Hammed Abdulazeez 
The European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) is an advanced research organization that oversees life science research, driving innovation and new discoveries. The organization was founded in 1964 by John Kendrew, with a mission to support and nutrient talents in the field of life science and technology. The EMBO has a postdoctoral Fellowship program designed to support early career researchers in molecular biology and related scientific fields.
In this article, we’d be exploring the EMBO postdoctoral fellowship, highlighting its benefits, application process and why it remains a life changing opportunity for aspiring life science students and researchers.
What is the EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship Program supports committee researchers who want to advance their career in the field of life sciences, by providing financial suppers, access to resources and training opportunities to help fellows conduct innovative research in collaboration with a wide network of other EMBO scientists.
The fellowship primarily aims at encouraging international mobility for researchers, creating a productive environment that promotes collaboration between leading laboratories in Europe and beyond and enhancing the careers of postdoctoral researchers that would eventually drive innovation and advancement in the field of life sciences.
In addition, EMBO postdoctoral fellowship program is awarded for a period of two years
The fellowship focuses on field in life sciences that promoted deep life changing research like;
- Molecular biology and biochemistry
- Genetics and Genomes
- Cell and developmental biology
- Evolution biology and ecology
- Computational biology and bioinformatics
- Structural biology and biophysics, and many more.
Why Apply for an EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship is way more than just a financial aid program, it’s a pathway into the greater world of life science. It is the very foundation of a successful research and academic career in the field of life science, and among many, here are a few reasons why the program particularly stands out:
1.Financial Support:
The program offers a very generous stipend to its fellows, ensuring everything else is taken care of from tuition, to research funding, travels and even providing support for dependent family members just to make sure you focus solely on your academic and research goals.
2.International Mobility
The program promotes and entertains cross-boarder collaborations as fellows are encouraged to work in laboratories outside their home country. This helps open our minds to different methodologies and embracing a diverse scientific culture.
3.Mentorship and Networking
Being awarded an EMBO postdoctoral fellowship opens you to a whole new world of like mind with similar goals. This community-like fellowship exposes you to world-class scientists and potential for direct mentorship with some of the world’s renowned scientists. The organization also hosts regular meetings and conferences where fellows get the opportunity to network with peers, senior researchers and potential collaborators.
4.Professional Development
The fellowship also provide fellows training in various other skills needed to survive and thrive in your professional career, such as project management, effective scientific communication and even grant writing, which further equips fellows form future leadership and industrious roles in the industry.
5. Research Excellence
Being awarded an EMBO fellowship automatically proves excellence in your chosen field, and this shows how much of a brilliant scientist you are in the field of life science. Serving as a mark of excellence, the program exposes and promotes you on a more global level for the world to see.
Eligibility Criteria
EMBO keeps to its standard of awarding only the best out of the best, so when applying you want to be sure you feel worthy enough. This has helped it maintain its high standards and credibility over the years ensuring it supports those truly deserving of it. To be selected you must meet the following criteria below;
- Academic Background: Applicants must have at least a PhD in life science of related fields. (Those almost with their PhD can also apply, but must have graduated before the program starts)
- Mobility Requirements: The program supports international collaboration, therefore applicants must be ready/willing to move to a different country for the program if selected
- Host Laboratory: Applicants must choose a host laboratory where they’d be working on their research in an EMBO member nation.
- Early career stages: The program I typically supports students who recently finished their doctorate degree, nurturing them at an early stages, as applicants are expected to have finished their PhD with 2 years of application
Application Process
Below is a step by step process for applying for EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowship program
Step 1: Identify a Host Laboratory
First things first, identify an EMBO certified laboratory in any EMBO member state of your choice besides the one you live in.
Step 2: Develop a Research Proposal
Your research proposal is a very important determining factor in your application process l, and should contain the objectives and significance of your research project, methodologies and techniques you plan to use and expected impart and contribution to life sciences
Step 3: Prepare Supporting Documents
Ensure you have your CV (highlighting your academic and professional achievements), reference letter from a renowned individual, and previous research publications and relevant contributions to science.
Step 4: Submit your Application
Once you’ve completed and compiled the above, head over to the EMBO official online portal to submit your application, and pay close attention to the application deadline, as late submissions would not be accepted.
Step 5: Await Review and Decision
Once your application has been successfully submitted and accepted, a panel of experts would review and consider your application and if it’s worthy enough to be awarded a spot at the program. Note that shortlisted candidates may be asked for additional information, so stay tuned.
Frequently Asked Question
Here are a couple frequently asked questions on EMBO postdoctoral fellowship and their answers.
1.How competitive is the EMBO postdoctoral fellowship?
Let’s just say you better be very very prepared as the program is very competitive accepting application from some of the best minds countries around Europe, who undergo rigorous screening before choosing applicants to award fellowship
2.Can I apply if I’m not from an EMBO state?
Yes, international applications are accepted as long as you meet application criteria, and agree to carry out your research in an EMBO member state or cooperating country.
3.Can I reapply if my application is unsuccessful ?
Yes, applicants can reapply if the previous application was unsuccessful, as feedback and reason why you were not selected is often provided to help refine future applications.
The EMBO postdoctoral fellowship is a transformative experience that helps advance a researcher’s career in the field of life and biological sciences. From financial support, mentorship, network and research laboratories, the fellowship provided fellows with everything they needed to succeed in their professional pursuits and make a global impact on a grand stage.
For ambitious early career researchers with passionate to truly change the world and contribute to life changing discoveries that not only improves life form, but also protects the ecosystem, then this fellowship is the right fit for you, so hurry and apply today and watch your career take a full turn in a life changing way.
