Invitation to the postdoctoral researchers interested in applying to the MSCA COFUND postdoctoral fellowship, SMASH project in Slovenia

SMASH is an innovative, intersectoral, career-development training program for outstanding postdoctoral researchers, co-funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions COFUND program. SMASH is open to researchers around the world who are interested in developing cutting-edge machine learning applications for science and humanities. 

Fellows will be hosted by five leading Slovenian research institutions: the University of Nova Gorica, the University of Ljubljana, the Jožef Stefan Institute, the Institute of Information Science, and the Slovenian Environment Agency.

Applicants should propose ambitious research projects in one of SMASH’s five key research areas, that are centered on the use of cutting-edge machine learning, or more  broadly, artificial intelligence techniques, to address some of the world’s most challenging questions in:

1. Machine Learning for Scientific Applications
2. Machine Learning for Particle Physics, Astrophysics, and Cosmology
3. Computing for Human and Animal Communication
4. Machine Learning in Climate Research
5. Personalized Medicine and Life Sciences

Applicants should choose the SMASH host institution and supervisor with whom they will coordinate the project proposal preparation. 

Selection will be based on the applicant’s track record and the quality of submitted project proposals. Interdisciplinary interactions are encouraged within the SMASH program, built on the principle that significant scientific and societal challenges can only be solved by collaboration between experts in different fields. 

With “Call 1 - 2023”, SMASH aims to hire 15 fellows. The selection process will end July, 2023, with the first positions starting upon agreement.

Who can apply?

Holders of a PhD degree, of any nationality, complying with the MSCA-COFUND mobility rule can apply, namely: SMASH fellows must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Slovenia for more than 12 months in the three year period before the call deadline. Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but have yet to be formally awarded their doctoral degree will also be considered postdoctoral researchers and are eligible to apply.

The SMASH program values an inclusive culture and believes diversity is the key to success, so SMASH warmly welcomes applicants from underrepresented groups. Note also that SMASH offers a dedicated allowance to support applicants with special needs. 

How to apply?

Applicants are invited to apply using the online application platform All information is available on the SMASH web page and detailed in a dedicated Guide for Applicants.

The call deadline is Saturday, April 15th, 2023, 23:59 CET.

See also: https://smash.ung.si/

Euraxess: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/71409#contact

The UCLouvain shall be delighted to support the postdoctoral researchers wishing to apply for a MSCA European PF at UCLouvain as future host institution:

  * Are you looking to expand your research horizon?

  * Do you want to improve your career prospects?

  * Do you want to join a vibrant and stimulating research environment?

UCLouvain gladly welcomes experienced researchers from all over the world and offers great opportunities of collaboration. We are interested in working with postdoctoral candidates who already have a strong publication record and complementary research agenda.

We are organizing an online Master Class in end of May 2023 (31st to be confirmed). It is primarily intended for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship (MSCA-PF) applicants with UCLouvain as host institution. The Master class offers them the opportunity to get to know UCLouvain while also benefitting from an in-depth proposal writing clinic.

To register for the Master Class 2023 please e-mail your CV and the name of your (future) UCLouvain supervisor to sara.wilmet@uclouvain.be by the 5th of May 2023. I will verify your eligibility for the fellowship after which you will receive an email confirming your registration. You will receive more detailed information after registering for the Master Class.

Please find the enclosed complete list of foreseen research institutes, supervisors and/or referents, and e-mail addresses. You can contact the referents by e-mail, telephone or by going and to see them.

Before contacting a referent, please check your eligibility for an MSCA-PF action with Mrs Sara Wilmet (ADRE/RINT) - Phone: +32 10 47 38 36.

Please note that:

  * Supervisors may also participate in the Master Class. To register, please send us an e-mail that includes the name of the applicant(s).

  * If you are currently a researcher at UCLouvain and applying with a host institution abroad, you may also register to participate in the Master Class. To register please e-mail your CV, the name of your current supervisor and the name of your future host institution.

More information will follow.

Feel free to get back to me if needed.

Best regards,

Sara Wilmet

Sara.wilmet@uclouvain.be

UCLouvain, Belgium