These Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA PF) 2026 offer an extremely competitive and prestigious chance to pursue career development in Europe for young scientists who want to boost their careers in Europe. The new call organized by the University of York is devoted to advanced research in energy systems, which includes batteries, hydrogen technologies, and AI modeling.
This will be especially important for those who conduct research in electrochemistry, energy materials, and data-driven modeling.
About MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship is one of the flagship programs of funding by the European Union intended to support outstanding researchers through international mobility and interdisciplinary research.
Features of the program are:
- A fully funded postdoc position (salary, mobility, and research expenses)
- Usually lasts between 12-24 months
- Career and skill development oriented
- Open to applicants of any nationality who apply with an institution in Europe
Because of the competitiveness of this program, an outstanding research proposal and relevance to EU’s priorities (sustainability and green energy, for example) are vital.
Host Institution: University of York
This fellowship is offered at the University of York, a prestigious UK university that has an active research profile on energy systems and sustainable technology.
This postdoc will be offered under the supervision of Dr. Eli Hosseinzadeh, who is looking for postdoctoral fellows and is open to help in preparing proposals for MSCA PF 2026.
It is advised that early contact with the supervisor is established to help you polish your research proposal.
Research Areas and Topics
The call deals with issues related to high-end and cross-disciplinary aspects of energy research and includes:
- High end battery diagnostics, state estimation and Battery Management Systems (BMS)
- Battery processing modelling and recycling techniques
- Heat management and recovery in energy systems
- Modeling and optimization using data analytics and artificial intelligence in energy systems
- Fuel cells, electrolysis and hydrogen energy systems
All these issues are highly relevant to current trends in global research especially regarding decarbonization, electric vehicles and smart energy systems.
Who Should Apply
This position suits those:
- Who have (or will shortly have) a PhD degree
- With a good history of publications
- Having background in electrochemistry/materials/chemical/energy engineering or any related discipline
- And those having some experience in machine learning/modeling/experimental energy systems
The applicants should fulfill MSCA mobility requirements too (in general, not residing in the hosting country for over 12 months in the last 3 years).
Key Dates
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Application deadline: 9 September 2026
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Expected project start: From April 2027 onwards
Given the competitive nature of MSCA, applicants should begin preparation as early as possible.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should approach the supervisor directly with an initial research idea:
Email: [email protected]
It is expected that the applicants will develop a research proposal in collaboration with the host supervisor prior to submitting the application through the MSCA platform.
Call information is available HERE
Strategic Tips for MSCA PF 2026 Applicants
The MSCA fellowships are very competitive, with success rates generally being below 20%. In order to maximize your chances:
- Show alignment between the project and European priorities such as the Green Deal, sustainability, and clean energy
- Focus on interdisciplinary projects (for example, machine learning combined with energy systems, electrochemistry plus modelling)
- Show high impact, both societal and industrial
- Mention your publications and independence in your research
If you work on electrochemical energy storage, bio-based materials, or machine learning for material predictions, your project will have good alignment with this call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026?
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA PF) 2026 is an honor to be granted by the European Union for early-career researchers. It provides fully funded postdoctoral fellowships in Europe with special emphasis on international mobility and interdisciplinarity.
2. Who is eligible for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships?
It is required that applicants have a PhD degree before the application deadline and have at most 8 years of experience since the date of the award of the PhD. Applicants must also meet the requirement of mobility, where they have not been working and living in the host institution’s country for more than 12 months within three years.
3. What research areas are supported in this University of York opportunity?
Research topics include battery diagnosis and Battery Management Systems (BMS), battery modeling and recycling, thermal management, artificial intelligence/data-driven energy technology modeling, and hydrogen systems including fuel cells and electrolyzers.
4. Is the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship fully funded?
Yes, the MSCA fellowship offers complete funding, which includes a competitive salary, mobility allowance, and research costs. Other allowances might also be available for family and training purposes.
5. How do I apply for the MSCA PF 2026 at the University of York?
The applicant must first approach the host supervisor (Dr. Eli Hosseinzadeh) with a research concept. In the case of a match between the candidate and supervisor, the joint proposal shall be submitted to the MSCA funding portal.
6. What is the deadline for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026?
The application deadline is 9 September 2026. Early preparation is strongly recommended due to the competitive nature of the fellowship.
7. How competitive is the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The MSCA Fellowship is very competitive, with the success rate usually below 20%. A good research proposal, good publication record, and fit to EU objectives are required for successful application.
8. Can international applicants apply for MSCA PF 2026?
Yes, researchers of any nationality can apply, as long as they meet the eligibility and mobility requirements.
9. What makes a strong MSCA postdoctoral fellowship proposal?
A good proposal showcases quality research that is innovative, impactful, and implementable. The proposal must be in line with EU’s priority areas, such as sustainability, and should have interdisciplinary aspects like AI and modeling.
10. Is experience in machine learning useful for this opportunity?
Yes, experience in machine learning or data-driven modeling is highly valuable, especially for research topics related to battery systems, energy optimization, and predictive modeling.
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