Broaden your horizons with opportunities for fellowship and secondment(s) at leading Hungarian and international research centres, academic and industrial partners.

Hungary is known for its welcoming environment, offers accessible healthcare, an emphasis on public safety, and a cost of living that is often considered affordable. It offers a favourable destination for researchers and their families seeking a comfortable and enriching experience.

Invest in your personal and professional growth with a development package tailored to your unique needs. This includes expert supervision, coaching, and access to a range of opportunities, such as specialized training, interdisciplinary workshops, and networking events. These experiences will enhance your versatility and prepare you for a successful career in academia or other fields.

From Engineering & Technology, Humanities, and Medical Sciences to Natural and Social Sciences, Momentum MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme supports a broad spectrum of disciplines within “Lendület” Momentum Research Groups.

All fellows are required to actively participate in at least two relevant international conferences during the fellowship, which includes presenting their research findings through poster sessions or oral presentations. More details are available under Become a Fellow, Dissemination and Exploitation Activities section of our website.

The fellowships have a duration of 12 to 36 months, with a preference for fellowship periods of 2 to 3 years to maximize the availability and use of positions. As a Premium Fellowship Programme, the longer grant period offers opportunity to conduct high-quality research and achieve substantial professional development.

For a detailed list of specific institutions and partners involved in the Programme, please refer to the Partner section on our website.

During the Programme fellows receive comprehensive support, including expert supervision, mentoring, coaching, and access to specialized training, interdisciplinary workshops, and networking events.

Fellows are expected to dedicate their time primarily to their research projects in Momentum MSCA Programme. They may have part-time involvement in other projects for personal or professional reasons, such as starting a company, pursuing additional research projects, or engaging in advanced studies unrelated to the Momentum MSCA Programme, provided these activities do not interfere with their training. Overall, fellows must maintain a minimum commitment of 50% to their research project. The programme includes a mandatory secondment of 1 to 3 months at associated partner organizations, fostering collaboration and enhancing the fellows' research experience.

One notable example is the Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA), where we encourage all participants to become members. The MCAA serves as a vibrant network for MSCA alumni, providing opportunities for collaboration, career development, and engagement in shaping science policy across Europe.

Fellows are encouraged to contact and discuss specific research objectives with the Principal Investigator (PI) of the research group they are interested in joining.

The Fellowship Programme encompasses a wide range of research areas, covering all fields represented by the participating Momentum research groups. This diversity fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation among fellows, enhancing their research experience and professional development.

Please note that joining the Programme requires a full-time employment contract and a commitment to relocate and change your place of residence to Hungary for the entire duration of the fellowship. Any conflicting or jeopardizing agreements must be flagged at the time of application. Researchers may pursue supplementary activities, provided no conflict of interest exists. These activities can include personal or family commitments, starting a company, pursuing another research project, or engaging in advanced studies unrelated to the Momentum MSCA Programme. However, it is essential that these activities do not jeopardize the training activities funded under the Programme. Researchers must maintain a minimum commitment of 50% to their primary project.

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can apply during each call for the Programme.

The application must be submitted in English. Colleagues in your host research group will be able to communicate effectively in English. Although Hungarian is the most widely spoken language in the host country, English is commonly used in academic and professional environments. A good command of English is required to succeed in the application and selection process, as well as to ensure effective communication within the research group. Applicants whose academic degrees, certificates, or diplomas do not explicitly indicate English proficiency (i.e., studies or exams not completed in English) must provide proof of English language proficiency. Acceptable proofs – following documents will be required to be uploaded as PDF files: IELTS certificate with a minimum overall score of 6,5 and no band less than 6.0. TOEFL iBT certificate with a minimum score of 95. Cambridge English certificate at C1 Advanced level or higher. PTE Academic: A score range of 76 or higher. Other recognized English language proficiency certificates or documentation demonstrating a proficiency level equivalent to C1, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If you do not have an official English language certificate but are a native English speaker or have studied/worked in English, you can provide following or similar proof uploaded as PDF files: A summary of your PhD dissertation in English or a defence report confirming it was conducted in English. A school transcript or diploma supplement showing English language coursework or confirming studies were conducted in English. A statement from a previous or current employer or academic institution confirming your English proficiency. A personal statement indicating that English is your native language, along with the number of an official identification document that confirms your nationality. Important: We do not require copies of public, personal identification documents. Please provide only the document number. A verification process will be conducted later.

Overlapping grants under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions are not permitted. Participation in the Programme is allowed only if any other MSCA postdoctoral fellowship concludes prior to joining the host research group. Otherwise, researchers will be required to choose between the grants, as only one MSCA-funded project can be pursued at a time.

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can apply during each call for the Programme.

Application Requirements & Research Group Alignment: Before start, applicants are advised to carefully read through the eligibility criteria and conditions on our website. Applicants must contact at least one potential supervisor early to discuss the fit of their research idea with the expertise and infrastructure of the host research group (e.g., aspirations, equipment, lab resources, data access, and supervision). Since the fellowship is designed for a full three-year period, the exact duration will also be a key topic in these discussions, as the research group’s lifecycle may not always be fully in sync with this timeframe. Details of the research groups participating in our Programme, and contact information are available under Partners > Host Research Groups section of our website. We strongly encourage applicants to engage in a screening dialogue with their potential PI to discuss: technical alignment of your research idea with the host group's expertise and infrastructure (equipment, lab resources, data access, facilities, supervision). research idea alignment with the expertise of the selected Lendület research group how their project brings new perspectives or innovative approaches how it complements and enhances the group’s ongoing work and how their collaboration will contribute to mutual scientific advancement practical aspects of their project If a suitable match is found, applicants must obtain and upload the Host Research Entity/Implementing Partner Declaration as part of their application. Research proposals must be written independently by the applicant, before submission. Interdisciplinary and intersectoral proposals are encouraged. All applications must: Use the official templates, that will be available in the Documents section of the submission portal from 2 April Follow Horizon Europe ethical principles Be written in English Fully comply with the format and content requirements set in the templates Be submitted before the deadline: 31 May 2025 The only way to apply is through our electronic submission portal; there is no option to submit or have documents reviewed by any other means. Submissions not in English or without the required templates will not be processed. Only one application per call is allowed; if multiple are submitted, only the first will be considered. No application fee is required. Applicants will be required to submit the following: Application Form - including Ethics Issues Table Narrative CV Research Proposal Data Management Plan Signed Host Research Entity Declaration Documentation and information to verify eligibility based on mobility rule and allowances* Applicants whose academic degrees, certificates, or diplomas do not explicitly indicate English proficiency (i.e., not completed in an English-taught program) must provide proof of English language proficiency. ** Required templates and forms will be available under the Documents section of the electronic submission portal of Momentum MSCA Programme at the time of call opening. *Whenever possible, please provide proof documents in English. If the original document is in another language, an official or certified English translation may be required. All documentation must clearly display your full name, the specific time period covered, and location information to verify your residence/activity history. Documents that cannot be properly identified with these key elements may not be accepted as valid proof. We provide a set of options for attachments and public documents that can serve as proof of residency in Guidance on Required Documentation for Eligibility Verification and Allowances. While we do not require all of these documents to be provided, you must submit sufficient documentation to cover your complete mobility allowance eligibility period (the full 3 years immediately before the call's deadline). **If your degree certificate explicitly states that your studies or any exams were completed in English, no further proof is needed. However, if your academic documents do not indicate English proficiency, additional proof is required. This applies even if English is your native language. What can be accepted as proof? Acceptable proofs include recognized English language proficiency certificates or documentation demonstrating a proficiency level equivalent to C1, as defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). If you do not have an official English language certificate but are a native English speaker or have studied/worked in English, you can provide following or similar proof: A summary of your PhD dissertation in English or a defence report confirming it was conducted in English. A school transcript or diploma supplement showing English language coursework or confirming studies were conducted in English. A statement from a previous or current employer or academic institution confirming your English proficiency. A personal statement indicating that English is your native language, along with the number of an official identification document that confirms your nationality. 📌 Important: We do not require copies of public, personal identification documents. Please provide only the document number. A verification process will be conducted later.

For information regarding application deadlines for each call, please refer to the 'Key Dates' and 'Application' section on our webpage.

Encountering difficulties while recording your telephone number during the MTA Academy Database registration is a known issue for some users. Please adhere strictly to the following mandatory format: Kindly enter your telephone number in the subsequent structure: +[Country Code] SPACE [Area Code] SPACE [Telephone Number] Country Code: A numerical sequence of one to three digits, prefixed by the '+' symbol. Area Code: A numerical sequence comprising two to four digits. Telephone Number: Your local telephone number. IMPORTANT: Ensure that a single space is inserted between the country code, area code, and the local telephone number. Example: +44 20 12345678 (United Kingdom, London) Experiencing Persistent Issues? Should you continue to encounter difficulties with the specified format, you may utilize the following temporary example format to complete your registration: +12 12 12345678. Following successful registration, please forward an email containing your correct telephone number to momentum.msca@office.mta.hu. We will then manually update your profile accordingly.

The fellowship offers a super gross salary of €3,980, which amounts to a gross monthly salary of €3,522. For more information, please refer to the 'Remuneration and Working Conditions' section on our website.

Professional development is a key element of the programme. Fellows will receive both financial support and professional guidance to participate in conferences, workshops, and other opportunities that enhance their academic and career growth.

Hungarian tax regulations apply to all fellows. The host institution provides support with tax registration and the annual taxation process if needed.

The fellowship includes several additional financial incentives: Mobility allowance of €150 gross per month for all postdoctoral fellows, Based on eligibility: One-time relocation allowance of up to €3,600 gross Family allowance of €300 gross per month, and Special needs allowance determined on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please refer to the 'Remuneration and Working Conditions' section on our website. The following budget items will be allocated to the host institutions and used for the implementation of the research project: research, networking, local training and travel costs: up to 1800 €/month (including: consumables, equipment costs, publications, travel and accommodation costs (for covering travel and accommodation costs of the researcher to conferences, workshops and during secondments)) and indirect costs: up to 600 €/month (from total 900 €/month indirect costs planned for Programme, out of which 300 €/month used by Secretariat of MTA)

For additional details regarding culture and language courses, please check the Euraxess website: Access to the culture of the host country/language courses | EURAXESS

Fellows will be assured access to flexible working hours and the option to work remotely based on the host institution’s internal regulations. Through continuous monitoring, we ensure that they remain aligned with the operational requirements of the host research groups and do not hinder the successful execution of the project.

Please examine the most frequently utilized online resources for real estate and rental platforms here: Accommodation in Hungary | EURAXESS and selected fellows will have access to more information in our Welcome Package.

According to the Relocation Allowance Guideline, fellows are eligible for a one-time payment of up to €3,600. This amount will be disbursed after the first three months of the fellowship have been completed, along with the salary applicable at that time. Please read Relocation Allowance Guideline under the Remuneration and Working Conditions section.

Employment enables individuals to register with the National Health Insurance Fund (NEAK), thereby obtaining a healthcare card. This card provides access to public medical services. Furthermore, individuals retain the option to pursue private medical care at their own expense.

Detailed information on entry conditions to Hungary can be found on the website of the National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing. Additionally, the Secretariat of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA Secretariat) will provide assistance to all candidates who successfully pass the evaluation and selection process.

There is no requirement for applicants to speak Hungarian. However, those interested in learning the language can explore available courses through Euraxess Language Courses page.

Scientific findings must be shared through high-impact journals, conferences, and academic events. See the Dissemination and Exploitation Activities section on our webpage for details. Momentum ("Lendület") research groups regularly present their progress, scientific advancements, research findings, and publications both in written reports and through formal evaluations before a committee. This ensures accountability, tracks research impact, and supports the dissemination of knowledge within the academic community. Fellows will collaborate with their primary supervisors—and, if applicable, co-supervisors and coaches—to develop a Career Development Plan (CDP). This plan will outline research objectives, discipline-specific training, and local and network-wide sessions focused on transferable skills. It will also include a selection of international conferences and stakeholder events. Fellows must identify relevant events from this list and actively participate in at least two to present and promote their research.

Becoming a member of a Momentum Research Group hosted by one of the implementing partners will have access to necessary infrastructure and support systems to facilitate their work. At the host level, researchers will be supported by the administrative staff of the organisations: local departments will be involved to provide support in employment issues (concluding the employment contract), taxation, social security, financial management and administration or IPR management etc.

One international (not in Hungary) secondment will be mandatory for each selected fellow (1 - 3 months). Furthermore, fellows have the flexibility to pursue additional secondments at implementing partners or non-academic associated partners, aligning with their research fields and preferences. They can opt for secondments at implementing academic partners in Hungary to deepen interdisciplinary collaborations or at associated industry partners to foster their entrepreneurial mindset and develop special skills by getting insights into various aspects of business operations, innovation management, project development, and commercialization strategies. Fellows have full flexibility in selecting secondment opportunities offered by the Programme’s Associated Partners. The specific academic and non-academic host institutions for secondments will be jointly determined by the fellow and their supervisor and documented in the Career Development Plan (CDP) according to the fellow’s needs. To become an Associated Partner of the Programme, organizations must align with its objectives and sign a Partnership Agreement with Secretariat of MTA. Identification of secondment hosts is not a requirement prior to application to Momentum MSCA Programme.

Secondment and interdisciplinary training opportunities will be offered by a wide and evolving range of Implementing and Associated partners in Hungary and abroad. Each selected fellow must complete one mandatory international secondment. Additionally, fellows have the flexibility to undertake further secondments with implementing partners or non-academic associated partners, depending on their research interests and career goals. They may choose secondments at implementing academic partners in Hungary to strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations or at associated industry partners to develop an entrepreneurial mindset and gain specialized skills. Please note that becoming an Associated Partner requires a formal Partnership Agreement to be signed prior to accepting fellows for secondments.

For information regarding secondment partners, please refer to Implementing Partners and ‘Associated Partners section on our website.

The host institution receives funding to cover all costs associated with secondments.

Fellows are typically supervised by the principal investigators of the research groups they join.

Each host institute has a defined escalation process for conflict resolution, typically involving leadership or HR to address and resolve issues effectively.

Selected fellows will collaborate with their primary supervisors at the Momentum host institution to jointly prepare a Career Development Plan (CDP). If applicable, co-supervisors and coaches, mentors from academic or non-academic partners may also provide input. Based on the CPD, supervision typically involves weekly or bi-weekly meetings to ensure consistent guidance and support.