Check the route and eligibility
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are developed jointly by a researcher and a host organisation. European and Global fellowships have different conditions. Check doctoral status, research-experience limits, mobility, and any nationality or residence conditions against the official fellowship guidance and the current call documents before investing in a proposal.
Approach a host with a focused idea
Prepare a short concept describing the question, why it matters, your relevant experience, and why the host is a good match. Ask about supervision, facilities, research support, and the institution’s internal submission deadline. An enthusiastic academic contact and an administratively ready application are different things.
Connect research and development
Build a plan linking objectives, methods, milestones, risks, and expected outputs. Explain which skills you will acquire and which expertise you bring. Agree on realistic access to data and equipment, and identify an alternative if a key experiment cannot proceed.
Leave time for review
Work backwards from the actual call deadline, including host review and submission checks. Use the current template and evaluation criteria. Ask a reader outside your immediate topic to identify unclear assumptions.
Before submitting: Confirm details with the host’s research office. Reviewed on 3 October 2026; no open-call deadline or funding outcome is promised here.