At a glance
24 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€6k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Founded in 1579University Heritage
- Top-ranked in LithuaniaAcademic Excellence
- Part of Arqus European University AllianceGlobal Network
- Host institution for prestigious MSCA FellowshipsResearch Opportunity
- Full-time employment contractResearcher Employment
Vilnius University (VU) welcomes applications from motivated researchers for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships, acting as the host institution. These fellowships are highly prestigious, designed to support researchers in developing their careers, enhancing their innovative capacity, and promoting research excellence. The program targets individuals who hold a PhD and aim to acquire new skills through international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral mobility, while implementing an original research project. Applications are submitted collaboratively by the researcher and the host institution. VU, founded in 1579, is Lithuania's largest university, combining a rich academic history with a dynamic research environment. It boasts extensive infrastructure and consistently ranks as the top university in the country, recognized among leading research institutions in Central and Eastern Europe.
Careers
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are designed to support researchers' career development and enhance their creative and innovative capacity. The fellowships promote excellence in research and can lead to valuable experience in interdisciplinary and inter-sectoral mobility. Fellows can gain new skills through advanced training and personalised research projects.
- Postdoctoral Researcher
Entry requirements
PhDMust be in possession of a PhD at the call deadline. Candidates who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis are also considered eligible.
Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in Lithuania for more than 12 months in the 36 months prior to the call deadline (mobility rule). Maximum of 8 years of full-time research experience after PhD award is expected, with allowances for maternity/paternity leave, career breaks, and other exceptions. A strong research track record is highly recommended. Failure to achieve a score of at least 80% may restrict future resubmissions with the same host institution.
Fees
Tuition (international)The living allowance for a researcher in Lithuania is €5702.30 per month before tax, adjusted by a country correction coefficient of 89.8%. Postdoctoral researchers are employed full-time with an employment contract.
Tuition (home)The living allowance for a researcher in Lithuania is €5702.30 per month before tax, adjusted by a country correction coefficient of 89.8%. Postdoctoral researchers are employed full-time with an employment contract.
LivingMonthly allowances cover living, family, research, and travel costs. Specific amounts vary based on fellowship type and personal circumstances (e.g., family allowance). The monthly living allowance in Lithuania is €5702.30 (before tax), after applying the country correction coefficient.
Monthly allowances are provided as unit contributions. The living allowance is subject to a country correction coefficient. Additionally, contributions for research, training, and networking are provided. Institutional unit contributions cover management and indirect costs.
How to apply
1. 1. Eligibility CheckVerify your eligibility based on the MSCA PF guidelines, particularly regarding the mobility rule (max 12 months in Lithuania within the last 36 months) and research experience (up to 8 years post-PhD). The VU Research Projects Office can assist with this.
2. 2. Find a Supervisor/Host FacultyIdentify a suitable supervisor by browsing VU researchers' hosting offers on EURAXESS (usually announced in March), exploring academic unit websites, or using the Research Teams search tool.
3. 3. Contact a SupervisorReach out to potential supervisors to express your interest. Include your Curriculum Vitae, a list of publications, and a proposal summary.
4. 4. Request EndorsementIf a supervisor agrees to host you, request an endorsement letter from them and send it to the VU Research Projects Office (research@cr.vu.lt).
5. 5. Prepare and Submit ProposalCollaborate with your supervisor to develop a strong research proposal. Ensure all required documents and information are included. The deadline for submission is September 9, 2026.
Scholarships
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (European & Global)Monthly allowances cover living, family, research, travel costs. Specific rates are set per person-month (e.g., Living allowance in Lithuania: €5702.30/month before tax).
ERA FellowshipsPotential additional funding if an European Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal is not funded due to budget limits and is submitted with a host institution in a widening country like Lithuania.
Additional incentive from the Government of the Republic of LithuaniaEnables the European Commission to finance more well-evaluated MSCA PF projects submitted with Lithuanian institutions.