EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships 2027: Up to Two Years of Research Funding, Relocation Support and Training

EMBO is accepting applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowships, which support internationally mobile life-science researchers for up to two years. The next evaluation cutoff is 22 January 2027 at 14:00 CET. Applications are accepted throughout the year, but only complete submissions received by the cutoff enter that selection round. The official programme page confirms the current schedule.

What support is available?

According to EMBO’s benefits information, awards normally last two years, with a one-year minimum for shorter requests. The financial arrangement depends on the destination:

• In EMBC member states, EMBO funds the host institution to employ the fellow under an employment contract.
• Fellows in other eligible destinations receive a stipend.
• Eligible fellows receive travel and relocation support.
• Family-related support is available under the applicable programme rules.

Funding rates vary by country. The award does not provide the host with bench fees, overheads or a consumables budget, so applicants should discuss research costs with their prospective supervisor. Fellows can also access the EMBO Fellows’ Network and laboratory-leadership training, adding professional development to the funded research period.

Who is eligible?

The eligibility page requires a doctorate or equivalent by the fellowship start. If applicants already have their PhD, they normally must submit within two years of its award. A qualifying first-author research publication or an eligible independently refereed preprint is also required.

The project must involve international mobility and cannot be a direct continuation of the applicant’s doctoral research. Applicants cannot use the fellowship to return to their PhD laboratory or work again with their doctoral supervisor. Additional limits apply to previous stays in the intended host country and laboratory. Exceptions for specified personal circumstances require advance discussion with EMBO.

Can international applicants apply?

Yes, but eligibility depends on the destination. The official guidelines allow researchers of any nationality to apply for an eligible move to an EMBC member state. Moves to global-partner or non-member destinations have additional nationality, PhD-location and departure-country requirements. Applicants should check the relevant route before committing to a host.

EMBO supports research within its scientific scope. A strong host discussion should therefore cover the biological question, the facilities needed, the proposed training and the distinction between the new project and previous doctoral work.

How to apply

1. Read the current guidelines and confirm eligibility with your intended host.
2. Prepare the project and application in the official online system.
3. Arrange two references and the receiving institution’s acceptance through that system.
4. Confirm completion and submit before the evaluation cutoff.

The application instructions stress that creating an account is not a completed application. The actual submission date is also important for time-based eligibility checks. Leave enough time for referees and the host to provide their documents.

Important rules for the 2027 round

Each host laboratory may support only one candidate per selection round. EMBO also states that reapplications will no longer be permitted for applications submitted after the January 2027 cutoff. Discuss these rules with the host before planning a submission.

Apply through the link on the official EMBO page. The next cutoff is 22 January 2027, 14:00 CET.

Application status checked on 14 October 2026.