Explore fully funded PhD and postdoctoral positions for 2025–2026 across Europe, USA, Canada, UK, and India. Includes openings in nanotechnology, robotics, AI for biology, synthetic organic chemistry, environmental science, power electronics, and climate modelling.
Fully Funded PhD & Postdoctoral Opportunities: Europe, USA, Canada, UK & India Academic Openings
The global academic landscape in 2025–2026 is witnessing an exceptional expansion of opportunities for aspiring researchers, doctoral scholars, and postdoctoral scientists. Universities and research institutes across Europe, North America, and Asia are offering competitive, fully funded PhD and postdoctoral spots in some of the most impactful emerging fields—ranging from nanorobotics and synthetic supramolecular chemistry to artificial intelligence for biomedicine, robotics, environmental toxicology, power electronics, climate modelling, and more.
1. Fully Funded PhD Position – Prof. Martin Pumera Laboratory, VSB–Technical University of Ostrava (Czech Republic, EU)
One of Europe’s most influential laboratories in nanotechnology, microrobotics, and energy systems—led by Prof. Martin Pumera—is opening applications for a fully funded PhD position in 2025–2026. The Advanced Nanorobots & Multiscale Robotic Laboratory at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB-TUO, is globally recognized for pioneering research that reshapes the future of intelligent nanomachines, energy materials, and interdisciplinary robotic systems.
Research Focus of the Pumera Group
The laboratory’s scientific agenda revolves around:
- Nanorobotics and microrobotics
- Multiscale robotic systems
- Electrochemical energy conversion
- Energy storage and battery technology
- Environmental remediation via nano-systems
- Biomedicine-oriented nanomachine development
- Autonomous intelligent systems for space and planetary exploration
This research group consistently publishes in top-tier journals (IF10+), collaborates globally, and hosts one of Europe’s most diverse scientific communities.
Benefits of the PhD Position
The fully funded PhD program includes:
- Full tuition waiver
- Monthly stipend
- Generous research support
- Access to advanced core facilities
- Opportunities for international conference presentations
- Mentorship from a senior scientist with over 30 supervised PhD graduates
The laboratory’s modern infrastructure includes electrochemical clusters, robotics fabrication units, nano-characterization suites, and simulation facilities.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should possess:
- A Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, nanotechnology, or related fields
- A strong academic record
- Interest in electrochemistry, nanomaterials, or robotics
- Sound English communication skills
- A creative, interdisciplinary research mindset
Application Procedure
Applicants must send:
- Cover letter describing motivation and research interests
- Curriculum vitae
- List of publications (if available)
Email for submissions:
alexandra.lukasova@vsb.cz
Subject line: PhD Application – Pumera Group
2. PhD & Postdoctoral Positions – Synthetic Organic & Supramolecular Chemistry (Université libre de Bruxelles, Belgium)
The Engineering of Molecular NanoSystems (EMNS) Laboratory at Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) is offering fully funded PhD and postdoctoral positions beginning January–April 2026. These positions are part of the highly competitive WEL-T funded project “Ionophores Revisited,” led by Dr. Hennie Valkenier.
Research Overview
The research focuses on:
- Molecular design and modelling
- Multistep organic synthesis
- Development of neutral organic anion receptors
- Transmembrane anion transport
- Supramolecular host–guest chemistry
- Spectroscopic and physicochemical characterization
- Membrane incorporation of ionophores
- Applications in environmental sensing and chemical detection
The project aims to create next-generation synthetic ion carriers for oxoanions like phosphate, enabling breakthroughs in:
- Environmental ion detection
- Health diagnostics
- Next-gen membrane technologies
PhD Fellowship Details
- Duration: 4 years
- Salary: ~€2460/month (net, tax-exempt)
- Working language: English
- Collaborative environment with multiple researchers
- Advanced spectroscopy, NMR, calorimetry, and synthetic facilities
Postdoctoral Fellowship Details
- Duration: 2 years
- Salary: ~€3115/month (net)
- Involvement in supervision of students
- Opportunity to lead advanced synthetic chemistry directions
Skills Required
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Proficiency in multistep organic synthesis
- Strong NMR and structural characterization skills
- Knowledge of supramolecular chemistry
- Creativity and analytical thinking
- Excellent English communication
Application Process
Upload a single PDF containing:
- Motivation letter
- CV with publications
- References
- Academic transcripts
- Master thesis summary
Apply Here:
PhD: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFyqknIbqarcyWQeIJ0ZwYQkh9g6OioSv2Yg3T9t2dIFhvHA/viewform
Postdoc: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1GjH_XZJuGhDnhFb3LbJ1WR1AZme9FLRBT3a1VX_zH3grFQ/viewform
Where to apply
Website: https://forms.gle/fee2sECHoELUreRb7
https://forms.gle/vSbsFbXRgoaViRVT8
3. PhD Openings – High Power & Propulsion Laboratory (Polytechnique Montréal, Canada)
The High Power and Propulsion Laboratory at Polytechnique Montréal (Université de Montréal ecosystem, Canada) invites applicants for Spring/Fall 2026 PhD intake in the areas of:
- Power electronics
- Electric machines
- Electric drives
- Electrified propulsion systems
Research Strengths
The lab focuses on cutting-edge technologies enabling next-generation EVs, aerospace propulsion, and green transportation systems.
Topics include:
- High-efficiency power semiconductor devices
- Wide-bandgap power converters
- Motor drive optimization
- Electromagnetic system modelling
- Sustainable electric propulsion
Candidate Expectations
Applicants should have:
- Strong research background
- Proven academic performance
- Motivation to work on electrification technologies
Application Email
Send CV + 1-page research background to:
phd.polymtl@gmail.com
4. Funded PhD & MSc Positions – AI for Biology & Medicine (Sabancı University, Türkiye)
Sabancı University is offering funded PhD and MSc positions for January 2026 under the TRANSCAN-3 ACCELERATE project focusing on:
- Personalized drug-combination prediction
- Functional precision medicine
- AI/ML for cancer treatment (pancreatic cancer)
In addition, faculty scholarships are available for exceptional applicants in areas of:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computational Biology
- Machine Learning for Medicine
- Molecular Bioengineering
- Data Science
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Background in AI/ML, algorithms, or data science
- Candidates from biology/MBG with strong programming skills are encouraged
- Interest in interdisciplinary biomedical AI
Benefits
- Monthly stipend
- On-campus housing eligibility
- Funding through EU/EUREKA programs
- Collaboration across Türkiye, Europe, and USA
How to Apply
Applications submitted via Sabancı University graduate portal.
How to apply
All applicants: apply via Graduate Applications & Deadlines → https://www.sabanciuniv.edu/en/graduate-programs
Deadline for the Spring Semester applications is November 28 (Email otastan@sabanciuniv.edu if you’re interested.)
PhD applicants: Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) PhD → https://ects.sabanciuniv.edu/en/phd/computer-science-and-engineering
MSc applicants: CSE MS → https://ects.sabanciuniv.edu/en/masters/computer-science-and-engineering
or Data Science MS → https://www.sabanciuniv.edu/en/data-science
PhD/MSc biology graduates with strong programming: Molecular Biology, Genetics & Bioengineering (MBG) Graduate → https://bio.sabanciuniv.edu/en/education/graduate
5. Multiple PhD Positions – SciPhy Robotics Lab, Johns Hopkins University (USA)
Beginning Fall 2026, Johns Hopkins University is launching the SciPhy Lab (“Sci-Fi”), which will study the science of physical robotic agents. This research group will operate across the robotics spectrum:
- Hardware and mechatronics
- Control systems
- 3D perception
- SLAM and state estimation
- Tactile sensing
- Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models
- Differentiable simulation
- Robot learning
Why Hopkins?
Johns Hopkins University (JHU):
- Top global university
- Home to the newly established Data Science and AI Institute (DSAI)
- Significant robotics funding and expansion
Application Deadline
December 15
Lab webpage (for more hiring information): https://sci-fi-lab.github.io/
Robot learning at Hopkins is growing! The Hopkins Data Science and AI Institute (DSAI) (https://ai.jhu.edu/)
6. Fully Funded PhD Opportunities – University of Birmingham, UK (Autumn 2026)
The University of Birmingham, through CENTA funding, is offering fully funded projects in:
Project 1: Micro- & Nanoplastic Disruptions in Marine Ecosystems
Research highlights:
- Uptake of micro/nanoplastics by plankton
- Impacts on photosynthesis, nutrient use, and growth
- Trophic transfer in marine food webs
- Effects on the biological carbon pump
Project 2: Human Thyroid–Liver Organ-on-Chip Platform
Research focus:
- Environmental endocrine disruptors
- Systems toxicology
- Biomarker identification
- Animal-free environmental risk assessment
Funding Package
- Full studentship
- Stipend
- Health insurance
- Access to world-class research facilities
Application Requirements
- CENTA studentship form
- CV with referees
- Uploaded via University of Birmingham application system
Deadline: January 7, 2026.
Further details and How to Apply For any enquiries related to this project please contact Pu Xia, p.xia@bham.ac.uk
Organ on chip: https://centa.ac.uk/studentship/2026-b15-a-multi-scale-quantitative-investigation-of-micro-and-nanoplastic-disruptions-in-algal-physiology-trophic-dynamics-and-carbon-sequestration/
Micro/nanoplastic and ecosystem: https://centa.ac.uk/studentship/2026-b30-assessing-environmental-endocrine-disruptors-with-a-human-thyroid-liver-organ-on-chip-platform/
Please submit your application and complete the host institution application process via: https://sits.bham.ac.uk/lpages/LES068.htm
Further details and How to Apply For any enquiries related to this project please contact Dr Zhiling Guo, z.guo@bham.ac.uk
7. National Water Mission–Sponsored Training Program (NIH Roorkee, India)
A prestigious, fully funded training school designed for:
- PhD scholars
- Scientists
- Academicians
- NGO professionals
- Government engineers
Program Title
Climate Modeller’s Toolkit for Water Resource Management
Training Highlights
- Climate datasets
- Downscaling
- Python for climate science
- CDO, GrADS
- AI/ML for hydrological modelling
- Field visit
- Free lodging & boarding
- No registration fee
Highly selective: Only 25 participants.
👉Apply here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=DQSIkWdsW0yxEjajBLZtrQAAAAAAAAAAAANAAaxdCjhUNkVTTjQzQTJUTkQ1NzczQlEwT0xZNDRVWS4u&route=shorturl
📩 For queries: kuldeep.nihr@gov.in, dsbisht.nihr@gov.in
