The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) provides various fellowship 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 grants, mobility and scientific networking support to 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 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 and the intended research being in the field of life sciences and related to EMBO subject areas;
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 who have 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 an 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 two-year limit since obtaining a PhD can be extended in exceptional circumstances such as parental leave, illness, mandatory military or civil service. Candidates whose circumstances may warrant an extension of the eligibility period should contact the EMBO Fellowship Office (fellowships@embo.org) before applying.
Please find detailed information about the eligibility criteria 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 detailed information about the benefits here.
Application and Selection:
Applications must be made via the EMBO application system by 14:00 (CET) on 22 January 2027.
Applications are accepted throughout the year and enter one of two evaluation cycles depending on the time of submission. For the Spring 2027 evaluation cycle, applications must be submitted by 22 January 2027; for the Autumn 2027 evaluation cycle, the application deadline is planned to be 9 July 2027.
Eligible and successful applicants will be invited for an online interview.
Please find detailed information about the programme here and the application guidelines here.
Additional Information and Contact Details:
Please find detailed information about the EMBO fellowships and grants on the official EMBO programme website or on the TÜBİTAK EMBO programme website.
Please click here and here to watch the video recordings of the online training days that were held on 16 and 17 October 2025 to promote successful applications for fellowships and grants provided by the EMBO.
If you would like to receive updates about the EMBO fellowships and grants, please subscribe to our newsletter here.
Please send your questions about EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships to the EMBO Fellowship Office (fellowships@embo.org) or the TÜBİTAK contact point (uidb@tubitak.gov.tr and embo@tubitak.gov.tr).
