The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) provides various scholarship and support programmes for scientists working in the field of life sciences. These programmes, which are financed by the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC) Member States and EMBO/EMBC global partners, provide grant, accommodation and networking support to the researchers.
EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships provide international mobility and research opportunities in different countries for postdoctoral researchers working in the field of life sciences.
Eligibility:
Holding a doctorate degree or equivalent at the start of the fellowship*;
For applicants already holding a PhD at the time of application, having obtained it during the 2 years prior to the date the application is submitted**;
Having at least one first author research paper accepted in or published in an international peer reviewed journal at the time of application;
Fellowship application to involve movement between countries;
Not applying to go to the country in which the PhD was obtained or to return to a laboratory in which having worked in the past for more than 6 months;
For applicants already started working in the host laboratory, having worked there for less than 6 months at the time of the application is required.
* Candidates with a medical degree (M.D.) may apply provided they hold a PhD. Candidates with a M.D. but without a PhD may apply if they have equivalent research experience to a PhD. These candidates should contact the EMBO Fellowship Office (fellowships@embo.org) before applying.
** The limit of 2 years since obtaining a PhD can be extended for exceptional circumstances such as parental leave, illness, mandatory military or civil service. The candidates whose circumstances may warrant an extension of the eligibility period should contact the EMBO Fellowship Office (fellowships@embo.org) before applying.
Please find the detailed information about the eligibility here.
Benefits:
Postdoctoral Fellowships are awarded for a period of 1 to 2 years.
EMBO provides grants to the host institutions to cover the cost of employment for the awardee. The grant rates depend on the country being visited.
Fellows eligible for the travel and relocation support will receive this as a lump sum before the start date of their fellowship.
Fellows are invited to join the EMBO Fellows’ Network.
Postdoctoral Fellows are offered to attend EMBO Laboratory Leadership Courses for postdocs free of charge during or at the end of their fellowship.
Please find the detailed information about the benefits here.
Application and Selection:
Applications must be made directly to EMBO through the application system.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and they enter one of two evaluation cycles depending on the time of submission. For Autumn 2026 evaluation cycle, applications must be submitted by 10 July 2026; for Spring 2027 evaluation cycle, the application deadline is planned to be 22 January 2027.
Eligible and successful applications will be invited for an online interview.
Please find the detailed information about the programme here and application guidelines here.
Additional Information and Contact Details:
Please find the detailed information about the EMBO scholarships and grants from the official EMBO programme website or from the TÜBİTAK EMBO programme website.
Please click here and here to watch the video recordings for online training days that were held on 16 and 17 October 2025 to promote successful applications to the scholarships and grants provided by the EMBO.
If you would like to get updates about the EMBO scholarships and grants, please subscribe to our newsletter here.
Please send your questions about EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships to fellowships@embo.org or embo@tubitak.gov.tr e-mail addresses.
