

For this route, the relevant qualifications and connections must be within an EMBC Member State or eligible global partner country.

Host in a Non-EMBC Member State

Applicants must:

• Move from an EMBC Member State.
• Be a national of an EMBC Member State.
• Have completed their PhD in an EMBC Member State.

Because these rules vary by destination, applicants should carefully check the mobility requirements applicable to their proposed host country.

Research Eligibility

The proposed postdoctoral research must demonstrate genuine scientific development beyond the applicant’s doctoral work.

A project that is simply a direct continuation of the PhD research is not eligible.

The programme also applies restrictions concerning previous relationships with the proposed host laboratory and host country.

These requirements are intended to ensure that the fellowship provides genuine international and scientific mobility rather than simply continuing an existing doctoral research arrangement.

Publication Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate research potential through their scientific record.

They are required to have at least:

• One first-author publication, or
• A preprint with independent peer reviews.

This requirement helps demonstrate that applicants have already developed the research experience necessary to undertake independent postdoctoral work.

When Must the Fellowship Begin?

The fellowship typically lasts two years, with a minimum duration of one year.

The fellowship must begin within one calendar year from the applicable evaluation cut-off.

Applicants should therefore consider the timing of their application, evaluation, host-laboratory arrangements, and relocation when planning their proposed start date.

How the Fellowship Works

Step 1: Identify a Suitable Host Laboratory

Applicants should identify a laboratory capable of providing the scientific environment, expertise, facilities, and supervision required for the proposed research.

The host must also satisfy the programme’s eligibility and mobility requirements.

Step 2: Develop an Independent Research Proposal

The proposed project should demonstrate clear scientific value and should represent a meaningful step beyond the applicant’s PhD research.

Explain:

• The research question.
• Scientific objectives.
• Methodology.
• Expected outcomes.
• Why the host laboratory is appropriate.
• How the fellowship will advance the applicant’s career.

Step 3: Check Mobility Eligibility

Before submitting an application, carefully verify:

• Current country of residence.
• Nationality.
• Country where the PhD was obtained.
• Proposed host country.
• Previous affiliations with the host laboratory.
• Previous residence or work in the host country.

Mobility eligibility is a fundamental requirement of the programme.

Step 4: Confirm Publication Eligibility

Ensure that the required first-author publication or independently peer-reviewed preprint meets the programme’s requirements.

Step 5: Prepare the Application

Applicants should provide the required scientific and career information and demonstrate why the proposed research and host environment are appropriate for their professional development.

Step 6: Plan for International Relocation

Successful applicants should account for relocation, travel, family arrangements, childcare, and other practical considerations when planning their fellowship.

Why the EMBO Fellowship Matters

The programme provides more than research funding.

It combines postdoctoral research, international mobility, scientific networking, professional development, and family support.

For early-career researchers, this can help them:

• Establish international collaborations.
• Gain experience in a new research environment.
• Develop independent research expertise.
• Expand their professional network.
• Strengthen leadership skills.
• Prepare for future scientific careers.

Common Eligibility Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should pay particular attention to the following issues:

• Ignoring mobility rules: Meeting academic requirements alone is not sufficient.
• Continuing PhD research without sufficient development: A direct continuation of doctoral work is not eligible.
• Overlooking the PhD date requirement: The doctorate must generally have been obtained within the specified two-year period.
• Failing to meet the publication requirement: Applicants need an eligible first-author publication or qualifying preprint.
• Ignoring previous host affiliations: Previous relationships with the host laboratory or country can affect eligibility.
• Leaving family arrangements until late: Applicants with dependants should investigate available relocation and childcare support early.
• Choosing a host without checking eligibility: The proposed host country must fit the relevant EMBO mobility pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship?

It is a fellowship programme supporting early-career researchers undertaking postdoctoral research internationally in a country different from where they completed their PhD.

How long does the fellowship last?

The fellowship normally lasts two years, with a minimum duration of one year.

Can I apply if I am not an EU or European citizen?

Yes, nationality requirements depend on the proposed host country. Applicants may be eligible to work in an EMBC Member State regardless of nationality if they satisfy the international mobility requirement.

How recent must my PhD be?

The PhD must generally have been obtained within two years before application submission.

Do I need a publication?

Yes. Applicants must have at least one first-author publication or a preprint that has undergone independent peer review.

Can I continue my PhD research as a postdoctoral project?

No. Projects that constitute a direct continuation of the PhD research are not eligible.

Does the fellowship provide family support?

Yes. Depending on fellowship location and eligibility, support can include travel and relocation allowances, childcare or daycare allowances, dependent-child allowances, parental leave, and part-time work options.

Conclusion

The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is designed for early-career researchers seeking internationally mobile postdoctoral research opportunities. With typically two years of fellowship support, research funding arrangements, professional-development opportunities, international networking, and family-related benefits, the programme provides a comprehensive pathway for researchers who meet its PhD, publication, research independence, and international mobility requirements.