EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships support outstanding researchers pursuing postdoctoral research in life sciences across Europe and around the world. Successful fellows can receive up to two years of salary or stipend support, relocation assistance and additional support for researchers with children.
Applications are accepted throughout the year, with the next hard deadline on 22 January 2027 at 14:00 CET. International mobility is a key eligibility requirement.
Background & Job Description
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) supports talented researchers through its Postdoctoral Fellowship programme. The scheme helps researchers develop their careers in life sciences while gaining international research experience.
Fellowships are available for up to two years and include salary or stipend support, a relocation allowance and support for fellows with children. Awardees can also attend an EMBO Laboratory Leadership course and join the international EMBO Fellows network.
EMBO recognises a first-author refereed preprint as equivalent to a first-author publication for its eligibility and assessment criteria, subject to the organisation’s definition of a refereed preprint.
Fellowship Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) |
| Fellowship | EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships |
| Research field | Life sciences |
| Duration | Up to two years |
| Funding | Salary or stipend support |
| Additional benefits | Relocation allowance and support for fellows with children |
| Career development | EMBO Laboratory Leadership course |
| Mobility requirement | International mobility is essential |
| Application schedule | Applications accepted throughout the year |
| Next deadline | 22 January 2027, 14:00 CET |
| Contact | fellowships@embo.org |
| Official website | EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships |
Tasks
This is a research fellowship rather than a conventional employment vacancy. Fellows undertake postdoctoral research in life sciences at a host laboratory while developing their scientific expertise and international research experience.
The programme also provides opportunities for professional development through leadership training and participation in the EMBO Fellows network.
Applicants should review the fellowship guidelines to understand the research, host laboratory and mobility requirements before submitting a proposal.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
The supplied overview does not provide the complete academic eligibility criteria or specify all accepted doctoral qualifications. Applicants should consult the official fellowship guidelines to confirm that their qualifications meet the programme requirements.
Experience
The fellowship is intended for postdoctoral researchers with strong research potential in the life sciences.
EMBO considers first-author publications and, under its stated rules, first-author refereed preprints as part of its eligibility and assessment criteria. Applicants should read the official definition of a refereed preprint and check the full selection criteria before applying.
International mobility is a key requirement of the programme.
Additional Information
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows may receive:
- Salary or stipend support for up to two years.
- A relocation allowance.
- Support for fellows with children.
- Access to an EMBO Laboratory Leadership course.
- Membership in the international EMBO Fellows network.
The supplied overview does not state a single fixed salary or stipend amount. Applicants should consult EMBO’s published contract rates and funding guidelines for details.
Application Deadline
EMBO accepts fellowship applications throughout the year. The next listed hard deadline is Friday, 22 January 2027, at 14:00 Central European Time (CET).
EMBO also announces an important change to its reapplication policy: for applications submitted after 22 January 2027 at 14:00 CET, researchers may submit only one EMBO Fellowship Proposal. Reapplications will no longer be permitted under the policy taking effect from the Autumn 2027 selection round.
Another rule, effective from the Autumn 2026 selection round, limits each host laboratory to supporting a maximum of one candidate per selection round. If multiple applications are submitted for the same host laboratory, EMBO may request withdrawal of the additional application or applications.
How to Apply
Interested researchers should begin by reviewing the official EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships page and the programme guidelines.
Applicants should:
- Check the eligibility and international mobility requirements.
- Review the rules on publications and refereed preprints.
- Identify an appropriate host laboratory and discuss support for the application.
- Read the current fellowship guidelines, contract rates and relocation policy.
- Submit the proposal through EMBO’s official application system before the applicable hard deadline.
Apply and check eligibility: Official EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships page.
For enquiries, contact fellowships@embo.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships?
They are fellowships supporting postdoctoral researchers undertaking internationally mobile life sciences research in Europe and around the world.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship supports researchers for up to two years.
What funding does EMBO provide?
The programme includes salary or stipend support, a relocation allowance and support for fellows with children. The exact funding rates should be checked in the official guidelines.
When is the next application deadline?
The next listed hard deadline is 22 January 2027 at 14:00 CET.
Can researchers apply throughout the year?
Applications are accepted throughout the year, but they must meet the relevant selection-round deadline.
Is international mobility required?
Yes. International mobility is a key requirement of the fellowship.
Are refereed preprints accepted?
EMBO considers a first-author refereed preprint equivalent to a first-author publication for its eligibility and assessment criteria, subject to its official definition.
Can a host laboratory support several candidates in one selection round?
Under the rule effective from the Autumn 2026 selection round, a host laboratory may support a maximum of one candidate per selection round.
Will researchers be able to reapply after January 2027?
Under EMBO’s announced policy, applications submitted after 22 January 2027 at 14:00 CET are subject to a one-proposal-only rule, and reapplications will no longer be permitted.
Where can I find the official application information?
Visit the EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships page for eligibility guidance, application instructions and current funding information.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships offer valuable support for life sciences researchers seeking international research experience and career development. The combination of up to two years of salary or stipend support, relocation funding and leadership training may make the programme attractive to eligible postdoctoral researchers.
Applicants should check the full eligibility criteria carefully, confirm international mobility requirements and prepare their proposals well before the January 2027 deadline. They should also take note of EMBO’s announced changes to reapplications and host laboratory nomination limits.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed shares scholarship, fellowship, employment and education opportunities for informational purposes. We are not affiliated with EMBO and do not represent the organisation in its selection or funding decisions. Applicants should verify eligibility requirements, funding rates, application procedures and deadlines through EMBO’s official website before applying.
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