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MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships

MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships at USP CEU

The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) are the European Union’s reference programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training.

They foster research cooperation across borders, sectors, and disciplines.

The goal of MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PF) is to support researchers holding a PhD who wish to acquire new skills through advanced training, international, interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral mobility. MSCA PF are open to excellent researchers of any nationality who wish to engage in R&I projects at our University, integrated in one of our Competitive Research Groups.  

5 reasons to apply with USP CEU

  1. A first-class research environment: USP CEU offers a strong and dynamic research ecosystem, including 8 Research Centres, 73 Competitive Research Groups and 17 specialised support services, spread across 3,400 m² dedicated to R&D activities. This provides an ideal setting for ambitious and multidisciplinary research projects.

  2. Currently, USP CEU is involved in 116 competitive research projects, with a total budget of €5.9 million. Within the EU Framework Programme, the University has been awarded 12 projects to date, including 10 MSCA PF grants. The following projects have been successfully completed:
  3. Strong institutional commitment: Through its International Talent Retention Programme, USP CEU supports the long-term career development of MSCA fellows by offering a post-fellowship contract of 6–12 months, under conditions aligned with MSCA standards, enhancing both the sustainability and long-term impact of the fellowship.

  4. European Recognition for Research Excellence: In December 2021, USP CEU was awarded the HR Excellence in Research recognition by the European Commission.

  5. Highly qualified research support: Applicants receive in-depth proposal review and guidance during the preparation phase. Once funded, fellows are supported with visa procedures, health insurance, accommodation and research project management, allowing them to focus fully on their research. 

Hosting Offers

All currently available hosting offers at USP CEU can be consulted via EURAXESS

By the call deadline, applicants must:

  • Hold a doctoral degree or have successfully defended their PhD.
  • Have a maximum of 8 years of full-time equivalent research experience since the award of the PhD.

This limit may be extended in duly justified cases, such as:

  1. Maternity or parental leave
  2. Long-term illness
  3. Research periods in a non-associated Third Country (for EU or Associated Country nationals or long-term residents)
  4. Time not spent in research
  5. Career breaks
  6. Compulsory national service

Applicants must also comply with the MSCA mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the call deadline (9 September 2026).

European Fellowships (EF)

  • Hosted at USP CEU (Spain)
  • May include a secondment of up to 8 months in another academic or non-academic organisation worldwide
  • Project duration: 12 to 24 months (24 months are generally preferred)

Global Fellowships (GF)

  • Composed of two mandatory phases:
    • An outgoing phase in a non-associated Third Country
    • A return phase at USP CEU
  • Open to researchers moving to the Third Country from anywhere in the world, provided they return to USP CEU
  • May include secondments of up to 8 months during the outgoing phase
  • Total duration: 24 to 36 months (12–24 months outgoing phase + 12 months return phase)
  • The MSCA fellowship covers 100% of the eligible costs for the entire project duration.
  • The average gross annual salary of an MSCA fellow in Spain is approximately €57,800, depending on family situation and personal income tax. This remuneration is highly competitive when compared to the cost of living in Madrid.