CIAL-MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship is a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers to collaborate with one of the world’s leading food science institutes. With the application deadline set for 30 June 2025, aspiring researchers across the globe have a golden opportunity to propel their careers through groundbreaking research and international collaboration.
What is the CIAL-MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship?
The Institute of Food Science Research (CIAL) in Spain, a joint venture between the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), has partnered with the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the European Commission’s Horizon Europe program. This collaboration offers postdoctoral researchers a highly competitive and fully funded two-year fellowship.
The fellowship is designed to attract the world’s brightest minds to work on innovative food and health-related research within a dynamic and interdisciplinary environment. From exploring the bioactive compounds in foods to studying microbiota interactions and sustainable food systems, the fellowship covers a wide range of scientific domains.
Why Choose CIAL?
CIAL is not just a research institute—it’s a hub of scientific excellence and innovation in the field of food science. Located in Madrid, one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, CIAL brings together a diverse team of scientists committed to improving food quality, safety, and sustainability. As a fellow at CIAL, researchers benefit from:
- State-of-the-art laboratories and infrastructure
- Access to cross-disciplinary expertise
- Collaborative partnerships with academic, industrial, and governmental stakeholders
- A culturally rich environment with international visibility
This makes CIAL an ideal host for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship, which places a strong emphasis on mobility, knowledge transfer, and innovation.
What Does the Postdoctoral Fellowship Offer?
The CIAL-MSCA Spain Postdoctoral Fellowship provides recipients with a comprehensive support package, including:
- A generous monthly salary, adjusted according to MSCA standards
- Research, travel, and family allowances
- Full social security coverage
- Access to career development programs, workshops, and training sessions
- Opportunities to engage in interdisciplinary research and international networking
Moreover, fellows receive tailored guidance on career progression, project management, publishing, and grant writing, ensuring a smooth transition to scientific independence.
Research Areas Covered
Applicants are encouraged to propose innovative projects that align with CIAL’s strategic research priorities, which include:
- Functional Foods & Bioactives – Investigating natural compounds in food that contribute to health promotion and disease prevention.
- Gut Microbiota & Health – Understanding the impact of dietary components on gut flora and their implications for metabolic and immune health.
- Food Safety & Quality – Developing technologies and analytical methods to ensure food authenticity, traceability, and safety.
- Sustainable Food Systems – Exploring alternative proteins, waste reduction technologies, and environmental impacts of food production.
- Biotechnology in Food Science – Using microbial, enzymatic, and molecular biology tools to innovate food processing and preservation.
The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary projects, integrating biology, chemistry, nutrition, engineering, and even social sciences where applicable.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the CIAL-MSCA Spain Postdoctoral Fellowships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a PhD degree (or have successfully defended their thesis) before the call deadline: 30 June 2025
- Have no more than 8 years of research experience post-PhD
- Comply with the MSCA mobility rule: applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the 3 years preceding the call deadline
- Be fluent in English (knowledge of Spanish is not required but beneficial)
Candidates from all nationalities and backgrounds are encouraged to apply, in line with MSCA’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.
Application Process
The application process is structured in two phases:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Interested researchers should first contact potential supervisors at CIAL to discuss their research idea. This helps match fellows with suitable mentors and ensures project alignment.
- Full Proposal Submission: Once an agreement is made, the applicant will work with their CIAL host supervisor to co-develop the full MSCA proposal, which must be submitted through the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Portal by the 30 June 2025 deadline.
CIAL provides dedicated support, including proposal-writing workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and administrative guidance to help applicants submit strong, competitive proposals.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated by independent experts based on:
- Excellence – Scientific merit of the proposal, the applicant’s CV, and the training plan
- Impact – Expected outcomes for the fellow’s career and societal contribution
- Implementation – Feasibility, host institution support, and project management
Successful applicants will be notified in late 2025, with fellowships expected to commence in early 2026.
Beyond Research: Building Future Leaders
One of the unique features of the CIAL-MSCA Spain Postdoctoral Fellowships is its emphasis on career development and scientific leadership. The fellowship prepares researchers not only to generate new knowledge but also to lead multidisciplinary teams, engage with the public, and influence policy. Whether your ambition is to become a tenured academic, an R&D leader in the food industry, or a science communicator, this fellowship equips you with the tools to make a lasting impact.
Living and Working in Madrid
Madrid offers a high quality of life with excellent public transport, a rich cultural heritage, and a thriving international community. As a fellow, you’ll have access to Spain’s world-renowned cuisine, artistic landmarks, and beautiful natural surroundings. The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other major European capitals, and the Spanish lifestyle, relaxed yet productive, makes for an ideal work-life balance.
Final Thoughts
The CIAL-MSCA Spain Postdoctoral Fellowships represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to advance your research career, connect with global networks, and contribute to a better future through science. With a prestigious host institution, a globally respected funding program, and a supportive professional environment, this fellowship is your springboard into scientific leadership.
If you’re passionate about food science, health, sustainability, or biotechnology, don’t miss your chance to apply.
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