MSCA and ERA Postdoctoral Fellowship: Call for Postdoctoral Candidates 2026

Are you a postdoctoral researcher thinking about the next step in your scientific career? The Communication Networks Laboratory (CNL) at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Informatics, is willing to support excellent researchers interested in applying for an EU Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Would you like to continue your scientific career in Budapest, Hungary, for a period of at least 2 years? The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (MSCA-PF) aims to support the career development and training of excellent researchers through international mobility. We are willing to support applications related to the following research lines:

  • Deep network programmability
  • Data plane offloading and optimization
  • AI for networks
  • QoE-aware networking
  • Live media transport
  • Cross-layer congestion control

Researchers with a strong scientific background and a project idea in mind are encouraged to contact our team. The selected candidates will work in tandem with the CNL team in the preparation of their candidature in order to submit a successful application to this highly competitive programme.

Who are we?

The Communication Networks Laboratory (CNL) is a research group at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Informatics, in Budapest, Hungary. Our work focuses on next-generation communication networks, combining fundamental research with applied, systems-oriented experimentation.

CNL conducts research in areas including programmable networks, data plane acceleration, quality-of-experience-aware communication, live media transport, and congestion control. Our roadmap also includes new areas like AI-assisted networks to be explored in the near future. The group works in close cooperation with Ericsson Research and has participated in several EU-funded research projects, providing an excellent environment for postdoctoral researchers who want to combine academic research with real-world networking challenges and industrial relevance.

ELTE Eötvös Loránd University is one of Hungary’s leading research universities, located in Budapest, a vibrant European capital with a strong academic, technological, and cultural ecosystem.

What we offer

  • An active research environment in communication networks, programmable networking, media transport, and networked systems.
  • Close collaboration with Ericsson Research and opportunities to engage with industrially relevant research challenges.
  • Experience and networking opportunities through participation in EU-funded research projects.
  • Support in developing a competitive MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal.
  • Professional development and training aimed at improving scientific and transversal skills to prepare researchers for a competitive scientific career.
  • Opportunities to publish in high-quality international venues and build an international research profile.
  • A collaborative academic environment at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Informatics.
  • The possibility to participate in dissemination, networking, and outreach activities.
  • A research location in Budapest, Hungary, with strong connections to the European research and innovation ecosystem.

Who can apply?

These fellowships are intended for outstanding researchers from anywhere in the world who have a doctoral degree by the call deadline and a maximum of 8 years of full-time postdoctoral research experience.

We are looking for candidates with a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, or related fields, with research experience in one or more of the research areas listed above.

The call requires geographic mobility: at the date of the MSCA call deadline, expected to be 9 September 2026, candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity — work, studies, etc. — in Hungary for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.

Desirable skills

  • Highly motivated candidates with an excellent scientific track record.
  • Strong background in computer networks, communication systems, distributed systems, programmable data planes, network optimization, media transport, or related areas.
  • Ability to formulate and develop an ambitious, independent research project.
  • Good publication record appropriate to career stage.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Interest in interdisciplinary and industry-connected research.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Fluent English.

Position details and funding

  • The fellowship is expected to be for a period of 2 years, subject to the rules and conditions of the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship programme.
  • The beneficiary receiving EU funding recruits the researcher for the total period of the fellowship.
  • The EU provides support for the recruited researcher in the form of:
    • a living allowance;
    • a mobility allowance;
    • if applicable, family, long-term leave and special needs allowances.
  • In addition, funding is provided for:
    • research, training and networking activities;
    • management and indirect costs.
  • Short-term secondments may be included where they strengthen the research and training objectives of the proposal.
  • An additional placement of up to 6 months in a non-academic organisation based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe Associated Country may also be included at the end of the fellowship, where appropriate.
  • The feedback from the MSCA call is expected in early 2027 and, if successful, the estimated starting date will be from April–May 2027, with possible flexibility depending on the final grant agreement and candidate availability.

ERA Fellowships opportunity

As Hungary is a Widening Country, eligible European Postdoctoral Fellowship proposals with ELTE Eötvös Loránd University as host may also be considered under the ERA Fellowships scheme, provided the relevant conditions of the call are met.

ERA Fellowships build on the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships action and are intended for host organisations located in Widening Countries. They offer an additional funding opportunity for researchers of any nationality who wish to carry out research and innovation projects by coming to the EU from any country in the world or by moving within the EU to a Widening Country.

This means that candidates applying with CNL at ELTE may benefit from both the standard MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship route and, where applicable, the additional ERA Fellowships opportunity linked to Widening Countries.

Application

Candidates interested in this opportunity should submit an expression of interest containing information about their research background and work experience, including:

  • A complete CV, including personal contact information.
  • A motivation letter outlining the 5 most relevant research results, maximum 1 page.
  • A brief 1-page proposal of the future research project.

Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Deadline of the pre-selection process

Please submit your application by 6 August 2026 at 23:59 CEST at the latest to lakis@inf.elte.hu.

Candidatures will be evaluated regularly upon receipt. All candidates will be informed personally about the selection process.

Questions or clarifications about this call or the application process can be directed to the prospective host supervisor at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Faculty of Informatics, Communication Networks Laboratory.