Are you an early-career researcher looking to advance your academic journey in Europe? The Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 2026, funded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and managed by Research Ireland, is now open for applications. This prestigious fellowship supports one or two years of fully funded postdoctoral research at leading Irish universities and research institutions. The program is highly competitive, with a 12% average success rate, and is designed to help outstanding scholars develop independent research and become future leaders in academia.

Government of Ireland Postdoc Fellowship—Overview

Host Country: Ireland
Host Institutions: Eligible Higher Education and Research Institutions in Ireland
Fellowship Duration: 12 or 24 months
Start Date: 1 September 2026
Funding Body: Research Ireland
Application Deadlines: 23 October 2025

Research Fields for Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship in Europe

The program funds all academic disciplines under STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and AHSS (Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences). Applicants can propose research in areas such as:

Natural Sciences & Engineering
Life Sciences & Health
Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (AHSS)
Emerging & Interdisciplinary Research

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026, candidates must:

Hold a PhD degree awarded between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2026, or be a late-stage PhD candidate who will complete all requirements before 31 May 2026.
Not have held a previous Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship.
Have at least one peer-reviewed publication (or equivalent scholarly output).
Be affiliated with an eligible research body in Ireland.
Work full-time on the fellowship and be resident in Ireland during the fellowship period.
Secure an academic mentor (only one application per mentor is allowed).

Applicants from any country are welcome to apply. Career breaks such as maternity/paternity leave, adoptive leave, or long-term illness may be considered for eligibility extensions.

Click Here for More Details about International Postdoctoral Fellowships in Ireland

How to Apply for Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026?

Follow these steps to submit a competitive application:

Step 1: Read the Official Call for Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

Click Here to Download the Postdoc Fellowships in Ireland 2026 Call

Step 2: Secure an academic mentor at an eligible Irish research institution.

Click Here to Visit the List of Ireland’s Universities and Colleges

Step 3: Prepare your research proposal, CV, publications, and supporting documents.

Step 4: Submit the online application for Irish postdoc opportunities.

Click Here to Apply Online for High-Paying postdoctoral jobs in Ireland

Click Here to Download the Guide for the Online System for Ireland Postdoc Jobs in Europe

Benefits of the Postdoctoral Fellowship

Fellows receive a comprehensive funding package to support their research and professional development:

Salary: €47,273 (Year 1) and €47,879 (Year 2)
Employer’s PRSI Contribution
Eligible Direct Research Costs: €5,000 per annum
Access to world-class labs, research infrastructure, and mentorship
Opportunities for international collaboration, publications, and academic career development

Apply Now – Start Research Career in Ireland

Don’t miss this golden opportunity to advance your postdoctoral career in Ireland, a hub for world-class research, innovation, and academic excellence.

Click Here to Explore and Apply for the Government of Ireland Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026

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