n a remarkable opportunity for young researchers worldwide, the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Network “Electrify-It” has announced 8 fully funded PhD positions for 2026, hosted across top European universities and research institutions.
These scholarship positions aim to develop a new generation of scientists in synthetic electrochemistry and electro-photocatalysis — fields driving the next wave of innovation in sustainable chemistry and clean energy transformation.
About the “Electrify-It” Doctoral Network
The Electrify-It project (Grant Agreement No. 101226468) is funded by the Horizon Europe – MSCA programme. Its mission is to train 8 outstanding doctoral candidates in a multidisciplinary environment combining organic chemistry, electrochemistry, and photochemistry. Participants will work under world-class supervision, participate in international research mobility, and receive extensive academic and industrial training.
This program offers a unique blend of research excellence and professional development, helping early-stage researchers build strong collaborative networks and contribute to the future of green and digital chemical manufacturing.
PhD Positions and Host Institutions
Each selected PhD researcher (Doctoral Candidate – DC) will be hired full-time for 36 to 48 months, depending on the host institution. Candidates will also complete two international research stays (each lasting 3 months) within partner institutions of the consortium.
| Doctoral Candidate | Host Institution | Country | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| DC1 | Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion | Germany | 36 months |
| DC2 | University of Göttingen | Germany | 36 months |
| DC3 | Lodz University of Technology | Poland | 48 months |
| DC4 | University of Strathclyde | United Kingdom | 36 months |
| DC5 | University Claude Bernard Lyon | France | 36 months |
| DC6 | Universidad Autónoma de Madrid | Spain | 36 months |
| DC7 | University of Greenwich | United Kingdom | 36 months |
| DC8 | KTH Royal Institute of Technology | Sweden | 48 months |
Each university hosts one doctoral candidate, offering a collaborative environment where participants will engage in both academic and industrial research.
Financial Benefits and Allowances
The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Networks Programme ensures competitive and attractive working conditions with a full employment contract. The package includes:
- Monthly Living Allowance: Adjusted by country Spain: €3,833.56, Germany: €4,058.12, France: €4,735.81, Sweden: €5,012.50, United Kingdom: €5,682.17, and Poland: €2,971.41.
- Mobility Allowance: €710 per month
- Family Allowance (if applicable): €495 per month
- Contract Type: Full-time, 37.5 hours/week
- Funding Duration: 36–48 months
- Start Date: Between June and September 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Electrify-It PhD scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and a Master’s degree in Organic Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
- Comply with the MSCA mobility rule — applicants must not have lived or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the three years before recruitment.
- Qualify as a Doctoral Candidate (Early Stage Researcher) — must be within the first four years of research experience and not already hold a doctoral degree.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance, motivation, and ability to work in international, multidisciplinary teams.
Application Process — Step-by-Step
Applicants must apply directly via email to the consortium following these steps:
- Prepare your documents:
- Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV), including full academic record for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
- Motivation Letter explaining your research interests, relevant skills, and reasons for applying.
- At least one recommendation letter from an academic or research supervisor.
- Choose your desired Doctoral Candidate (DC) position (DC1–DC8) according to your preferred host institution.
- Submit your complete application
- Use the following email subject line format: “EI Application to DC1–8 position” (replace with your chosen DC number).
Application Dates to Remember
The application process for the MSCA-Doctoral Network “Electrify-It” PhD Scholarships 2026 is now open, with applications having already been announced in October 2025. Interested candidates must submit their complete applications no later than 15 February 2026 (00:00 CET, Europe/Madrid).
The successful candidates will begin their PhD positions between June and September 2026, depending on the host institution’s schedule. Early submission is highly encouraged, as the evaluation and selection process is extremely competitive and only a limited number of positions are available.
List of Participating Universities and Supervisors
The Electrify-It consortium brings together globally respected universities and laboratories:
- Max Planck Institute for Chemical Energy Conversion, Germany — Prof. Dr. Sigfried R. Waldvogel
- University of Göttingen, Germany — Prof. Dr. Lutz Ackermann
- Lodz University of Technology, Poland — Prof. Dr. Anna Albrecht
- University Claude Bernard Lyon, France — Dr. Maurice Médebielle
- University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom — Prof. Dr. Joshua Barham
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain — Dr. Leyre Marzo
- University of Greenwich, United Kingdom — Prof. Dr. Kevin Lam
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden — Prof. Dr. Helena Lundberg.
Why Apply?
The MSCA “Electrify-It” Doctoral Network isn’t just a scholarship — it’s an elite gateway to a global research career. It offers:
- Full funding and a European work contract
- Advanced training in cutting-edge electrochemical synthesis
- Interdisciplinary exposure through academic and industrial partnerships
- Opportunities to publish in top-tier journals and attend global conferences
- A lifelong network across Europe’s leading research institutions
If your dream is to become a scientific innovator driving sustainable technologies, this program is the perfect platform to electrify your research career.