The IMDEA Nanociencia MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 offers a prestigious, fully funded opportunity for emerging researchers in the field of nanotechnology. This highly competitive program is hosted at IMDEA Nanociencia, a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence based in Madrid, Spain. Funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe program under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the fellowship supports international mobility, interdisciplinary research, and advanced scientific training in one of Europe’s leading research hubs.
This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of the fellowship, including deadlines, eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, and what makes IMDEA Nanociencia a top destination for scientific research.
Explore an exceptional postdoctoral opportunity in nanotechnology through the IMDEA Nanociencia MSCA Fellowship 2025. Conduct cutting-edge research in Madrid, Spain, with full financial support, expert mentorship, and international exposure. Advance your scientific career in one of Europe’s most recognized centers for nanoscience innovation.
Timeline and Key Deadlines
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship at IMDEA Nanociencia is strategically structured to support early-career researchers seeking international experience in interdisciplinary nanoscience. Interested applicants should note the following deadlines:
Call Opened: May 8, 2025
Internal Submission Deadline (IMDEA): May 30, 2025
Final Submission Deadline (EU Portal): September 10, 2025
Result Notification: Between February and April 2026
It is essential for candidates to engage with a relevant Principal Investigator (PI) at IMDEA well ahead of the internal submission deadline to allow sufficient time for application preparation and feedback.
Purpose and Vision of the Fellowship
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed to advance the professional development of researchers by placing them in stimulating research environments with robust international and interdisciplinary frameworks. The program serves the dual objective of enhancing individual research competence while facilitating knowledge exchange across countries and disciplines.
This fellowship is intended specifically for postdoctoral researchers who either already possess a PhD or will have successfully defended their thesis prior to the September 10, 2025 submission deadline. The thematic focus is on nanoscience and nanotechnology—an ever-expanding domain influencing areas such as quantum materials, bioengineering, and advanced electronics.
A key eligibility component is the mobility requirement. Applicants must not have resided or conducted their main activities (work or study) in Spain for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the call deadline. This regulation promotes international collaboration and diversity within the program.
Fellowship Structure and Benefits
The IMDEA Nanociencia MSCA Fellowship offers comprehensive financial and institutional support, making it one of the most attractive opportunities for postdoctoral scholars in Europe.
Financial Package:
Living Allowance: Monthly stipend adjusted based on host country living standards.
Mobility Allowance: Additional funds to support relocation expenses.
Family Allowance: Available for researchers with dependent family members.
Research Costs: Coverage for laboratory equipment, consumables, travel, and publication expenses.
Institutional Overheads: Indirect costs provided to the host institution to support infrastructure.
Secondment Opportunities:
Fellows may undertake short-term secondments of up to six months at non-academic entities (such as industry partners, startups) or other international academic institutions. These secondments are strategically designed to expand professional networks, expose researchers to cross-sectoral challenges, and develop transferable skills.
Why Choose IMDEA Nanociencia?
IMDEA Nanociencia is a prominent European research institute located in Madrid and recognized for its interdisciplinary and high-impact research. As a Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence, the institute demonstrates excellence in both scientific output and international collaboration.
The facility is home to more than 40 specialized laboratories, offering advanced instrumentation and expert mentorship across a broad spectrum of nanoscience applications. Key research domains include:
Spintronics and Orbital Magnetism: Developing magnetic and spin-based computing technologies.
Nanoarchitectonics: Designing nanoscale structures for energy and quantum systems.
Advanced Nanoscopy: Using fluorescence imaging and other techniques to visualize materials at the molecular level.
2D Quantum Materials: Exploring novel materials with unique surface and electronic properties.
Researchers at IMDEA benefit from a vibrant academic community, access to European consortia, and numerous industry collaborations. The institute actively supports career development through workshops, proposal-writing seminars, and innovation training.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet the following conditions:
PhD Status: A PhD degree must be awarded or successfully defended before the final deadline of September 10, 2025.
Experience: Applicants should have no more than eight years of full-time research experience following their doctoral degree.
Mobility Rule: Applicants must not have resided or worked in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding the call deadline.
Open to All Nationalities: The program does not impose restrictions based on nationality or age.
These conditions are strictly enforced in line with MSCA’s goal of fostering global mobility and excellence.
Application Process
The process for submitting a competitive application involves the following four key steps:
1. Identify a Host Research Group
Applicants must first select a suitable PI at IMDEA Nanociencia whose research aligns with their proposed postdoctoral project. Recommended mentors include:
Dr. Paolo Perna – Spintronics
Prof. David Écija – Surface Chemistry & 2D Materials
Dr. Cristina Flors – Advanced Fluorescence Imaging
Dr. Manuela Garnica – Quantum Nanostructures
Detailed information about each group is available on the official fellowship website (link given below).
2. Prepare Required Documents
Applicants must compile:
A concise two-page research proposal, outlining project objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and relevance to the host lab.
An updated curriculum vitae (CV) including publications, research experience, academic awards, and collaborations.
3. Internal Submission to IMDEA
Send your proposal and CV to the selected PI and copy the Research Support Office by May 30, 2025. This preliminary submission allows time for revisions and internal feedback.
4. Final Submission to EU Portal
Once the IMDEA mentor confirms approval, applicants must submit the finalized proposal through the Horizon Europe Funding and Tenders Portal by the official deadline of September 10, 2025.
What Makes This Fellowship Unique?
The IMDEA Nanociencia MSCA Fellowship stands out due to its combination of scientific rigor, international exposure, and career development opportunities:
Global Prestige: As part of Horizon Europe, the MSCA fellowship carries strong international recognition.
Interdisciplinary Excellence: Engage in research that intersects physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering.
Mobility and Collaboration: Experience cultural exchange and build a worldwide professional network.
Career Progression: Gain training in proposal writing, ethics, entrepreneurship, and communication.
Next Steps for Interested Candidates
If you are considering applying, it is critical to act promptly. Here is a summary of your immediate action plan:
Reach out to a suitable IMDEA PI by May 30, 2025
Refine and finalize your proposal and CV
Submit your application through the EU portal by September 10, 2025
Monitor updates via IMDEA Nanociencia’s official channels
Conclusion
The IMDEA Nanociencia MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 presents an outstanding platform for early-career researchers to expand their scientific vision and contribute to pioneering advancements in nanotechnology. With robust funding, institutional support, and a collaborative environment, this fellowship fosters both academic and professional growth in one of Europe’s most vibrant scientific settings.
Interested applicants should begin preparing immediately to ensure a competitive and timely submission.
Quick Summary Table:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | IMDEA Nanociencia MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025 |
| Host Country / Region | Spain (Madrid) |
| Funded By | European Union (Horizon Europe – MSCA) |
| Duration | 24 months (extendable within MSCA guidelines) |
| Study Mode | Full-time, on-site |
| Eligibility | PhD holders with ≤8 years post-PhD; mobility rule applies |
| Financial Support | Stipend, mobility & family allowances, research costs |
| Fields of Study | Nanoscience, nanotechnology, quantum materials, spintronics |
| Application Deadline | September 10, 2025 |
| Official Website | Click here |
References:
European Commission Horizon Europe Programme – https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
IMDEA Nanociencia MSCA Official Page – https://www.nanociencia.imdea.org/en/projects-office/marie-sklodowska-curie-actions-2025
FAQs
It is a prestigious postdoctoral fellowship supporting advanced research in nanoscience and nanotechnology at IMDEA Nanociencia in Madrid, Spain.
Researchers of any nationality with a PhD or equivalent and a strong background in nanoscience are eligible to apply.
The fellowship usually runs for 24 months, allowing fellows to pursue independent research with expert mentorship.
Yes, fellows receive a mobility allowance and additional support for family members, if applicable.
Fellows receive a competitive monthly stipend, mobility, family, and research cost allowances as per MSCA funding rules.
Key areas include nanomagnetism, quantum materials, energy storage, nanoelectronics, and nanomedicine.
You must submit a detailed research proposal, CV, and supporting documents through the official IMDEA Nanociencia portal.
Yes, researchers from all countries can apply, provided they meet the mobility rule and eligibility criteria.
Applicants must not have lived or worked in Spain for more than 12 months in the last 3 years before the call deadline.
The fellowship is highly competitive, with selection based on research excellence, proposal quality, and host institution support.
