# Postdoctoral Specialist - SPD

**Funder:** F.R.S.-FNRS (Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique)
**Duration:** Probationary period of 6 years (3 × 2-year mandates), then 4-year mandates renewable without limit
**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 mandate reserved for approved clinical specialists (postdoctoral fellows) wishing to pursue fundamental research while maintaining part-time hospital activity. Probationary period of 6 years (3 × 2-year mandates), followed by 4-year mandates renewable without limit. From first 4-year renewal, mandate becomes Clinical Researcher (CCL). Host institution must be in the FWB (Belgium).

## Summary

The F.R.S.-FNRS Postdoctoral Specialist (SPD) programme funds clinical specialists pursuing fundamental research while maintaining part-time hospital practice, with a probationary period of 6 years (three 2-year mandates) followed by renewable 4-year mandates. Eligible candidates are postdoctoral fellows approved by their clinical specialty and hosted at a Walloon research institution (FWB region, Belgium). This call is unusual in supporting the research-practice hybrid career path for clinicians.

## Who should apply

- Postdoctoral fellows with formal approval in a clinical specialty
- Applicants committed to maintaining part-time hospital activity throughout the mandate
- Researchers hosted at a Walloon (FWB) academic or hospital research unit
- Clinician-scientists bridging fundamental research and clinical practice

## Key dates

- Annual deadline (exact date not specified; apply via the Grants & Fellowships call)
- Probationary period: 6 years as three 2-year mandates
- After first 4-year renewal: upgrade to Clinical Researcher (CCL) status; further 4-year mandates renewable indefinitely

## Tips for applicants

- Demonstrate active hospital clinical engagement; part-time practice is a requirement, not optional.
- Frame the research as fundamental science with long-term translational potential rather than immediate clinical application.
- Your clinical specialty approval letter is essential, applications without it will be ineligible.

## Frequently asked questions

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

It funds clinical specialists to pursue fundamental research while maintaining part-time hospital activity, with a 6-year probationary period followed by renewable 4-year mandates.

### Who is eligible for the F.R.S.-FNRS SPD?

Postdoctoral fellows with formal approval in a clinical specialty, hosted at a Walloon (FWB) research institution and committed to part-time clinical practice.

### How long is the F.R.S.-FNRS SPD probationary period?

Six years, structured as three consecutive 2-year mandates, after which successful candidates can apply for renewable 4-year Clinical Researcher (CCL) mandates.

### Can the F.R.S.-FNRS SPD mandate be renewed?

After the first 4-year renewal (entering CCL status), 4-year mandates are renewable without limit.

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