Marie Curie Fully Funded PhD Europe 2026

Applications are now open for 15 fully funded PhD positions under the TrackAF Doctoral Network, supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions. This large-scale European research initiative focuses on atrial fibrillation, one of the most common cardiac rhythm disorders worldwide.

The program is funded through Horizon Europe and brings together leading universities, hospitals, and research institutions across Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Austria. Successful applicants will receive full financial support, structured doctoral training, and international research exposure beginning 1 September 2026.The application deadline is 12 April 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Berlin time).

Overview of the TrackAF Marie Curie Doctoral Network

The TrackAF Doctoral Network aims to improve the understanding and management of atrial fibrillation by investigating atrial cardiomyopathy as a key underlying mechanism. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, the network explores structural and biological changes in the heart that contribute to disease progression.

This initiative combines expertise from biomedical engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, clinical cardiology, and wet-lab biology. Doctoral candidates will work in interdisciplinary teams and complete secondments at partner institutions across Europe.

Key Program Details

• Degree Level: PhD
• Number of Positions: 15
• Funding Type: Fully funded
• Start Date: 1 September 2026
• Application Deadline: 12 April 2026
• Host Countries: Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Austria
• Open to: All nationalities

There is no application fee.

What the Fully Funded PhD Scholarship Covers

The Marie Curie Doctoral Network provides a structured employment contract rather than a traditional scholarship. Doctoral candidates are hired as researchers and receive competitive financial benefits.

Monthly Financial Support

• Living allowance: €4,010 gross per month, adjusted according to the country correction coefficient
• Mobility allowance: €710 per month
• Family allowance (if eligible): €495 per month

The total gross monthly salary typically ranges between €4,720 and €5,500 or more, depending on personal circumstances and host country.

Employment Benefits

Candidates receive a full three-year employment contract that includes:

• Health insurance
• Pension contributions
• Paid annual leave
• Parental leave
• Work accident coverage
• Social security benefits

This funding structure ensures financial stability throughout the PhD period.

Research Focus: Advancing Atrial Fibrillation Science

Atrial fibrillation affects millions of people globally and increases the risk of stroke and heart failure. The TrackAF network aims to move beyond standard management approaches by addressing atrial cardiomyopathy, a structural and functional alteration of the atrial tissue.

Doctoral candidates will contribute to research areas that include:

Core Fields

• Biological sciences

• Medical sciences
• Computer science

Interdisciplinary Fields

• Biomedical engineering

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Computational biology
• Bioinformatics
• Computational modeling
• Health informatics
• Clinical data analysis
• Biotechnology

The program promotes cross-sector exposure, allowing PhD candidates to work with clinical datasets, AI-driven models, laboratory experiments, and advanced simulation systems.

List of Available PhD Positions Across Europe

Below is the complete list of the 15 doctoral candidate (DC) positions available within the TrackAF network.

Germany

• DC1: Multimodal AF risk analysis and prediction of ACM
  Host: Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
• DC2: Atrial substrate assessment using P-wave analysis
  Host: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• DC3: Mechanosensitive channels in fibrosis and inflammation
  Host: Universitätsklinikum Freiburg
• DC4: Simulation of AF triggers and lifestyle effects
  Host: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Italy

• DC5: Anatomically informed surrogate model of AF

  Host: Università degli Studi di Trento
• DC7: Generative atrial models using neural representations
  Host: Università degli Studi di Trento

Netherlands

• DC6: Multimodal interoperable patient stratification
  Host: Maastricht University
• DC10: Machine learning for long-term AF outcome prediction
  Host: Maastricht University
• DC14: Molecular data analysis and mechanistic modeling
  Host: Maastricht University

Spain

• DC8: Sex-specific cardiac organoids in AF research

  Host: Fundación para la Investigación del Hospital Universitario y Politécnico la Fe
• DC9: Personalized ablation using ECGI and modeling
  Host: Corify Care
• DC12: Non-invasive analysis of AF evolution
  Host: Universitat Politècnica de València
• DC15: Autonomic nervous system effects on ablation outcomes
  Host: Universidad de Zaragoza

Austria

• DC11: Patient-level AF management models

  Host: Medical University of Graz
• DC13: Improving electro-anatomical mapping technology
  Host: NumeriCor

Each project includes international secondments and exposure to both academic and industry environments.

Eligibility Criteria for the Marie Curie PhD Positions

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Academic Requirements

• A Master’s degree or equivalent. At least five years of university study in a relevant field

• No prior PhD degree awarded before recruitment

Candidates may apply before completing their Master’s degree. However, the degree must be awarded before 1 September 2026.

MSCA Mobility Rule

Applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity in the host country for more than 12 months in the three years immediately before recruitment. Short stays such as holidays are not counted.

This rule ensures international mobility and cross-border academic exchange.

Additional Requirements

• Fluency in written and spoken English

• Willingness to complete at least two secondments
• Openness to interdisciplinary research
• Compliance with any project-specific requirements

The program is open to candidates from all countries.

Why Apply for a Marie Curie Fully Funded PhD in Europe?

A Marie Curie PhD position carries significant academic recognition. The Doctoral Network structure emphasizes transferable skills, industry collaboration, and long-term career development.

International Exposure

Doctoral candidates collaborate with research institutions across several European countries. This international network strengthens academic credentials and professional visibility.

Advanced Training

The TrackAF network provides structured training in:

• Artificial intelligence
• Computational modeling
• Clinical data analysis
• Laboratory-based biological research
• Translational medicine

Career Prospects

Graduates of Marie Curie programs often move into academic leadership roles, industry research positions, or health innovation sectors. The combination of interdisciplinary research and international mobility increases employability.

How to Apply for the TrackAF PhD Positions

The application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation.

Step 1: Review Project Descriptions

Carefully examine the individual doctoral candidate (DC) projects. Applicants may apply to multiple positions if they meet the criteria.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

All required documents must be combined into a single PDF file. This usually includes:

• Academic transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation letter
• Proof of English proficiency
• Other project-specific materials

Step 3: Submit by Email

Send the complete application package to:trackaf@for.kit.edu

Selection Timeline

• Shortlisting: May 2026

• Interview invitations: May 2026
• Notification of results: June 2026
• Hiring process: July to August 2026
• Start date: 1 September 2026

Late applications will not be considered.

Important Dates to Remember

• Application Deadline: 12 April 2026
• Interviews: May 2026
• Final Decisions: June 2026
• PhD Start Date: 1 September 2026

Applicants are encouraged to prepare documents early to avoid last-minute complications.

 Official LinkJoin Our Community