Doing a postdoc in Europe with funding is one of the fastest ways to boost your research independence, build an international network, and advance your career. Below I’ve put together a practical, step-by-step guide you can follow — from finding openings to submitting a competitive application and managing visas/relocation — plus resources that regularly list funded opportunities.

1. Decide what type of funded postdoc you want

There are two common routes to a funded postdoc in Europe: (A) apply for an individual fellowship that pays your salary and research costs (e.g., Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships, national fellowships, Humboldt, etc.), or (B) join a research group that already has funding for a postdoc position (advertised by the host university or on job portals). Individual fellowships usually give you greater mobility and independence; employment positions give immediate integration into an existing team. Choose based on how much independence you want and how long you can wait for a competitive fellowship round. Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

2. Start with the right places to search

Use pan-European and national portals to find funded positions and fellowships:

• EURAXESS Jobs & Funding — the central hub for research jobs and fellowships across Europe; set job alerts for “postdoc” and your subject area. EURAXESS
• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships — large EU fellowships for researchers to move to a host in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country. Read calls and timelines carefully.
• European Research Council (ERC) (for slightly more senior early-career grants) and national fellowship providers (e.g., Humboldt Foundation, DAAD, national research councils) for country-specific funding. ERC

Bookmark these and subscribe to alerts — many good opportunities are time-limited and competitive.

3. Prepare your application materials — what selection panels want

Common, high-impact items you’ll repeatedly use:

• Updated CV / academic résumé with publications, grants, teaching, and supervision experience.
• Research proposal (critical for fellowship applications): clear research question, methodology, timeline, expected output/impact, and how the host environment strengthens the project. MSCA and similar calls evaluate excellence, impact, and implementation.
• Cover letter / motivation statement tailored to the PI or fellowship.
• Two or three strong recommendation letters from supervisors or collaborators who can attest to your independence and potential.
• List of key publications and (if required) sample papers.
  Practice a concise “elevator pitch” (1–2 paragraph summary) of your project — you’ll need it when reaching out to potential hosts or writing short abstract boxes.

4. Network and contact potential supervisors strategically

If you plan to join a funded group or to submit a fellowship with a host, identify 5–10 potential supervisors whose recent work aligns with yours. Read their latest papers, then send a concise, personalized email that includes:

1. A one-sentence hook about why their lab is ideal for your project.
2. A two-line description of your background and key achievements.
3. A one-paragraph sketch of the research you want to do and how it complements their group.
   Attach a 1-page CV and a short one-page project summary. If they show interest, ask whether they can co-supervise or provide a letter of support — this is essential for many fellowships. Webinars and local EURAXESS events often provide direct contact opportunities with host institutions.

5. Tailor your research proposal for the fellowship or host

For individual fellowships (MSCA, national schemes), the research proposal is the single most important item. Address these explicitly:

• Excellence: significance, novelty, state of the art, and your track record.
• Impact: expected scientific, societal, and career development outcomes.
• Implementation: deliverables, work packages, timeline, and training plan.
  Follow the funding call template exactly: panels reject proposals that omit required sections or exceed page limits. Many funders publish “how to apply” and “6-step” guidance that you should follow line-by-line.

6. Manage deadlines and application logistics

• Fellowships often have fixed annual calls (note opening and deadline dates). University positions are posted year-round. Use calendars and reminders.
• Prepare supporting documents (degree certificates, transcripts, translations if needed) well before deadlines.
• If invited for interview, prepare a clear presentation (research plan + fit with host), and be ready to discuss career plans.

7. If accepted — getting ready to move

Once you have an offer or an award:

• Check funding details: salary, research allowance, duration, and start date. Fellowships sometimes allow mobility-related costs and training budgets.
• Visa and work permit: non-EU researchers will generally need a host-issued contract/letter and must apply for the appropriate visa (e.g., Researcher visa or Blue Card depending on country). EURAXESS country pages have practical national guidance.
• Housing, healthcare, and taxation: get pre-arrival guidance from your host institution’s international office.

8. Final tips that increase success

• Start early: building relationships and polishing fellowship drafts takes months.
• Get feedback: ask peers, your PhD supervisor, and (if possible) a grants office to review proposals.
• Highlight mobility and training: many European fellowships value international experience and clear training/career development plans.
• Apply widely: combine targeted university openings with at least one fellowship application per year.

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Securing a funded postdoc in Europe is competitive but eminently achievable if you combine targeted searching (EURAXESS and funder portals), careful proposal writing, proactive networking with potential hosts, and meticulous attention to call guidance and deadlines. Start now: set up EURAXESS alerts, shortlist host labs, and draft your one-page project summary — and then iterate with colleagues and mentors. Good luck!

By Kavita Dehalwar

Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing humanity. It encompasses a wide range of issues, including rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, melting glaciers, and increasing natural disasters. While its effects are global, they are not equally distributed, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, particularly women in developing regions. Feminist environmentalism offers a critical lens to understand and address these inequities, integrating gender justice into the broader framework of environmental sustainability.

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The Interplay Between Climate Change and Gender

The impacts of climate change are intricately tied to existing social and economic inequalities. Women, especially those in rural and marginalized communities, often rely on natural resources for their livelihoods, making them more vulnerable to environmental changes. For instance:

1. Agricultural Dependency: Women constitute a significant proportion of the agricultural workforce in many developing countries. Erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts threaten crop yields, directly impacting their income and food security.
2. Water Scarcity: Women are frequently responsible for water collection in many societies. Climate-induced water shortages force them to travel longer distances, exposing them to physical strain and potential violence.
3. Displacement: Climate disasters often lead to displacement, and women in refugee settings face unique challenges, including inadequate healthcare, limited access to education, and heightened risk of gender-based violence.

These examples underline how climate change is not just an environmental issue but also a social one, with profound implications for gender equality.

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Feminist Environmentalism: A Transformative Approach

Feminist environmentalism bridges the gap between environmental and gender justice, emphasizing that sustainable solutions must address the structural inequalities that perpetuate both environmental degradation and gender oppression. This approach is rooted in several key principles:

1. Intersectionality: Feminist environmentalism recognizes the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression, such as race, class, and gender. For example, Indigenous women are often at the forefront of climate activism because their communities bear the brunt of resource exploitation and ecological destruction.
2. Empowerment and Agency: Women must be seen not merely as victims of climate change but as agents of change. Programs that empower women to participate in environmental decision-making lead to more equitable and effective solutions. For instance, studies show that women’s involvement in forest management improves conservation outcomes.
3. Care Ethics: Feminist perspectives highlight the value of care ethics in addressing environmental crises. This approach prioritizes nurturing relationships between humans and nature, moving away from extractive models of development.

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Contributions of Women to Climate Action

Women have been pivotal in leading grassroots movements and advocating for climate justice:

• Wangari Maathai: The Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel laureate founded the Green Belt Movement, which empowered women to plant trees, combat deforestation, and advocate for sustainable development.
• Greta Thunberg: The young Swedish activist has galvanized global attention to the climate crisis, inspiring millions to demand urgent action from policymakers.
• Indigenous Women Leaders: Across the globe, Indigenous women are defending their lands and advocating for the preservation of biodiversity, often at great personal risk.

These examples demonstrate the critical role women play in shaping a sustainable future.

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Policy Recommendations for Integrating Feminist Environmentalism

To create a just and sustainable world, policymakers must incorporate feminist perspectives into climate strategies. Key recommendations include:

1. Gender-Inclusive Climate Policies: Policies should address the unique vulnerabilities of women and ensure their participation in decision-making processes. For example, allocating resources for women’s education and training in sustainable practices can build resilience in vulnerable communities.
2. Support for Women-Led Initiatives: Governments and international organizations should provide funding and technical support to women-led environmental projects. This not only fosters innovation but also ensures that solutions are tailored to local contexts.
3. Legal Protections: Strengthening legal frameworks to protect women environmental defenders from violence and harassment is crucial for sustaining their advocacy efforts.
4. Intersectional Data Collection: Collecting and analyzing gender-disaggregated data on climate impacts can help identify specific challenges and tailor interventions accordingly.

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Conclusion

Climate change is not a gender-neutral phenomenon. Addressing it requires a nuanced understanding of the intersection between environmental degradation and social inequalities. Feminist environmentalism provides a powerful framework to tackle these challenges holistically, advocating for a world that values both ecological sustainability and gender justice. By empowering women and embracing inclusive policies, we can forge a path toward a more equitable and resilient future.

References

Amadi, L. A., Ogbanga, M. M., & Agena, J. E. (2015). Climate change and feminist environmentalism in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 9(9), 361-371.

Amadi, L., Wordu, S., & Ogbanga, M. (2015). Sustainable Development in Crisis? A Post Development Perspective. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 17(1), 140-163.

Brick, P., & Cawley, R. M. (2008). Producing political climate change: the hidden life of US environmentalism. Environmental Politics, 17(2), 200-218.

Gilley, B. (2012). Authoritarian environmentalism and China’s response to climate change. Environmental politics, 21(2), 287-307.

Ogbanga, M. M. (2024). Oil, Gender and Unemployment: Social Issues in the Niger. Eduindex.

Pulver, S. (2007). Making sense of corporate environmentalism: An environmental contestation approach to analyzing the causes and consequences of the climate change policy split in the oil industry. Organization & environment, 20(1), 44-83.

Wright, C., & Nyberg, D. (2012). Working with passion: Emotionology, corporate environmentalism and climate change. Human Relations, 65(12), 1561-1587.