Application

2 March 2026

Charleston Programme: Second Call for Postdoctoral Fellowship Applicants Now Open

Charles University (CU) has launched the second call for applicants within the Charleston programme, co-funded by the European Commission's MSCA COFUND initiative (Horizon Europe). This call will support a maximum of 12 postdoctoral researchers, who will carry out their projects at the university for 24 months and undertake a 3- to 6-month secondment in a non-academic institution. Researchers can submit their applications until 1 June 2026 2 PM (Prague time).

The programme is based on three pillars:

1. Contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs),

2. Enhancing career development support for postdoctoral researchers, and

3. Providing fellows with valuable intersectoral experience through compulsory non-academic secondments.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the IS Věda portal. Please register in the portal first using this link.

The call is open from 2 March to 1 June 2026, 2 PM (Prague time).

The information and documents necessary for submitting the application include:

1. Guide for Applicants

2. User Manual for Submitting Online Application Form (Annex I of the Guide for Applicants)

3. Part B1 Template – Proposed Project Description (Annex II of the Guide for Applicants)

4. Part B2 Template – Ethics Issues Table (Annex III of the Guide for Applicants)

5. Letter of Commitment – Non-Academic Institutions (Annex IV of the Guide for Applicants)

6. Definitions of Terms for Completing Project Description (Annex V of the Guide for Applicants)

7. Frequently Asked Questions

An online webinar for applicants will take place on Thursday, 19 March 2026, at 1 PM (Prague time). Participation is only possible with prior registration. Please register via this link.

Who can apply

• The CHARLESTON programme supports projects focused on sustainable development and societal impact in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Applicants must not be employees of Charles University at the time of the application deadline and must not have resided in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months within the past 36 months (mobility rule). They must also hold a Ph.D. degree obtained no more than 8 years ago. Exceptions apply, such as parental leave etc.

• Charles University is committed to fostering gender equality in research and strongly encourages women to apply.

• Scientists at risk are encouraged to apply.

• Research projects can be carried out at any faculty or unit of Charles University.

• For more details, please visit the programme's website and refer to the Guide for Applicants.

Call timeline

All funded projects must start within the period from 1 November 2026 to 1 March 2027.

Support

If you have any questions, please contact us at msca.charleston@cuni.cz.

Important links

1. Charleston Programme Website

2. Application (IS Věda Portal)

3. Webinar Registration

4. Frequently Asked Questions

5. Contact

N.B. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.