What we look for

We are looking for experienced researchers (in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the call deadline), with an excellent CV and research track record (e.g., one publication without their PhD supervisor, a publication as first author, a monograph). Applicants are expected to be open minded and willing to collaborate with our research groups.

  What we offer

The training course is open to 50 potential MSCA candidates. Two places are reserved for candidates of African nationality. Selected participants will have their travel and accommodation costs covered by the University of Padua: we will book and pay directly for such expenses, reimbursements to applicants are not foreseen.

  Who can apply

When applying for the course, candidates should check and choose the type of F ellowship (European or Global Fellowship) and make sure they comply with the MSCA Mobility Rule.
Candidates can apply to the MSCA Marathon 2026 if, at the date of the relevant deadline for the submission of PF proposals (9 September 2026), they:

• possess a PhD;
• have  max. 8 years of research experience measured from the date of award of the doctoral degree (exceptions according to MSCA-PF rules)
• comply with the mobility rule of the MSCA;
• choose the University of Padua as  Host Institution.

  How to apply

Applicants should check the application folder below and contact a potential supervisor at the University of Padua following the instructions below.

T he evaluation of candidates is mainly based on their research profile, their short proposal and completeness of their application. It is important that applicants contact their supervisor at the University of Padua: the Department letter of acceptance signed by the Head of Department needs to be included in the application folder.

Application deadline is 9 March 2026 at 1:00 p.m. (Italian time zone).

  Application folder

Selection of applicants to the Marathon is mainly based on the evaluation of their research profile, their short proposal and completeness of their application.

Applicants should  download the documents below (all forms are compulsory, incomplete applications will not be accepted), fill in the Google Form and upload all forms:

• CV guidelines Download
• Short proposal Download
• Researcher’s Commitment Download
• Supervisor acceptance letter Download
• In order to fill in properly the Google Application Form, we suggest to read carefully these GUIDELINES Download

  MSCA potential supervisors at the University of Padua

Several researchers at our University are willing to act as supervisors in MSCA-PF applications. Applicants can freely choose and contact their preferred Supervisor. For those who do not already have contacts at Unipd, a regularly updated list of potential supervisors is available below.
It is possible to see the full list of Unipd departments as a further reference.

Professors at Unipd wishing to act as supervisors are invited to fill in and submit the Supervisor Form.
Consult here the list of MSCA potential supervisors at Unipd
Download the document to apply filters in the excel table.

Latest update: January 2026

  When you are not funded but receive the Seal of Excellence - MSCA

In case you choose the University of Padua as your Host Institution within the MSCA-PF Call and your project is not selected for funding, but you receive the “Seal of Excellence – MSC Actions”, the University offers you the opportunity for an alternative funding under the MSCA Seal of Excellence@University of Padua programme.

Once the Seal of Excellence is issued, you may apply for a grant covering an employment contract for the duration of the project and a budget for research, networking and training activities.