Metapilot Academy is a new, research–driven private university based in central Barcelona, focused on building the next generation of technology leaders at the intersection of neurotechnology and advanced engineering disciplines. We are inviting excellent postdoctoral researchers of any nationality who wish to apply for a Marie Skłodowska–Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowship with Metapilot Academy as their host institution.
Our core focus is neurotechnology, biotechnology, virtual reality and XR, with applications in computer science, aerospace, defense, mobility, robotics and space broadly defined, and we are especially interested in candidates whose work sits in, or strongly interfaces with, one or more of the following areas:
- Neurotechnology and brain–computer interfaces
- Biotech / bioengineering relevant to neural systems and human enhancement
- Electrical, biomedical, or systems engineering
- Computer science, AI, and machine learning (especially for neural data, XR, and simulations)
- Aerospace and human performance in extreme environments
- Virtual and augmented reality, spatial computing, immersive interfaces
- Neuromorphic computing, neuromorphic sensing, and cognitive architectures
Our primary objective is to train and empower postdoctoral researchers in neurotechnology, while allowing projects to expand into adjacent domains such as biotech, engineering, computer science, aerospace, virtual reality, and neuromorphic computing when this creates substantial scientific and societal impact.
What we offer
- Host institution for your MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Metapilot Academy will act as your European host organisation in Barcelona for an MSCA European Postdoctoral Fellowship.
- You will write and lead your own MSCA PF application; we provide institutional hosting, supervision in neurotechnology, and strategic feedback so that your proposal fits both MSCA criteria and our research directions.
- High–impact supervision and network
- Your primary supervisor will be a professor of neurotechnology, with experience spanning neuroscience, AI, and advanced human–machine interfaces.
- Metapilot Academy has a network of over 50,000 connections across top research centres, Ivy League and other leading universities, corporate technology leaders, and venture capital and investment funds.
- We are already on our second cohort and have successfully helped fund students via our network, connecting talent with scholarships, grants, and private funding opportunities.
- Research environment in Barcelona and across Europe
- A dynamic, interdisciplinary environment in central Barcelona, with strong ties to the local and European tech ecosystems.
- We can also host research stays in other EU cities and arrange co–supervision with selected European labs when this strengthens your project, subject to joint agreement and MSCA rules.
- Training and career development
- Project–specific training in neurotechnology, AI, XR, and related areas.
- Exposure to entrepreneurship and translational pathways, leveraging our connections to corporate partners and venture capital.
- Support for developing your independent research profile and long–term career trajectory (academic, industry, or hybrid).
Candidate profile
We are looking for outstanding, highly motivated researchers who meet the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships eligibility criteria and have a strong academic track record. In particular, you should:
- Hold a PhD degree from a recognised, high–quality university (in any country), in a field relevant to neurotechnology, biotech, engineering, computer science, neuroscience, physics, mathematics, aerospace, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrate an excellent research record for your career stage, e.g. high–quality publications, impactful software or hardware outputs, patents, open–source contributions, or significant involvement in competitive research projects.
- Show clear potential for independent thinking and leadership, with a convincing research vision that fits within and extends Metapilot Academy’s focus on neurotechnology and advanced technologies for human–machine systems.
- Have excellent communication skills in English and a collaborative mindset; prior international and interdisciplinary experience is a strong advantage.
Nationality: Researchers of any nationality are welcome. Eligibility is governed by the MSCA mobility rule (for a European PF to Spain, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity in Spain for more than 12 months in the 36 months before the call deadline).
Application materials
Interested candidates should prepare:
- Curriculum vitae, including full publication list and any notable research outputs (software, datasets, patents, etc.).
- Short research statement (2–3 pages) outlining:
- Your proposed MSCA PF project idea.
- How it relates to neurotechnology and/or the other target domains listed above.
- Why Metapilot Academy and Barcelona are a strong host environment for your project.
- Two to three letters of support / recommendation from senior researchers who can comment on your scientific excellence, independence, and potential.
- A brief note on your MSCA eligibility (years of research experience after PhD, and confirmation that you satisfy the MSCA mobility rule for Spain).
How to apply
This is not a direct MSCA application. It is a call for expressions of interest from postdoctoral researchers who intend to prepare and submit their own MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship application with Metapilot Academy as host.
- Carefully read the official MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships information and eligibility rules:
- MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships – action page (overview and guidance)
- MSCA PF call details and proposal submission are via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal - https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/whats-new/news/msca…
- Visit Metapilot Academy to learn more about our mission and programmes:
- https://www.metapilotacademy.com
- Submit your expression of interest to Metapilot Academy using our application form (link in this post), including all materials listed above.
- Selected candidates will receive a hosting agreement / support letter from Metapilot Academy and will then proceed to write and submit their MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship proposal via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal with Metapilot as host.
If you are an ambitious postdoctoral researcher with a strong track record, a clear research vision, and an interest in neurotechnology and its adjacent fields, we invite you to get in touch and explore the possibility of hosting your MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship at Metapilot Academy in Barcelona.