SyMeCo Programme

About SyMeCo

SyMeCo is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND postdoctoral fellowship programme coordinated by Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software. SyMeCo is a cutting-edge initiative co-funded by the European Commission under the prestigious Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie programme and by Science Foundation Ireland.

SyMeCo’s objective

The programme aims to provide exceptional training and career development opportunities to postdoctoral researchers, fostering international mobility, intersectoral collaboration, and interdisciplinary exposure. As a Marie Skłodowska-Curie fellowship programme, SyMeCo offers high-quality professional opportunities to researchers from all walks of life, regardless of their age, nationality, or disciplinary background, as long as they meet the programme’s eligibility criteria

Who is it for

SyMeCo will fund 16 fellowships of 2-year duration for postdoctoral researchers. While Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software, spearheads this programme, a Computer Science or Software Engineering degree is not mandatory. We recognise the value of diverse perspectives and welcome candidates from complementary disciplines.

SyMeCo’s research themes

There are 3 broad research themes: Systems, Methods, and Context. As an applicant, you have the freedom to choose your own research project. However, it is important to ensure that your research topic aligns with the programme’s research themes and the interests of an eligible supervisor. Before submitting your application, it is essential that you reach out to an eligible supervisor who shares an aligned research interest with your chosen topic. If you are considering applying for a SyMeCo fellowship but are uncertain if your proposed topic fits within the programme’s research scope, please express your interest by contacting us. We would be delighted to discuss this further with you.

Calls for proposals

The fellows will be recruited via 2 international calls for proposals. Additional calls may be published for unfilled fellowships.

We understand the importance of rigorous selection processes to ensure the highest standards of excellence. To that end, we will be recruiting fellows through internationally advertised calls for proposals. All candidates must discuss their research idea and proposal and seek the support of an eligible supervisor for their application. Please note that applications without the support of an eligible supervisor will not be considered.

Location

All fellowships will be based in Ireland at Lero and SyMeCo’s host institutions.

The fellows will be hosted by their supervisor’s host institution.

Research

Applicants have the freedom to choose their research project within the programme’s broad research themes and the prospective supervisor’s research interests.

Training and Career Development

Extensive training and career development opportunities

Secondment

All fellowships will include a secondment period. 

Fellows will have the flexibility to select a secondment with the non-academic or academic sector to suit their research and career advancement aspirations.