Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to hold a PhD to apply, and does it matter when it was awarded?

The doctoral degree must have been awarded or you must have a successful (unconditional) doctoral defence, i.e. with no outstanding corrections or requirements, by the programme call deadline (Call 1: 30 September 2026). There is no fixed limit on how long ago your PhD was awarded: the formal eligibility criteria cover the completeness of your application, holding a PhD (or having successfully defended your thesis) by the call deadline, your publication record, and compliance with the mobility rule. The timing of your PhD is not used as a factor in the evaluation or ranking of applications.

The reference to “ideally within the past five years” describes the profile of researcher the programme is generally designed for, early-career postdocs, and is intended to help you assess whether the programme fits your career stage. It is not a requirement, and applications from candidates outside this range are evaluated on the same basis as any other application.

Does the MSCA mobility rule apply, and what does it require?

Yes. Researchers 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 call deadline.

For applicants who completed their PhD through a collaboration between two institutions, both institutions are considered for the mobility rule.

I am already living or working in the country of my preferred Host Institution. Can I still apply?

It depends on how long you have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in that country. If this exceeds 12 months within the 36 months immediately before the call deadline, you would not meet the mobility rule for a Host in that country, but you may still be eligible for Hosts in other countries. 

I am not a national of an EU Member State or a Horizon Europe Associated Country. Can I apply?

Yes. Recruited researchers can be of any nationality. Only the mobility rule applies to eligibility.

Can I apply for both an MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship and the LEAPS ULTRAFAST programme?

Yes, you can apply for both funding schemes, but you can accept only one, as double funding is not allowed.

Is expert knowledge in ultrafast science required?

Applicants do not need to be experts in ultrafast science, but a certain level of knowledge is required to prepare a research proposal.

Is there a template for the research proposal, and are there page limits?

Yes, the template is available online at www.leaps-ultrafast.eu. The research proposal is limited to seven pages.

Are recommendation letters obligatory?

No, applicants can apply without recommendation letters.

In which language should I submit my application?

Applications and research proposals must be submitted in English.

Is there a limitation on the number of applications I can submit?

Applicants may apply to as many research positions as they wish. However, they should consider the suitability of their research proposal to each position and the effort required to prepare it. There is no limit on the number of applications received per research position.

New proposal: Applicants may apply to as many research positions as they wish. You have full freedom in designing your research proposal, but since each position is tied to a specific Host and facility, you should check the technical feasibility of your idea with that Host before applying. There is no limit on the number of applications received per research position.

Is it possible to contact Hosts to propose my own project?

For the positions in this first call, fellows will be hosted by the listed Hosts. Applicants have full freedom in their research ideas but are encouraged to interact with the Hosts to ensure the feasibility of their ideas at the chosen facilities before applying. You are welcome to contact more than one Host to discuss feasibility, there is no restriction on this.

Can theoretical proposals be supported by an experimental group?

Applicants should check the feasibility of their research proposal with the Host.

What safety and ethics issues should I consider in my proposal?

Standard safety measures are in place at all LEAPS ULTRAFAST hosting institutes. If your work involves any risks, including substances, processes, or technologies that may cause harm to humans, whether during implementation, through use of the results, or through deployment of the resulting technology, check with your Host whether corresponding safety measures are in place or whether special procedures are required.

Describe the details of the health and safety procedures in your proposal. Besides the ethics check, this also forms part of the technical feasibility check by the Host. A set of research areas requires a more detailed ethical check and potentially demanding authorisation or notification.

Please refer to the EU guidelines “How to Complete your Ethics Self-Assessment”.

How are working contracts and salary handled?

Working contracts are handled by each respective Host Institution.

• The mobility allowance is covered via the salary.
• The family allowance is paid if applicable (married and/or with children), in line with the national regulations and individual conditions applying at each Host Institution; arrangements vary by partner (e.g. in Germany, this includes federal “Kindergeld”).
• The exact net amount cannot be guaranteed in advance and depends on individual factors. Actual net amounts typically only become clear after the first month of employment, once the payroll has processed individual circumstances.

What about visa and tuition fees?

Visa and tuition fees are covered by the programme, as well as translation costs (e.g. for degree certificates or other required documents) and all other costs related to the application.

Will I get support finding accommodation?

Practical support, including accommodation, is organised through the HR administration of the respective Host Institution.

Can my family join me during the fellowship?

Yes, your family is welcome to join you. If applicable, you will receive a family allowance,  see “How are working contracts and salary handled?” above.

Could there be follow-up employment opportunities after the postdoctoral position?

This should be discussed directly with the Host. No follow-up employment is guaranteed by LEAPS ULTRAFAST.

Is it possible to combine or collaborate between Host Institutions?

Yes, collaboration and exchange between partner institutions (e.g. via joint trainings and events) is in the spirit of the LEAPS ULTRAFAST programme.

What is the timeline of the next call?

The second LEAPS ULTRAFAST call is expected to open in July 2027 and close in September 2027. Exact dates will be published on the programme website once confirmed.

Will the webinar be recorded and slides made available?

The webinar is not recorded, but the slides are available on the website: www.leaps-ultrafast.eu.

Where can I get further help if my question is not answered here?

Contact the programme helpdesk at lu-helpdesk@desy.de.