Are you a fresh university graduate? Are you curious about working in a multicultural environment?

Do you want to be part of one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world today?

Fusion for Energy (F4E), is opening positions for

TRAINEES

in all technical and non-technical fields

Please send us your application by Tuesday, 12 May 2026, at 23:59 (CET)

F4E Traineeship Call 2026-2027 is open

Want to know more? Join our webinar on 27 April, 10:00 (CET)

Alongside the main traineeship programme, F4E is also launching a complementary initiative that will follow the same rules, eligibility criteria, selection process, and timeline, but requires separate applications:

Fusion for Energy Call for the Gagliardi Scholarship

If you are particularly interested in research within the field of fusion, the Gagliardi Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to develop your technical knowledge and expertise.

The Fusion for Energy (F4E) Gagliardi Scholarship promotes research in both technical and theoretical areas related to fusion. It is designed to allow a graduate trainee to contribute to F4E’s work while gaining first-hand professional experience in Barcelona.

We are looking for motivated graduates with academic backgrounds in:

• Materials Engineering
• Finite Element Analysis
• Standard and advanced manufacturing technologies

Under the supervision of a mentor, they will have the opportunity to:

• Develop research in mechanical engineering areas relevant to fusion energy, including materials engineering (structure, properties, and treatments), finite element analysis, and manufacturing technologies
• Gain first-hand experience in an international public research environment
• Access advanced theoretical and technical knowledge through practical assignments
• Contribute fresh perspectives and up-to-date academic knowledge to F4E’s work

Are you eager to embark on a journey in a stimulating, multicultural environment? Do you envision yourself playing a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable energy? Join us at F4E and be part of a global effort to unlock the potential of fusion as a clean energy source.

Trainees play a pivotal role in safeguarding the inter-generational dimension of our work in fusion research. By bridging the gap between experienced professionals and the next generation of innovators, trainees ensure the transfer of knowledge, expertise, and passion for fusion energy across time and generations.

F4E’s Traineeship Scheme offers recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in technical and support areas while contributing to our groundbreaking projects. As a trainee, you will be immersed in a dynamic work environment, collaborating with experts, and acquiring skills essential for your professional growth.

F4E is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, nationalities, and abilities.

In this context, F4E also supports initiatives that promote greater participation and visibility of women in scientific and professional fields. As part of this commitment, F4E contributes to the Women in Big Science Business Forum Traineeship initiative, which aims to encourage and empower women to pursue careers in science, technology, and business.

As a trainee at F4E, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact on our projects and initiatives. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, you will contribute to the advancement of fusion research while developing your skills and expertise in your chosen field.

Joining F4E means becoming part of a vibrant community dedicated to excellence in fusion research. Whether you’re stationed in Barcelona, Cadarache, or Garching, you’ll enjoy a supportive work environment, competitive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

The selected trainees receive a monthly grant according to the cost-of-living of each location as follows:

• € 1 400 Euros if assigned to Barcelona,
• € 1 501.96 Euros if assigned to Cadarache, and
• € 1 420.53 Euros if assigned to Garching.

A fixed amount for travel expenses is paid at the beginning and at the end of the traineeship. In addition, you will enjoy two days of annual leave/month of traineeship contract as well as +/- 18 statutory public holidays per annum. You will also have the possibility to telework from the place you are assigned to.  For more information on benefits and working conditions, please consult the Decision of the Director of ‘Fusion for Energy¨ on rules governing the traineeship scheme.

As an F4E trainee, you have the option to telework from your designated working location, although we do value some in-office time – a minimum of two days per week is mandatory.

In addition, together with other colleagues, you may be requested to travel for work to meet with our stakeholders.

Candidates will undergo a rigorous selection process based on eligibility criteria and competencies. We are committed to ensuring a fair and transparent selection process, with a focus on identifying candidates who demonstrate the potential to excel in their roles and contribute to our mission.

A trainee position is offered based on F4E’s business needs and budget availability.

Steps of the selection procedure

• Candidates must create a new user account to apply, only if it is their first time applying to F4E. If applied before, candidates can reuse their user account.
• Candidates apply electronically via the link provided below to our online recruitment tool and select a maximum of two profiles in order of preference. Once submitted, candidates cannot update their applications. However, in case of withdrawal please send an email to traineeships@f4e.europa.eu.
• When applying, upload your CV and motivation letter with the following wording: SURNAME_Name_CV, SURNAME_Name_ML
• Applications are screened against the eligibility criteria defined in the Traineeship Call.
• Eligible candidates will be screened based on the candidates’ indicated preferences and competencies.
• Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo a further assessment (e.g. telephone/online interview) to evaluate their suitability for the role and discuss mutual expectations or will be directly contacted for an interview.
• During the interview, candidates will receive the information on the tasks and the place of traineeship Barcelona (ES), Cadarache (FR) or Garching (DE).
• After the interview, candidates will be informed of the outcome—whether they have been selected, not selected at this time, or placed on a reserve list for future opportunities.
• Successful candidates will receive a traineeship offer, stating the starting date, the team in which they will be placed, the duration of the traineeship and the list of documents to be submitted before the start date.

F4E plans to welcome trainees in October 2026 according to availability and business needs.

Please note that F4E Talent Acquisition Team may contact candidates placed in a reserve list at any time during the traineeship period in case a new opportunity arises.

For more information on the conditions of the traineeship scheme, you can consult the ‘Decision of the Director of ´Fusion for Energy´ on rules governing the traineeship scheme.

If you have any questions regarding this call, please contact us at traineeships@f4e.europa.eu.

Please note that Annex I to this call of expressions of interest represents an integral part of this call and should be consulted before completing the on-line application form.

You must satisfy the following requirements on the closing date for submission of your application:

1. Eligibility criteria
   • To be national of a Member State of the European Union. This call is also open to candidates from Switzerland and Ukraine
   • Have obtained a university degree (attested by a diploma) of at least three years by the closing date of applications (See Annex I for the minimum national qualifications)
   • Have a good knowledge of English, minimum level B2 according to Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR)
   • Have never been a trainee (paid or unpaid) and/or have never had any other kind of employment in any European Institution before. (Annex II)
2. Selection criteria
   1. Experience and knowledge
      • Knowledge in an area relating to the activities of F4E.
   2. Competencies
      • Working with others: ability to establish and maintain good relationships with team members, to demonstrate willingness to learn about and from others and to continually demonstrate effective speaking and listening skills.
      • Planning work for results: ability to deliver work on time, to deliver added value to the service and to identify and organise resources needed to efficiently accomplish own work.
      • Manage projects: ability to manage time, resources, and information in an effective manner for the achievement of the expected project results.
      • Ability to think outside the box, adopt the changes needed to produce workable solutions and to seek and suggest effective initiatives for change.

In case you encounter technical issues while filling-in an application form or your candidate profile, please make sure you first clear the browser’s history or switch browser. If problems persist, please contact traineeships@f4e.europa.eu.

At F4E, we believe that fusion energy holds the key to a sustainable future for our planet. By joining our Traineeship Scheme, you’ll be part of a global effort to unlock the potential of fusion as a clean, abundant, and reliable source of energy. Apply now and be part of our mission to safeguard the future of fusion research.