Open Call for Applications for International Secondments under the BOOST Project

The BOOST project invites applications for international secondments aimed at supporting the professional development of researchers and strengthening collaboration between research and innovation actors across Europe. The programme offers participants the opportunity to gain experience in innovation-oriented environments, develop new competences, expand professional networks, and contribute to knowledge exchange between institutions.

Selected participants will take part in a mobility scheme consisting of three secondments of two months each over a period of two years between September 2026 and August 2028. Secondments will take place exclusively in foreign host organisations within the consortium (i.e. not in the country of the sending organisation). As part of the application, each candidate must indicate at least three preferred training modules. Final allocation will depend on the applicant’s profile, motivation, expertise, project priorities, and host capacity.

The BOOST programme is structured around five thematic training modules, delivered through a blended learning approach that combines online learning, mentoring, and practical application during secondments. An important element of the programme design is that, although each researcher will physically undertake secondments with at least three host organisations, all participants will benefit from the full set of training modules through the BOOST learning architecture, in line with their Personal Career Development Plans (PCDPs).

This ensures that every researcher receives comprehensive exposure to all planned learning content, regardless of the specific physical hosting pattern. While the online component guarantees access to the full thematic curriculum, the secondments will provide more in-depth practical exercises, hands-on learning, and tailored experience linked to the researcher’s profile, interests, and development needs.

The available training modules are:

Circular business models (Cleantech Bulgaria – Bulgaria)

Social Innovation for SMEs (Centre for Social Innovation – Cyprus)

Investors and digital platforms (FastTrack Ventures – Portugal)

Access to finance and related funding (RoHealth – Romania)

Effective pitching and communication (Athena/Corallia – Greece)

Detailed profiles of each hosting organisation, including areas of expertise and secondment opportunities, are available in the accompanying information package.

The final secondment pathway for each selected participant will be defined through an individual Personal Career Development Plan (PCDP), developed jointly by the researcher, the sending institution and the host organisations.

The call is open to applicants affiliated with National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest in the BOOST project. Eligible applicants may include early-stage and experienced researchers, as well as administrative, technical, or managerial staff supporting research and innovation activities, where applicable. Applicants must remain affiliated with their sending institution throughout the mobility period and actively participate in all secondment phases.

To be eligible, applicants must be formally affiliated with National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest, have a profile relevant to the secondment scheme, demonstrate motivation and relevance to their current work and future development, indicate at least three host preferences, have the support of their supervisor or institutional authority, and commit to the programme, including any reporting and knowledge-sharing activities after return.

General eligibility requirements for all applicants

Mandatory requirements

1) The applicant must be formally affiliated with the sending institution for the whole selection and secondment period.

2) The applicant must belong to one of the eligible target groups defined in the call:
(a) early-stage / junior researchers,

(b) experienced researchers, or

(c) administrative, technical, or managerial staff supporting research and innovation activities or research infrastructures.

3) The applicant must demonstrate a clear link between their current role and the objectives of the BOOST secondment.

4) The applicant must have sufficient working knowledge of English to participate effectively in the secondment activities. Costs for travel, accommodation and subsistence are covered by the BOOST project.

5) The applicant must obtain endorsement from the sending institution and line manager / supervisor confirming availability, relevance of the secondment, and reintegration after return.

6) The applicant must commit to the full secondment programme, reporting duties, training participation, and preparation of an individual career plan.

7) The applicant must comply with ethics, integrity, confidentiality, IP, data protection, and host organisation rules where relevant.

8) Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant immigration and administrative requirements relevant to the host country. The host and sending organisations may provide supporting documentation where appropriate. However, responsibility for obtaining the necessary permits rests with the applicant.

Target-group-specific eligibility requirements

Early-stage / junior researchers

Master’s degree or equivalent relevant qualification, or current enrolment in doctoral / early research career stage.

Limited research experience and not yet fully independent.

Demonstrated interest in research uptake, innovation, intersectoral collaboration, entrepreneurship, or knowledge valorisation.

Experienced researchers

PhD or equivalent research experience, or a proven track record in research and innovation activities.

Capacity to work independently and to apply secondment results within the sending institution.

Ability to contribute to mentoring, transfer of know-how, exploitation, collaboration with non-academic actors, or development of institutional capacity.

Administrative / technical / managerial staff supporting R&I or research infrastructure

Current role in research support, technology transfer, project management, innovation support, lab or infrastructure operations, data stewardship, knowledge transfer, research administration, communication, finance, procurement, or related technical support.

Direct involvement in services or operations that enable research, innovation, or access to research infrastructure.

Demonstrated potential to improve institutional capacity, service quality, user support, or academia–industry cooperation after the secondment.

BOOST secondments are supported by the project budget. Costs related to travel and subsistence during the physical secondment periods are covered in accordance with the rules and procedures of the sending institution and the BOOST project framework. Detailed financial arrangements will be communicated to selected participants prior to the start of the secondment.

Applications must be submitted online through the official Google Form (see below). Applicants will be asked to provide personal and professional information, rank their preferred destinations, explain their motivation and expected impact, and upload the required supporting documents.

The application package should include:

completed online application form;

CV;

proof of affiliation with the sending institution.

BOOST is committed to equal opportunities, fairness, and inclusive participation. All applications will be assessed transparently and without discrimination.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Relevance of the applicant’s profile and experience to the BOOST secondment objectives

Quality and clarity of motivation and expected impact

Alignment with the applicant’s current role and future career development

Potential for knowledge transfer and institutional benefit

Overall completeness and quality of the application

Apply here: https://forms.gle/rQAa3wjUT4w6Jyka7

Deadline: 15 May 2026, 17:00 CET

Contact: Elisabeth.lazarou@upb.ro