Eligibility patterns (always check the ad)
- PhD required — or thesis submitted / defence scheduled by start date (wording is institute-specific).
- Years since PhD — some calls cap early-career windows (for example individual SLU scholarship-postdoc ads have used a “PhD ≤ 3 years” style rule). Treat that as per vacancy, not an EU default.
- Funding model — employment salary (common) vs named fellowship stipend (tax treatment local).
- Mobility — some fellowships require that you did not live/work in the host country for a set period.
- Not the same as permanent concours grades — French CRCN/CR tracks belong in Jobs for Researchers.
EURAXESS often maps postdoc-stage work to R2 (recognised researcher). Local titles still win on the PDF. See the EURAXESS research profiles.
Fellowship vs employed postdoc
Many marine institutes hire postdocs on fixed-term employment contracts (salary scale, social security). Named fellowships (MSCA, national foundations, institute schemes) may pay a stipend or a host-administered salary. Rights, tax, and parental leave can differ — ask HR before you relocate.
CNRS and Ifremer also publish fixed-term postdoc/CDD posts on their jobs portals alongside permanent concours grades. Do not apply to a permanent CR/DR competition with a “short fellowship” mindset — different channel and dossier.
Official portals (examples)
What to check before you apply
- PhD award date and mobility rules (some fellowships require a recent doctorate).
- Whether funding is a fellowship stipend or an employment contract.
- Host lab fit and supervisor contact — a cold CV without a research match rarely wins.
- Duration, start date, and relocation support.
- Publication / teaching expectations for the contract length.
Frequently asked questions
Is every EU postdoc 2–3 years?
No. Duration is set per vacancy and project. Always read the contract length on the official ad.
Is a CNRS CR competition a postdoc?
No. CNRS CR/DR grades are permanent research-scientist concours. Browse them under Jobs for Researchers, not Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Where should I browse postdoc openings?
Use the Postdoctoral Fellowships hub and filter by country or discipline, then confirm eligibility and funding model on the host page.