LEAPS ULTRAFAST Network Postdoctoral Fellowships (around 50 positions) Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in United Kingdom

LEAPS ULTRAFAST is a Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions-funded postdoctoral fellowship network offering around 50 positions for researchers interested in ultrafast science across leading international facilities. The programme is hosted through Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) and a network of major photon science and large-scale research centers, giving fellows access to more than 20 facilities and world-leading light sources.

The research environment spans key areas such as matter and materials, energy and environment, health and life sciences, and future technologies. The listed fields also indicate a strong interdisciplinary scope, including experimental physics, materials physics, chemical physics, laser physics, quantum physics, photonics, atomic, molecular and optical physics, molecular chemistry, catalysis, environmental science, environmental engineering, electrical engineering, electronics, chemical engineering, materials engineering, and related areas.

Alongside research, the programme includes a structured career development and transferable skills training component, with emphasis on communication, project management, entrepreneurship, and preparation for careers in academia or industry. The network also encourages intersectoral mobility and collaboration across internationally recognized facilities.

Eligibility is postdoctoral: applicants must have a PhD degree or a successfully defended doctoral thesis by the call deadline. A publication record is required, with at least one original accepted, in-press, or peer-reviewed publication. MSCA mobility rules apply, and applicants of any nationality may apply. The programme also encourages applications from researchers returning after career breaks and integrates gender and diversity considerations throughout selection.

The first call opens on 2026-07-06 and closes on 2026-09-30, with online interviews planned for the week of 2026-12-09 and fellowship start expected at the beginning of 2027. Applicants should read the website carefully, review the application documents, choose a preferred research area, and contact the relevant hosts to discuss technical feasibility before submitting the full application. If you wish to apply early, you can register your intent to apply by emailing [email protected].