EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship for Synthetic Biology198 Views

The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship serves as a transformative opportunity for researchers in life sciences, including those specializing in synthetic biology. This highly regarded program offers significant support for early-career researchers aspiring to establish themselves within leading European research institutions. For the 2025–2027 cycle, the fellowship provides not only robust financial backing but also access to premier laboratories, structured mentorship, and integration into a thriving scientific community.

This guide is curated specifically for final-year undergraduate students, postgraduate scholars, early-career researchers, and international applicants looking to secure competitive, funded fellowships in Europe. Readers will gain a step-by-step understanding of eligibility requirements, application procedures, key benefits, and program timelines.

By following this comprehensive guide, prospective candidates will be well-prepared to submit a strong application for the EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship.

About the EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship

Program Name

EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship (Europe-wide, with emphasis on synthetic biology)

Current Status

The application window for the 2025–2027 cycle is now open. The next major deadline is Friday, 11 July 2025, at 14:00 CEST.

Objectives & Mission

EMBO’s mission is to enhance international collaboration in the life sciences. The fellowship supports innovative, mechanism-driven research across diverse biological domains. Projects in synthetic biology—which integrate biological research with engineering principles—are actively promoted.

Program Duration

Successful applicants may receive support for up to two years of full-time postdoctoral research.

Study/Work Mode

Fellowships are intended for full-time, onsite research within an EMBC Member State or an approved partner country. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not permitted.

Core Focus Areas

• Molecular, cellular, organismal, and ecological biology
• Synthetic biology with demonstrable biological foundations
• Basic-research projects in industrial environments that address fundamental biological questions

Eligibility Criteria

Academic Qualifications

Applicants must hold a PhD or equivalent by the time the fellowship begins. If the degree has already been conferred, it must be within two years of the application date. Extensions may be considered for documented career breaks such as parental leave, illness, or national service. MD-PhD holders are also eligible under these conditions.

Professional / Research Experience

A minimum of one first-author paper in a peer-reviewed journal or a refereed preprint with independent reviews is required. Preprints should be hosted on platforms such as bioRxiv or ArXiv.

Mobility Requirements

Candidates must move to a host country different from where their PhD was awarded. Those returning to their former PhD laboratory or who have been in the host lab for more than six months before submission are ineligible.

Project Criteria

Research proposals must represent new directions, distinct from the candidate’s doctoral work.

Application Limits

Only one application per evaluation round is allowed. Reapplication is permitted once, provided that the proposal has been substantially revised.

Application Process

1. Create an EMBO online application account.
2. Select a submission round:
   • Spring: Fourth Friday of January, 14:00 CET
   • Autumn: Second Friday of July, 14:00 CEST (next: 11 July 2025)
3. Prepare application materials including CV, project proposal, and publication list.
4. Complete the online application in English. Note that figures and tables are not allowed.
5. Submit two letters of recommendation. One must be from the PhD supervisor. Recommendations from the host lab are not accepted.
6. Obtain a formal acceptance letter from the host lab supervisor, signed and sent via institutional email.
7. Submit the application before the deadline. Late or incomplete submissions are deferred to the next evaluation cycle.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae with detailed academic and research background
• Research Proposal outlining biological question, methodology, and significance
• List of Publications, highlighting first-author work or refereed preprints
• Two Recommendation Letters (including one from the PhD supervisor)
• Academic Transcripts and certificates
• Language Proficiency Scores (if required by the host country)
• Valid Passport or National ID
• Signed Host Lab Acceptance Letter
• Any EMBO-specified forms, including declarations or ethics statements

Fields of Study / Research Areas Supported

• Molecular biology, cell biology, developmental biology
• Neurobiology, immunology, and microbiology
• Synthetic biology and biotech projects grounded in core biological principles
• Interdisciplinary or industrial projects are allowed when based on mechanistic research

Financial Benefits

• Salary or Stipend: Based on host country norms and disbursed via the host institution.
• Relocation and Travel Allowance: Lump-sum reimbursement for travel and initial resettlement.
• Childcare and Family Support: Coverage of childcare expenses and allowances for dependent children.
• Parental Leave: Possible extensions or coverage aligned with national regulations.
• Professional Development: Free access to EMBO Laboratory Leadership Courses.
• Research Integrity Training: Online modules mandatory for all fellows.

Selection Process

1. Initial Screening: EMBO staff assess compliance with eligibility requirements.
2. Peer Review: Fellowship Committee evaluates:
   • Scientific merit and publication quality
   • Innovation and clarity of proposed research
   • Alignment with the host lab’s capabilities
3. Interview (if required): Selected candidates may be invited. Applicants from some nationalities, such as Türkiye, may receive guaranteed interviews following successful pre-screening.
4. Final Decision: Results are released in mid-December (Autumn round) or mid-June (Spring round).

Timeline Summary:

• Application Deadline: 11 July 2025
• Interview Notifications: August–September 2025
• Fellowship Start: Within 12 months of award

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

• Develop a focused and innovative research proposal.
• Highlight your scientific independence through prior work and initiative.
• Request strong recommendations from established researchers who can attest to your qualifications.
• Demonstrate clear mobility motivation and cross-border collaboration.
• Ensure your application is concise, complete, and technically sound.

Contact Information

• Programme Head: Karin Dumstrei (+49 6221 8891 122)
• Programme Officers:
  • Elsie Chan (+49 6221 8891 409)
  • Daniele Viarisio (+49 6221 8891 502)
  • Ghulam Rasool (+49 6221 8891 561)
• Email: [email protected]
• Application Portal: EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships

Conclusion

The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship stands out as a leading opportunity for early-career scientists aiming to push the boundaries of research in life sciences and synthetic biology. With comprehensive funding, international collaboration incentives, and developmental support, it empowers scientists to lead cutting-edge projects across Europe. Those ready to embark on this next step should apply by 11 July 2025 and begin preparing a competitive application today.

Quick Summary Table

References

1. EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships – Application Guidelines: https://www.embo.org/funding/fellowships/postdoctoral-fellowships/
2. EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships – Benefits, Eligibility, Application Process: https://www.embo.org

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)