ERC Postdoctoral Scholarship 2026

The European Research Council (ERC) is a major European funder of frontier research. While the ERC is widely associated with prestigious research funding, it does not usually offer a single, centralised programme formally called an "ERC Postdoctoral Scholarship". In practice, postdoctoral researchers are often supported through ERC-funded projects, especially those led by Principal Investigators holding ERC Starting, Consolidator, Advanced or Synergy Grants at host institutions across Europe.

For students and early-career researchers, this means opportunities may exist as postdoctoral positions attached to specific ERC-funded research projects rather than through one universal scholarship application portal. These positions are normally advertised by the host university or research institute and may be available in a wide range of disciplines, depending on the funded project.

Funding arrangements vary by project and institution, but ERC-supported postdoctoral roles commonly include salary or stipend support and may also provide research-related resources. Eligibility, contract length, subject area, language expectations and application steps are set by the recruiting host institution and the Principal Investigator.

If you are looking for an ERC-related postdoctoral opportunity, the best approach is to search for vacancies at European universities and research centres participating in ERC-funded research, and to review the ERC website for information on the broader grant schemes that create these openings. Always check the specific project advertisement for exact eligibility rules, required documents and employment terms.