Who is eligible to apply?

The eligibility requirements for the EIPOD-LinC programme are available here. The programme is open to all nationalities.

Can I apply before finishing my PhD?

Applicants must have a Ph.D. by the call deadline (February 2, 2026 ). Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet been formally awarded the doctoral degree are eligible to apply.

I am currently a Postdoctoral Fellow. Am I eligible to apply?

We welcome applications from scientists who are currently doing postdoctoral research at another institution. Postdocs and visitors at EMBL are also eligible to apply provided that previous affiliation with EMBL does not exceed 12 months in the last three years prior to the submission deadline (February 2, 2026). Any previous association must be indicated on the application form. Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, study etc.) in the external partner lab for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.

My referee does not have an institutional email address.

Please ask your referee to complete the online reference with the available email address. In addition, please ask them to send a reference letter on institutional headed paper, signed and stamped as a PDF document to eipod@embl.org. Please ask your referee to include your application ID number in the reference letter.

In what language can I complete my application?

We only accept applications completed in English.

Are there any guidelines for the design of the project proposal?

Yes, there is a template (available here) that must be used for all submitted project proposals. Projects that don’t use the template and adhere to the specifications (font, page limit margins) are not eligible. Please also refer to the guide to applicants (available here) for additional details.

If I am successful when do I have to start the EIPOD position?

Successful applicants must start their fellowship within 4 months of the EIPOD interviews.

If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact the EIPOD office (eipod@embl.org).