ESA Research Fellowships in Space Science

Applications are now open for the 2026 ESA Research Fellowships in Space Science. These postdoctoral fellowships offer early-career scientists from ESA Member States the possibility to carry out independent research in heliophysics, planetary science, astrophysics, and fundamental physics. The fellowships can be taken at ESAC near Madrid, Spain, at ESTEC in Noordwijk, The Netherlands, or at the ESA Office at STScI in Baltimore, USA. Applicants should have completed their PhD or be able to complete it before taking up the fellowship starting in fall 2027. The deadline for applications is 21 September 2026. The fellowship website provides details of the fellowship, the application process, current and past fellows, and access to the application portal.