EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships are prestigious international fellowships run by the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) to support outstanding postdoctoral researchers in the life sciences. The programme is designed to help early-career scientists take their next research step in a new laboratory, strengthen their scientific independence, and build international research experience.

The fellowship primarily supports postdoctoral research and places a strong emphasis on international mobility. Based on recent programme information, fellows can be funded for up to two years to carry out research in Europe or beyond, provided the move meets EMBO's mobility rules. The programme is not tied to a single university; instead, applicants typically arrange a suitable host laboratory or institution that fits their research plans.

Support generally includes a salary or stipend, a relocation allowance, and additional support for fellows with children. Fellows may also receive access to an EMBO Laboratory Leadership course and become part of the international EMBO Fellows network, which can provide valuable training and professional connections.

The fellowship is aimed at researchers who already hold a PhD or equivalent and are working in the broad area of molecular life sciences. Applicants are usually expected to demonstrate a strong research track record. Recent programme guidance indicates that a first-author refereed preprint may be considered equivalent to a first-author publication if it meets EMBO's rules.

Applications are accepted throughout the year, with defined review rounds and hard deadlines. Interested candidates should review the current EMBO fellowship guidance carefully, confirm that their proposed host move satisfies mobility requirements, and prepare the required research and academic documents before applying through the official EMBO process.