Objective of Choose Europe for Science
The objective of MSCA Choose Europe for Science is to
- increase the attractiveness of European research careers by addressing the issue of precarity
- offer excellent working conditions, turning the current challenge of brain drain in the research and innovation sector into brain gain
The pilot action supports projects in which academic and non-academic organisations recruit postdoctoral researchers, with a view to offering longer-term employment beyond the project period.
The main novelty of the initiative is that organisations will be selected also based on their offers of longer-term professional perspectives. This is in addition to the goal of spreading MSCA’s best practices by promoting high standards and excellent working conditions.
Who can apply?
A single legal entity in an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country applies and is responsible for recruiting the researchers. Additional associated partners can be included in the project.
A beneficiary can receive a maximum of €3.5 million for this call.
What does the funding cover?
Projects should recruit at least 3 researchers for up to 5 years, with MSCA co-funding the first 2 to 3 years and the institutions providing the funding (with internal or external funds) for an additional 2 years.
Funding helps host organisations cover a fixed amount (Choose Europe for Science allowance) to support any cost items of the programme, equivalent to the minimum salary that researchers should receive during the first 2-to-3-year phase of the project (€6700), a long-term leave allowance and a special needs allowance, if applicable, for each supported researcher.
Which researchers can be recruited?
Researchers recruited onto selected MSCA Choose Europe for Science projects are supported during the full duration of the project (48 months or 60 months depending on the length chosen by the institution for the first phase).
They
- can be of any nationality
- should comply with the mobility rules: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation or implementing partner for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the deadline of the co-funded programme's call
- can go on short-term secondments
- must have a doctoral degree. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will also be considered as postdoctoral researchers and will be considered eligible to apply
- should not already be permanently employed by the organisation hosting them
How to apply
Apply on behalf of an organisation
Applications to MSCA Choose Europe for Science can be submitted from 1 October 2025. The completed proposal, including all annexes, should be submitted by 3 December 2025.
Applicants can
- find open and forthcoming calls on our page on funding
- find partners and apply through the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal
All relevant documents are available on the dedicated call page on the Funding and Tender Opportunities Portal, including
- MSCA work programme and general annexes
- guide for applicants
- specific FAQs
- application and evaluation forms
- online manual on how to submit an application
For more information on the application and evaluation process and contact points for further guidance
- visit our page on how to apply
- visit the European Research Executive Agency website
Apply for vacancies funded by MSCA Choose Europe for Science projects
If you are a researcher looking for a position funded by MSCA Choose Europe for Science projects, keep an eye on the list of vacancies published on EURAXESS where we expect selected projects to start publishing positions from the second half of 2026.
EURAXESS is the EU's portal for researchers. You will
- find the full requirements of the position you are interested in
- be able to apply directly to the institution or project of your choice
- find advice about visas, pensions, taxation, recognition of qualifications and other issues related to working as a researcher abroad
For more information visit our page on how to apply.