# Postdoctoral Researcher - CR (Chargé de Recherches)

**Funder:** F.R.S.-FNRS (Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique)
**Duration:** 3 years (extendable over 6 years)
**Consortium:** No
**Frequency:** Annual
**Eligible countries:** BE
**Official call:** https://www.frs-fnrs.be/en/financements/chercheur-postdoc
**Last verified:** 28 June 2026

## Eligibility & scope

Postdoctoral mandate (R2 level) for researchers who have obtained a doctorate. Duration of 3 years, usable over 6 years if external funding is found for a postdoc outside the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (FWB). Host institution must be in the FWB (Belgium). Awarded via the Grants & Fellowships call.

## Summary

The F.R.S.-FNRS Postdoctoral Researcher (Chargé de Recherches) grant funds early-career researchers at R2 level for three years of independent postdoctoral research in Belgium's French-speaking regions (FWB). The award is renewable over six years if the researcher secures external funding for work outside FWB. This call is part of the annual Grants & Fellowships programme and is open to researchers who hold a doctorate.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers (R2 level) holding a doctorate
- Applicants hosted at institutions in Wallonia or Brussels (FWB region)
- Researchers planning to establish independence within Belgium
- Early-career scientists across all disciplines eligible through F.R.S.-FNRS

## Key dates

- Annual deadline via the Grants & Fellowships call (verify exact date on F.R.S.-FNRS portal)
- Three-year mandate, extendable to six years with external funding
- Single-stage application and review process

## Tips for applicants

- The extension pathway to six years requires external funding secured outside FWB, plan this co-funding strategy before submission if you seek the longer term.
- Host institution must be formally recognised in the FWB; verify institutional eligibility before starting your application.
- Emphasise your doctoral training and the independence you will gain during the three-year mandate, reviewers assess transition from PhD to independent researcher status.

## Frequently asked questions

### How long is the F.R.S.-FNRS Postdoctoral Researcher grant?

Three years, extendable to a total of six years if you secure external funding for a postdoc position outside the FWB region.

### Who is eligible for the F.R.S.-FNRS Postdoctoral Researcher grant?

Researchers at R2 level holding a doctorate, hosted at an institution in the French-speaking regions of Belgium (FWB).

### Is the F.R.S.-FNRS Postdoctoral Researcher call annual?

Yes, it is awarded annually within the F.R.S.-FNRS Grants & Fellowships call.

### Can I extend the three-year postdoc grant?

Yes, if you secure external funding for a postdoctoral position outside FWB, you can use the grant across six years instead of three.

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Source: [The Great Grantsby](https://grantsby.eu/grants/f-r-s-fnrs-fonds-de-la-recherche-scientifique-postdoctoral-researcher-cr-charg-de-recherches-2026) — EU grant monitoring for academic researchers. Always verify details on the funder's website before applying.