European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) ARISE2: 17 STEM Fellowships

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) ARISE2: 17 STEM Fellowships programme is one of Europe’s most prestigious career development opportunities for experienced STEM researchers. Designed for scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technology developers, ARISE2 combines advanced research with professional training in research infrastructures. Rather than following a traditional postdoctoral route, fellows develop innovative technologies and methods that support life science research while gaining expertise in research infrastructure management.

This guide explains the fellowship, eligibility requirements, benefits, application process, and practical strategies for preparing a competitive application. Whether you are working in academia or industry, ARISE2 offers a unique pathway toward leadership roles in international research infrastructures.

What Is the EMBL ARISE2 Fellowship Programme?

ARISE2 (Career Accelerator for Research Infrastructure Scientists) is a fellowship programme hosted by the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). It builds on the success of the original ARISE initiative and is supported through the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND programme under Horizon Europe. The programme aims to train future research infrastructure professionals capable of developing advanced technologies and services for the life sciences. 

Unlike conventional research fellowships, ARISE2 encourages fellows to design their own technology or method development projects. These projects should improve existing research services or create innovative solutions that benefit the wider scientific community. 

Why the EMBL ARISE2 STEM Fellowships Stand Out

Research infrastructures play an essential role in modern science. They provide advanced equipment, technical expertise, and specialised services that thousands of researchers depend upon every year.

The ARISE2 programme offers several significant advantages:

• • Seventeen competitive STEM fellowships per recruitment call.

  • Three-year EMBL research fellow appointments.

  • International scientific collaboration.

  • Advanced technical and leadership training.

    Advertisement

  • Secondments with partner organisations.

  • Career development in academia, industry, and research infrastructures.

  • Strong emphasis on data science, artificial intelligence, and service innovation. 

Moreover, fellows receive structured mentoring while working alongside internationally recognised scientists and technology specialists.

Research Areas and STEM Disciplines

The programme welcomes researchers from diverse STEM backgrounds.

Technology Development

Projects may involve:

• • Bioinformatics

  • Artificial intelligence

  • Machine learning

  • Software engineering

  • Automation

  • Robotics

  • Imaging technologies

  • Optical engineering

  • Data science

  • Structural biology

  • Biotechnology

Each fellow proposes an original project aligned with EMBL research priorities and future research infrastructure needs. 

Research Infrastructure Focus

A distinctive feature of ARISE2 is its emphasis on technologies that can become shared scientific services.

Instead of producing only academic publications, fellows develop tools, workflows, software, or methods that support broader scientific communities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should carefully review the official programme guidelines before applying.

Academic Qualifications

Suitable candidates generally require:

1. 1. A PhD or equivalent doctoral qualification by the programme deadline.

   2. A STEM background relevant to EMBL research.

   3. Experience developing technologies, methods, or scientific tools.

   4. Strong communication skills in English.

Importantly, candidates may come from academia or industry, making the programme attractive for researchers seeking alternative scientific careers. 

Research Experience

Successful applicants often demonstrate:

• • Independent research ability.

  • Technical innovation.

  • Collaborative experience.

  • Interest in research infrastructure services.

  • Strong problem-solving skills.

Previous experience improving research methods or supporting scientific services can strengthen an application.

Funding and Fellowship Benefits

The EMBL ARISE2 programme provides more than financial support.

Successful fellows receive:

• • Three-year EMBL employment contracts.

  • Competitive fellowship salary.

  • Comprehensive social security benefits.

  • Health insurance.

  • Pension contributions.

  • International training opportunities.

  • Professional management courses.

  • Secondments with EMBL partners.

  • Conference participation.

  • Mentoring throughout the fellowship. 

In addition, the training curriculum includes project management, service provision, innovation, research infrastructure management, FAIR data principles, and artificial intelligence applications. 

Step-by-Step Application Process

Preparing a strong application requires careful planning.

Step 1: Read the Official Programme Guidelines

Begin by reviewing the official applicant guide and fellowship requirements.

Understanding the programme objectives helps you design a stronger project proposal.

Step 2: Develop Your Project Proposal

Applicants must prepare an original project that develops or improves technologies supporting life science research infrastructures.

Projects should demonstrate scientific impact, innovation, and practical service value.

Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents

Typical application documents include:

• • Application form.

  • Research project proposal.

  • Ethics self-evaluation.

  • Curriculum Vitae.

  • Reference letters.

  • Supporting academic documentation.

Applications must follow the official templates provided by EMBL. 

Step 4: Submit Through the Online Portal

Applications should be submitted through the EMBL online recruitment system before the published deadline.

If future calls have not yet opened, applicants should monitor the official ARISE2 website regularly for updates.

Expert Tips for a Strong Application

Competition is expected to be high because the programme attracts talented researchers worldwide.

Improve your application by:

1. 1. Matching your proposal with EMBL research priorities.

   2. Demonstrating previous technology development experience.

   3. Highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration.

   4. Explaining the wider scientific benefit of your project.

   5. Showing enthusiasm for research infrastructure careers.

For example, a computational biologist from India could propose an artificial intelligence workflow that improves microscopy data analysis across multiple EMBL facilities rather than focusing on a single laboratory application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants reduce their chances by making preventable errors.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• • Writing generic motivation letters.

  • Ignoring the official project template.

  • Proposing purely academic research without infrastructure relevance.

  • Missing reference submission deadlines.

  • Overlooking ethics documentation.

  • Waiting until the final day to submit.

Careful preparation demonstrates professionalism and scientific maturity.

Summary Table

Final Thoughts

The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) ARISE2: 17 STEM Fellowships offer a rare opportunity to combine scientific research, technology innovation, and professional career development within one of Europe’s leading life science organisations. Rather than following a conventional postdoctoral pathway, fellows gain practical expertise in developing technologies that support researchers worldwide.

If your background includes engineering, computational science, biology, mathematics, or technology development, this programme deserves serious consideration. Review the official programme guidelines carefully, prepare a project proposal that demonstrates real scientific impact, and begin gathering your application materials well before the deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)