Do you want EU policies and laws to be informed by the best scientific evidence available? Do you have a strong background in research? Are you ready to apply your scientific expertise to support EU policies?
At the JRC you can expect to apply your scientific work to policy questions. You will be part of a stimulating multi-cultural environment and receive a competitive remuneration package. We at the JRC support a diverse, inclusive and flexible working environment.
Join with 2000 researchers at the JRC in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands (see JRC sites across Europe).
Vacancies
We offer vacancies for various career profiles in different positions on our external staff recruitment application (ESRA).
Career profiles
At the EU institutions, bodies and agencies you can pursue different career options according to your professional aspirations and educational background.
The JRC’s recruitment focuses predominantly on researchers linked to the main activities of the organisation.
Opportunities exist also in other career profiles such as
- secretarial
- financial
- legal
- communication
- information technology
- safety
- site service and maintenance
Staff categories
Discover more about the various opportunities and staff categories available at the JRC.
Permanent staff are members of the EU civil service appointed for an indefinite time. They constitute the core working force.
The recruitment of permanent staff is managed by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) through open competitions.
Visit EPSO for more info on this staff category
On the EPSO page you can learn more about how to apply for vacancies and see the tests you may need to pass in order to get a job with the EU institutions.
It is possible to work for the EU on a fixed-term contract basis. Contract agents (or staff) carry out a number of manual or administrative tasks and may provide additional capacity in specialised fields where an insufficient number of officials is available.
All contract staff positions are divided into four function groups (career levels):
- FG I: Manual and administrative support-service tasks
- FG II: Clerical or secretarial tasks, office management and other equivalent tasks
- FG III: Executive tasks, drafting, accountancy and other equivalent technical tasks
- FGIV: Administrative, advisory, linguistic and equivalent technical tasks
Visit EPSO for more info on this staff category
Job opportunities for research fellows at the European Commission
Researchers – Contractual Agents - Function Group (FG) IV.
The JRC is currently seeking research fellows with sound scientific research experience and a desire to work at the interface of science, knowledge and policy, in the following fields:
Biology, Chemistry, Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Biochemistry, Oceanography / Marine Sciences, Nanotechnology, Nanobiotechnology, Veterinary, Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Sciences, Statistics, Material Sciences, Economics, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Educational Sciences, Psychology , Geography, Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural Engineering, Meteorology, Ecology, Forestry, Geology, Hydrological Sciences, Medical Sciences, Pharmacy, Nutritional Sciences.
JRC contract staff simulation and model contracts
Open vacancy
Temporary staff is recruited to fill vacant positions within the EU institutions and agencies for a set amount of time; this may range from a few months to a few years.
Visit EPSO for more info on this staff category
Open vacancy
EU traineeships
The EU traineeships programmes offer recent graduates a chance to increase their professional skills, expand their network and enhance their knowledge of the EU. Traineeships (or internships) offer a great insight into the work of the EU civil service and are available in a wide range of fields.
Visit EPSO for more info on this staff category
JRC Trainees
The JRC offers a special traineeship scheme in a multi-disciplinary research environment. There are two types of traineeship:
- training related to the preparation of a thesis for a university degree;
- training after university education (or its equivalent) within 5 years after the last university degree.
See opportunities for trainees on ESRA
The profile typically includes:
- a description of the research work to be followed
- the type of traineeship preferred (type I and/or type II)
- any special expertise or qualifications needed for the traineeship
- any training that will be provided (for example, in the use of a specific instrument or a specific software package)
- a deadline for replying to the call
Seconded National Experts (SNEs) are qualified civil servants from EU Member States who bring their expertise to the EU for a fixed period of time.
Visit EPSO for more info on this staff category
JRC vacancies for SNE
Please note: While the JRC is publishing vacancies for SNEs no applications should be sent to the JRC.
Please contact your
- Permanent Representation
- Diplomatic Mission of Non-Member Country
- the EFTA Secretariat
- IGO Administration
Grantholder contracts are aimed at developing training, career development and mobility opportunities for researchers throughout their careers. The JRC offers contracts under the national employment law of the site where the JRC Institute is established to scientists embarking on doctoral studies, to those early on in their career and to those with experience. There are currently 2 categories of grantholders:
Category 20 grantholder contracts are intended for students who submit a proposal for doctoral studies related to a research area published in an institute's call for interest for grantholders. Learn more about the Collaborative Doctoral Partnerships (CDP) programme.
Category 40 Grantholders contracts are intended for senior scientists in a field relevant to the JRC’s scientific activities (doctoral degree and 10 years of research experience or 15 years of research experience after a degree allowing access to doctoral studies).
Apply to category 40 vacancies
For more information, please read the
Information for JRC newcomers
The JRC for HR welcome office is there to help successful applicants, newcomers.
For example, the welcome office
- facilitate the relocation to the hosting country.
- provides an induction programme for newcomers upon their arrival.
EPSO and EU Careers
The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) provides the EU institutions with the workforce that best matches their needs. This is accomplished by deploying high quality, efficient and effective selection procedures, together with an innovative approach.
For more information, including upcoming competitions
Learn more about different career options, how to apply for vacancies and the tests you may need to pass in order to get a job with the EU institutions.