European Molecular Biology Organization
EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship
2-year fellowship for postdocs in the life sciences moving internationally to conduct research in Europe.
About the EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship
EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships support outstanding postdoctoral researchers in the life sciences as they move internationally to conduct research in an EMBC (European Molecular Biology Conference) member state. The fellowship lasts 2 years and covers salary, a travel allowance, and a research contribution. Eligibility requires a PhD awarded within the last 2 years at the application deadline (extensions possible for career interruptions). The mobility rule requires moving to a country different from your PhD country. EMBO evaluates applications on scientific excellence and mobility; decisions are fast (~3 months from submission). The prestige is high — EMBO fellowships are considered one of the most selective early-career markers in European molecular biology, and alumni frequently win ERC Starting Grants and EMBO Young Investigator awards later.
Key facts
- Duration
- 2 years
- Career stage
- ≤2 years post-PhD
- Mobility
- Must move countries
- Scope
- Life sciences
- Success rate
- ~15–20%
Who is eligible?
- •PhD awarded within the last 2 years at the deadline
- •Host lab in an EMBC member state (most EU countries + some associates)
- •Mobility requirement: host country must differ from PhD country
- •Research in life sciences broadly (molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, etc.)
Frequently asked questions
+How does EMBO differ from MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships?
EMBO is specific to life sciences and EMBC member states, with a shorter 2-year duration. MSCA is pan-disciplinary, covers more countries (EU + associated), runs 1–3 years, and has different stipend structures. Many life-science postdocs apply to both.
+What counts as "life sciences" for EMBO?
Broadly: molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, immunology, structural biology, bioinformatics, systems biology. Medical research is eligible if framed in molecular/mechanistic terms. Pure clinical trials are not.
+Can I do an EMBO Fellowship in the US?
No — EMBO requires the host lab to be in an EMBC member state (most EU countries plus some associates). The sister HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowship is an option for US moves.
+Can EMBO be extended?
The standard fellowship is 2 years. Extensions are sometimes possible up to 3 total, subject to continued eligibility and EMBO approval. Most alumni transition to ERC Starting Grants or institutional funding after the 2-year period.
Related programmes
Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship
Monthly stipend of €5,080+ for 12–36 months of international mobility for postdoctoral researchers.
Human Frontier Science Program
HFSP Postdoctoral Fellowship
3-year fellowship for postdocs pursuing bold interdisciplinary life-science research with international mobility.
European Molecular Biology Organization
EMBO Young Investigator
Recognition + networking + €50K budget for outstanding early-career group leaders in molecular life sciences.
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