EMBL UNESCO Residency in Infection biology 2026

This "EMBL-UNESCO Residency in Infection Biology Research'' is funded by EMBL’s Infection Biology Transversal Theme (IB-TT)– a focus area within EMBL’s current five year programme “Molecules to Ecosystems”. This initiative closely follows the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)signed between EMBL(1) and UNESCO(2) to promote greater collaboration in the areas of open science, capacity building in developing countries, the sharing of key resources, and the promotion of greater gender equality in science.

This call will be accepting applications between 11 February - 12 April 2026, and aims to support 3-4 visitors at EMBL this year. Given the procedures involved, the results are expected to be announced during June 2026 with placements to start by September 2026, or as agreed with the project host. EMBL will provide financial and logistic support to the successful candidates through the Scientific Visitor Programme Office, covering the costs for visa, travel and accommodation for the duration of their stay, in partnership with site administrators.

For further information on the fellowship, and how to apply, please visit the fellowship website. Please make sure to read the guidelines carefully to ensure your application is found eligible.

Your role

The successful candidate(s) will be hosted by one or more group leaders within EMBL, spread across its six sites in Europe - who will impart an intensive and immerse training experience on the said project and topic.

You have

The current opportunity targets women who are advanced PhD fellows, postdoctoral scholars, or tenure-track group leaders (< 5 years ) holding a primary affiliation with a research group/University based in Africa. Applications are especially welcomed from eligible female candidates among the fellows of the UNESCO’s Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), and the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science (FWIS) awardees, who have demonstrated research excellence, and intend to use this placement opportunity to simultaneously expand their skillset but also build capacity in their home institution/region/country through knowledge transfer as trainers.

You may also have

While hosting groups may not directly work on infectious diseases, the proposed projects hope to impart skillsets applicable to the participants work in infection biology. Special attention will therefore be given during the interview to the candidate’s potential to translate their experience at EMBL into a positive contribution to capacity building projects in their home country.

Contract length:

3-6 months

Salary:

Fellowships to cover travel, accommodation, subsistence

Why join us

Do something meaningful
By choosing a Trainee/Internship at EMBL/EMBO, you can apply your talent and passion to accelerate science and tackle some of humankind's greatest challenges. Please watch the video below to learn more about EMBL and how our work makes a difference. Whatever your role, you will be contributing towards these challenges.

Campus life & benefits:

• Flexible working arrangements - including hybrid working patterns 

• Free shuttle bus to and from work (Hinxton & Heidelberg)

• On-site library

• Subsidised on-site cafeteria(s)

• Casual dress code

• Extensive sports and social club activities (on campus and remotely)

• Family benefits: On-site nursery on campus

• Accident at work insurance
   

What else you need to know

• Diversity and inclusion: At EMBL/EMBO, we believe that diverse teams drive innovation and scientific excellence. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, identities, nationalities and/or any other diverse backgrounds.

• How to apply: To apply please submit a cover letter and a CV through our online system. Applications will close at 23:59 CET on the date shown below. We aim to provide a response within two weeks after the closing date.

Closing Date

12/04/2026.