15 Fully Funded PhD Positions in Estonia under MSCA COFUND (INNOCHEMBIO Program)

Applications are now open for the INNOCHEMBIO program, a prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) COFUND initiative funded by the European Commission in 2025. This fully-funded doctoral program offers 15 PhD positions at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) and the National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics (NICPB) in Estonia, focusing on innovative chemistry and biotechnology to tackle global challenges like climate change and sustainability.

The program is open to international candidates with an MSc degree who meet the MSCA mobility rule (not having resided in Estonia for more than 12 months in the last 3 years). The application deadline is August 31, 2025, and there is no application fee. INNOCHEMBIO provides a gross salary of €2,500 per month, comprehensive training, and industry experience, making it an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers in green technologies. You can also check more PhD positions here

Key Details

• Funding: Fully funded by the European Union’s MSCA COFUND
• Positions: 15 PhD positions (12 at TalTech, 3 at NICPB)
• Fields: Chemistry, biotechnology, and related interdisciplinary areas
• Duration: 48 months (4 years)
• Salary: €2,500 gross monthly (before taxes)
• Application Period: July 1 – August 31, 2025
• Application Fee: None
• Partners: 19 academic and industry partners from 11 European countries
• Selection Process: Two stages (pre-selection and interview), merit-based

Research Topics

• Machine learning interatomic potentials for chemical reactions
• Affordable but high-sensitivity NMR spectroscopy
• Droplet microfluidic tools for sustainable biotechnology
• Gene editing in solanaceous crops for resistance against potyviruses
• Molecular regulation of plant abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in protein crop faba bean
• Asymmetric electrochemistry in flow
• AMP and ADP heterogeneity in cellular microdomains
• Green novel technologies for forensic research on drugs
• Safe-and-sustainable-by-design approaches for nanocomposites in environmental remediation
• Ecotoxicological profiling of prioritized plastics additives in freshwater and soil
• Lignin-integrated conductive polymers for advanced applications
• Asymmetric co-catalytic cycloadditions
• Microbiome in plant virus infections
• Sustainable valorization of industrial mineral residues: comprehensive characterization and advanced material applications
• Organic reactions under mechanochemical activation

Must apply for this: OIST Fully Funded PhD Program 2025/2026

Host Institutions

• TalTech Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology (DCB)
• TalTech Department of Cybernetics
• NICPB

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. MSCA Mobility Rule: Must not have resided or worked in Estonia for more than 12 months in the 3 years prior to the application deadline (August 31, 2025).
2. Education: Hold an MSc degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
3. English Proficiency: Provide a language test certificate (e.g., TOEFL) unless you have an English-medium degree.
4. Academic Level: Must not hold a degree higher than an MSc.
5. Complete Application: Submit all required documents by the deadline.

Study in Italy: 36 Fully Funded PhD Scholarships in Sustainable Development and Climate Change

Application Process

The application window for the first call is July 1 to August 31, 2025. Applications are submitted via the Glowbase platform only (email applications are not accepted). Candidates can apply for up to two research topics, indicating their preference order.

Required Documents

• CV: Include publications, patents, research projects, and relevant experience.
• Motivation Letter: One-page letter per chosen topic, tailored to the specific research project.
• Degree Certificates and Transcripts: Translated to English; originals or certified copies required for admission.
• Photo ID: Copy of passport or Estonian ID.
• Contact Information: Email, phone, and address.
• Two Recommendation Letters: From a supervisor and a professor/lecturer, addressing questions listed on the INNOCHEMBIO website.
• Eligibility Statement: Download the template from the INNOCHEMBIO website.
• Optional: Proof of English proficiency (if applicable).

Study in Switzerland: CYD Doctoral Fellowships in Switzerland 2025

All documents must be high-quality PDFs (max 1 MB each). AI-generated text is prohibited and will lead to rejection.

Selection Process

The selection is a two-stage process:

1. Stage 1: Pre-selection
   • Independent experts evaluate applications based on:
     • Academic record (MSc grades, thesis; min. score: 3/5)
     • Professional experience (projects, publications, patents)
     • Motivation letter (min. score: 3/5)
     • Further education and non-academic science activities
     • Recommendations
   • Top 5 candidates per position advance to Stage 2.
2. Stage 2: Interview
   • Candidates prepare a 10-minute presentation on their project vision, followed by a Q&A with a panel of three experts and an HR observer.
   • Evaluated on:
     • Background knowledge in biosciences, chemistry, or physics
     • Specific expertise in the research topic
     • Motivation and vision
   • Minimum score: 60/100 to be ranked.

Study in Australia: Australian Government RTP Scholarships at University of New England

Timeline

• July 1 – August 31, 2025: Application period.
• September 2025: Eligibility check and notification.
• October 2025: Stage 1 results; top candidates proceed to interviews.
• November 2025: Stage 2 interviews and final ranking.
• December 2025: Conditional offer letters sent (2-week response time).
• Early 2026: Backup call if positions remain unfilled.

Also check: UMS Indonesia Scholarship

How to Apply

1. Visit the INNOCHEMBIO website for detailed research topic descriptions and document templates (Link below).
2. Create an account on the Glowbase platform and complete the application form.
3. Upload all required documents in PDF format.
4. Submit your application by August 31, 2025.
5. Check visa requirements for Estonia if applicable.