The European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) works to facilitate top-level life-sciences research in Europe through supporting talented researchers, stimulating scientific exchange and advancing policies for a world-class European research environment. As part of its commitment to the development of early career molecular life scientists, EMBO funds Postdoctoral Fellowships which assist postdoctoral research visits to laboratories throughout Europe and the world for a period of up to two years. Research proposals must be within EMBO’s scientific scope, and as international exchange is a key feature of this scheme, all Fellowships must involve movement between countries.
To be eligible applicants should:
Hold a doctorate degree or equivalent before the start of the Fellowship but not necessarily at the time of application. For applicants who already hold a PhD, it must only have been obtained during the two years prior to the date the application is submitted.
Have at least one first author publication (research paper) accepted in press or published in an international peer reviewed journal at the time of application. Not already have spent more than six months at the receiving institute at the time the application is submitted.
Applications accepted throughout the year (next cutoff date – hard deadline: Friday 22 January 2027, 14:00 CET)
Funding covers: The stipend of the applicant. It does not cover bench fees, overheads, funds for consumables or any other financial benefits to the host supervisor or the receiving institute.
More Information: https://www.embo.org/funding/fellowships-grants-and-career-support/postdoctoral-fellowships/eligibility/
You can apply to this scheme if you are an early-career researcher and you are ready to design, plan and deliver your own innovative research project that aims to advance understanding in your field and/or develop methodologies, conceptual frameworks, tools or techniques that could benefit health-related research.
During the award, you are expected to:
* expand your technical skills and/or your experience of different research methodologies or frameworks
* build a collaborative network with other researchers in your field
* develop your people management skills
* advance your understanding of how to complete research responsibly and promote a positive and inclusive culture.
Deadline: Apply anytime- Applications are accepted year-round. Wellcome is moving away from fixed application deadlines and introducing a continuous application process, allowing researchers to submit applications at any time throughout the year. Applications will be reviewed through three shortlisting rounds each year, taking place in February, June and September.
Funding amount: Your salary and up to £400,000 for research expenses.
More Information: https://wellcome.org/research-funding/schemes/wellcome-early-career-awards
Apply for funding to take the next step towards becoming an independent researcher. Doing exciting and ambitious research in the remit of the Medical Research Council (MRC). To drive important insights into causes and mechanisms of disease and help accelerate diagnosis, advance treatment and prevent human illness.
You must have:
* the skills and experience to ‘transition to independence’
* the support of an eligible host research organisation
Deadline: Open - no closing date
Funding amount: There is no limit to the funding you can apply for. MRC will fund 80% of the full economic cost (FEC) and 100% of exceptions. Funding is available for up to five years, for up to 50% of your salary.
More Information: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/mrc-new-investigator-research-grant-applicant-led/
Apply for funding to support excellent new investigator-led research across the breadth of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) scientific remit. You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for BBSRC funding. This scheme is designed to assist newly employed university lecturers, researchers (at a level equivalent to lecturer) in research council institutes, and fellows (at a level equivalent to lecturer) to secure their first major element of research support funding. Researchers who have been project co-leads (previously co-investigators) on successful grant applications are eligible to apply for a new investigator award.
Deadline: Open-no closing date
Budget: The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £2 million. BBSRC will fund 80% of the FEC. Funding is available for up to five years.
More Information: https://www.ukri.org/opportunity/bbsrc-new-investigator-award-applicant-led-mode/
The Eppendorf Award for Young European Investigators recognises outstanding early-career scientists making significant contributions to biomedical research in Europe using molecular and cell biology approaches, including innovative analytical methods. Established in 1995, the award is presented in partnership with the scientific journal Nature. The winner receives a €20,000 prize, along with international recognition through Nature’s print, online and podcast coverage. The award also includes a prize ceremony at the EMBL Advanced Training Centre in Heidelberg, Germany, with travel and accommodation provided. Up to two additional finalists may also be selected each year.
More Information: https://www.eppendorf.com/us-en/company-careers/scientific-awards/eppendorf-award-for-young-european-investigators/
Application period will open on October 1, 2026.
The winner receives a €20,000 prize