Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme for making exceptional research in the Czech Republic

You can propose any kind of research (basic or applied), however, MERIT Programme has a focus on closer market/society research. But you should be aware that your proposal will be evaluated by, among other things, the novelty of the proposed research, and the adequacy and quality of the interdisciplinary, international and intersectoral dimension of the research plan. Including gender dimension in the research.

Yes. To see the complete list of research groups you can follow this link.

No. MERIT Host Orgnisations open to receive fellows consist of 15 excellent research organisations. To see the complete list of Host Organisations you can follow this link.

Yes. These are: 1) Biotechnologies and Biomedicine, 2) Laser technologies, 3) Space technologies, 4) Sustainable energy and materials, and 5) Digitalisation, including Artificial Intelligence. To know more about them follow this link.

As soon as the evaluation and selection process has been completed and a definitive list of beneficiaries is available, the process of recruiting the selected researchers will start. Direct communication will be established between the HO and the selected fellow and the process will finalize with a signed contract. Taking into account the administrative procedures for the recruitment, migration process, and relocation, the fellowships are expected to start by April 2024.

The programme offers two calls (first call April - June 2023; second call January - March 2024), each of which is expected to finance approximately 15 fellowships.

The fellowships will have a minimum duration of 24 months and a maximum duration of 30 months. The research proposals should be drafted considering the selected months. The programme is designed to welcome fellows in a family-friendly environment, offering support and guidance in this crucial career phase.

The total value of a MERIT fellowship is €5,680/person/month. Breakdown as follow:

• Fellow allowance: €3,980 euros per month. It covers the salary, social security, contributions, taxes and other costs included in the remuneration. This amount will be taxable according to the Czech national laws and regulations.
• Mobility allowance: €200 per month. It is provided to compensate for the cost of the required personal and household relocation of the fellow and his/her dependents. This amount will be taxable according to the Czech national laws and regulations.
• Family allowance: Up to €500 per month. This will be paid if the researcher has family obligations and will be two-level €250 for researchers with family obligations not including children; €500 for researchers with family obligations including children. This amount will be taxable according to the Czech national laws and regulations.
• Travel allowance: €300 per month. It covers travel expenses for training/events, workshops, conferences, etc. This amount will not be taxable and will be based on reimbursement of expenses.
• Research costs: €400 per month. It covers research-related costs and materials and small equipment purchases. Based on reimbursement of expenses.
• Training in transferable and research skills: €300 per month. Expenses for the training in research and transferable skills and coaching/mentoring.

Special Needs Allowance will be applied in the case of researchers with disabilities selected within MERIT.