# Postdoctoral Specialist Candidate - CSPD

**Funder:** F.R.S.-FNRS (Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique)
**Duration:** Up to 6 years (2 years, renewable twice)
**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

Part-time postdoctoral mandate for doctors simultaneously undertaking a postdoctoral fellowship and a specialised master's degree. Max 2 years, renewable twice (max 6 years total). Must end no later than 4 years after the end of specialisation. Host institution must be in the FWB (Belgium). Awarded via the Grants & Fellowships call.

## Summary

The F.R.S.-FNRS Postdoctoral Specialist Candidate (CSPD) award supports doctors pursuing both a postdoctoral fellowship and a specialised master's degree simultaneously in Belgium, with a part-time research mandate lasting up to six years (two years, renewable twice). The scheme is open to early-career postdoctoral researchers based at institutions in the Walloon-Brussels Federation (FWB) and is awarded annually through the Grants & Fellowships call.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral researchers pursuing a specialised master's degree concurrently
- Doctors based at institutions in the Walloon-Brussels Federation (FWB), Belgium
- Early-career researchers aiming to combine research with advanced professional training
- Applicants planning to complete the mandate within 4 years of finishing their specialisation

## Key dates

- Annual deadline via the Grants & Fellowships call (consult F.R.S.-FNRS portal for exact dates)
- Up to six years' total duration (two years, renewable twice)

## Tips for applicants

- This scheme is designed specifically for dual commitments; emphasise how the specialised master complements your postdoctoral research.
- The mandate must conclude within 4 years of finishing your specialisation, plan your timeline carefully in the application.
- Apply through the annual Grants & Fellowships call; verify the specific submission window on the F.R.S.-FNRS portal.

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the F.R.S.-FNRS Postdoctoral Specialist Candidate award?

It is a part-time postdoctoral research mandate for doctors simultaneously pursuing a postdoctoral fellowship and a specialised master's degree, available in Belgium.

### How long can the CSPD award last?

Up to six years total: an initial two-year term that can be renewed twice.

### Who is eligible for the CSPD award?

Postdoctoral researchers holding a doctoral degree, hosted at an institution in the Walloon-Brussels Federation (FWB), Belgium, pursuing a specialised master's programme.

### When does the CSPD award end?

The mandate must terminate no later than four years after the completion of your specialised master's degree.

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