Looking to take your life sciences research beyond your current laboratory? The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships offer researchers an opportunity to pursue postdoctoral research in a different country, develop new scientific expertise and build international research collaborations.
The programme supports postdoctoral researchers for up to two years and provides funding towards their salary or stipend, along with relocation support for eligible fellows. Researchers can apply throughout the year, with applications assessed in designated selection rounds.
The next application cutoff is 22 January 2027 at 14:00 Central European Time (CET). If you have a strong research background and want to develop a new direction in life sciences, this fellowship is worth exploring.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: International Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Host Institution: European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO)
- Location: Eligible host laboratories in Europe and other countries around the world
- Duration: 2 years
- Age Limit: No specific age limit
- Mode: Full-time research at an approved host laboratory
- Nationality: Depends on the host country. Applicants of any nationality may apply to eligible host countries in EMBC Member States, subject to all other requirements. Additional conditions apply to placements outside these states.
- Minimum Degree Required: PhD or equivalent doctorate by the start of the fellowship
- Work Experience: Postdoctoral applicants must meet the doctorate timing and publication requirements
- Start Date: Within one calendar year of the relevant evaluation cutoff, subject to the fellowship rules
- Application Deadline: 22 January 2027, 14:00 CET
- Application Fee: No application fee
- Stipend / Salary / Financial Support: Salary funding through the host institution in EMBC Member States, or a stipend in eligible non-member countries. Eligible fellows may also receive relocation support and applicable childcare or dependent-child allowances.
What Are EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships?
EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships support researchers who want to pursue life sciences research in a new international setting. The programme aims to help scientists expand their research skills, explore new scientific questions and gain experience working with a different laboratory or research team.
A central requirement is international mobility. Applicants must plan a qualifying move between countries, and the proposed project should offer a meaningful research opportunity rather than simply continue their doctoral work.
The fellowship is suitable for researchers interested in areas covered by EMBO’s life sciences subject areas, provided their proposed project and host laboratory meet the programme’s requirements.
What Funding and Benefits Are Available?
1. Salary or stipend support
For placements in EMBC Member States, EMBO provides funding to the host institution to cover the cost of an employment contract for the fellow. This includes relevant employment costs and salary, with the final net amount depending on local rules and deductions.
For eligible placements outside EMBC Member States, fellows receive a stipend intended to support living costs in the host country.
Funding rates vary by destination. Applicants should contact their proposed host institution to understand the likely salary, employment arrangements and local costs.
2. Relocation and travel support
Eligible fellows may receive a lump-sum allowance to help with essential travel and relocation costs associated with moving to the host country. Eligibility depends on the programme’s relocation policy, including whether the fellow is already working at the host institution.
3. Support for researchers with children
Additional support may be available for eligible fellows with children. Depending on the fellow’s location and circumstances, this can include childcare support for young children or a dependent-child allowance.
4. Training and international networking
Fellows can join the EMBO Fellows’ Network and access opportunities to connect with researchers internationally. The programme also offers EMBO Laboratory Leadership courses to help postdoctoral scientists develop skills for managing research and progressing in their careers.
Important funding note: This is a funded research fellowship, but it should not be described as covering every expense. Host-country salary or stipend rates vary, and the programme does not generally cover laboratory bench fees, research consumables or institutional overheads. Visa arrangements and other personal expenses should be checked separately.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
Applicants must satisfy the academic, publication and international mobility conditions.
Academic requirements
You must hold a PhD or an equivalent doctorate by the time your fellowship begins.
If you already have your PhD when submitting the application, it must generally have been awarded within the two years before the application submission date. Applicants who are still completing their doctorate may apply, provided they obtain the degree before the fellowship starts.
Research publication requirement
Applicants must have at least one first-author research paper accepted for publication or published in an international peer-reviewed journal.
A qualifying first-author preprint with independently obtained, publicly available in-depth peer reviews may also meet the requirement. Manuscripts that are merely submitted or still under review do not satisfy the standard publication requirement.
International mobility requirement
Your proposed fellowship must involve a qualifying move between countries.
In general, applications to conduct the fellowship in the country where you obtained your PhD are not accepted. Applicants also cannot return to the same PhD laboratory or supervisor under the programme’s rules. Previous time spent in the proposed host country or laboratory can affect eligibility.
Applicants proposing a host country outside EMBC Member States must meet additional nationality, doctoral-training and mobility conditions. Check the rules for your intended destination before preparing an application.
Research project requirement
The proposed project must offer a suitable scientific opportunity and cannot be a direct continuation of the applicant’s PhD work.
Your research proposal should explain the scientific question, why the project matters, why the host laboratory is appropriate and how the fellowship will support your development as a researcher.
How to Apply for the EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship
Applications are submitted through EMBO’s online application system. You should read the official eligibility rules and application guidelines before beginning.
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Confirm that your PhD timeline, publication record, nationality and proposed international move meet the relevant conditions.
Step 2: Find a suitable host laboratory
Identify a laboratory that matches your research interests and can support the proposed project. Finding a host laboratory and supervisor is the applicant’s responsibility.
Step 3: Develop your research proposal
Prepare a clear proposal explaining the research question, its scientific importance, the methods you intend to use and why the host laboratory is the right place for the work.
Step 4: Arrange supporting documents
Prepare the required application information, including your research record, references and confirmation of acceptance from the proposed host institution. The application must be complete before the cutoff.
Step 5: Submit the application online
Complete all required sections and confirm that the application has been submitted. Creating an account alone does not count as completing an application for a selection round.
Step 6: Prepare for evaluation
Eligible applications are assessed on scientific achievements, the proposed research, its biological significance and the suitability of the host laboratory. Some applicants proceed to an interview before final funding decisions are made.
Application Deadline and Selection Timeline
The next confirmed application cutoff is 22 January 2027 at 14:00 CET.
EMBO accepts applications throughout the year and evaluates them in designated rounds. Applications completed after a cutoff enter the next applicable evaluation cycle. Results are typically communicated several months after the deadline.
Make sure every required document is submitted and the application is formally confirmed before the cutoff. An incomplete application will not be considered for that round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship fully funded?
The fellowship provides salary or stipend support for the approved period, and eligible fellows may receive relocation and family-related allowances. However, it does not cover every research or personal expense. The exact financial arrangement depends on the host country and the applicable rules.
Can Indian researchers apply?
Indian researchers may be eligible, but eligibility depends on the proposed host country and the applicant’s academic and mobility history. Applicants planning to work in an EMBC Member State can apply regardless of nationality if they meet the other conditions. Placements outside these states have additional requirements, so check the official guidance for your specific case.
Can I apply before completing my PhD?
Yes. You can apply while completing your doctorate, but you must have the required degree before the fellowship begins.
Can I continue my existing PhD research?
A project that directly continues your PhD work is not eligible. Your proposal should demonstrate a distinct research direction and explain the scientific value of the new project and host laboratory.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is specified in EMBO’s official application guidance. Apply through the official online application system.
How long does the fellowship last?
The standard duration is two years, although applicants may request a shorter fellowship of at least one year.
Final Thoughts
The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships can be a valuable opportunity for life sciences researchers seeking international research experience, access to a new laboratory and support for their next career stage.
The most important steps are to confirm your eligibility, secure a suitable host laboratory, demonstrate a strong publication record and develop a research proposal that moves beyond your PhD work.
Review the current rules carefully before applying, especially if your proposed host country is outside an EMBC Member State.
Official programme and application page: https://www.embo.org/funding/fellowships-grants-and-career-support/postdoctoral-fellowships/
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