About the opportunity
The Joint Research Centre (JRC) is the European Commission’s science and knowledge service, providing independent evidence-based research to support EU policies. The JRC Recruitment Portal is the dedicated platform for recruiting temporary contract staff and scientific trainees. Working at the JRC offers professionals at all career stages a multicultural and innovative environment across six sites in Belgium, Belgium, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. Candidates can apply for scientific and administrative contract staff positions categorized under function groups FGI to FGIV, or apply for bi-annual paid scientific traineeships. The selection process typically involves registering for a general call for expression of interest—such as the EPSO CAST Permanent or the JRC Open Call for Researchers—followed by vacancy-specific applications and interviews.
Salary and benefits
- Competitive remuneration for contract staff positions based on EU function groups.
- Fixed-term contract employment within an international scientific research organization.
- Biannual paid scientific traineeships lasting a fixed period of 5 months.
- Flexible working options and family support, including childcare and health insurance.
- Relocation assistance where applicable.
- Extensive professional development, including language courses and specialized training programs.
Who can apply?
- Applicants for contract staff positions must be successful in a relevant selection process such as EPSO CAST Permanent or the JRC Open Call for Researchers.
- Function groups FGI, FGII, and FGIII generally require registering via EPSO CAST Permanent.
- Function group FGIV applicants typically require at least three years of completed university studies and five years of relevant professional experience, or a doctoral diploma.
- Traineeships are open to candidates interested in a multi-disciplinary research environment.
Required documents
- Application generated ID from EPSO CAST Permanent or JRC Open Call for Researchers
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Supporting educational and professional certificates as required by individual vacancy notices
When to apply
- Applications for current vacancies are accepted on an ongoing basis depending on active vacancy notices.
- Traineeship calls are published twice a year, with sessions generally starting in March and October.
How to apply
- Register for a general Contract staff call for expression of interest (EPSO CAST Permanent or JRC Open Call for Researchers) to obtain a required application ID.
- Browse current vacancies for contract staff or traineeships on the portal.
- Submit your application for specific vacancies using your registration ID.
- Complete required computer-based reasoning or competence tests and subsequent interviews if invited.
Additional information
- The JRC operates six research sites located in Brussels (Belgium), Geel (Belgium), Ispra (Italy), Karlsruhe (Germany), Petten (the Netherlands), and Seville (Spain).
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Researchers, scientists, and administrative professionals looking to apply their expertise directly to European policy-making.
- Candidates seeking international career experience within a multicultural EU institution across diverse scientific or operational fields.
- Early-career or experienced professionals who meet EU function group criteria and are ready to undergo computer-based testing and structured interviews.
What should you think carefully about?
- Positions are fixed-term contract staff roles or temporary traineeships rather than permanent civil service appointments.
- The recruitment process requires successfully completing a preliminary general selection call and computer-based testing before applying for specific vacancies.
- Relocation to one of the six JRC host countries (Belgium, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, or Spain) is required depending on the assignment location.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This portal is ideal for individuals aiming to build a career in science-for-policy, gain valuable EU institutional experience, or engage in high-impact multidisciplinary research. It suits researchers and professionals seeking structured temporary employment or scientific traineeships within an internationally recognized public institution.
Our take
Professionals and researchers eager to contribute to evidence-based EU policymaking through science should seriously consider exploring open vacancies and registering for the necessary selection calls. Those seeking permanent tenure right away or who are unable to relocate to a JRC site may find these fixed-term contract roles less suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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