EFSA Traineeships Call 2026

EFSA TRAINEESHIPS CALL 2026
EFSA/NS/TR/2026

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), based in Parma, Italy
is opening positions for

Trainees
(All units and departments)

Please send us your application by 15 April 2026 at 23.59 (Local time)
 
IS THIS TRAINEESHIP FOR YOU?

Are you a curious and motivated graduate ready to gain hands-on experience in a truly international environment? Are you interested in exploring a career within a European Agency and contribute to protecting human life and health, animal health and welfare, and plant health and the environment?
If so, the EFSA Traineeship Programme could be your next step.  
For 12 months, you will join the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in Parma, Italy, and work alongside experts dedicated to protecting human and animal health, plant health, and the environment. From science to communication, legal affairs to IT, and corporate services to data analysis — every role at EFSA contributes to keeping food safe in Europe.  
We welcome talented graduates from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who are eager to learn, collaborate and bring fresh perspectives to our work.
Join us and turn your potential into impact — helping ensure food safety from farm to fork.

Your key objectives

You'll be part of the EFSA team.

During your traineeship, you will be supported by a dedicated advisor who will guide you throughout your journey. You will also become part of a vibrant trainee community, connecting with peers from across EFSA and building networks that last beyond your traineeship.

Within your assigned unit, you will have the opportunity to:

• Get first-hand experience of how a European Union Agency operates;
• Develop new competencies aligned with your interests and career goals;
• Contribute to the unit agenda by supporting in drafting documents and reports, analysing data, handling scientific and/or administrative tasks, and ensuring prompt communication of outcomes;
• Contribute to inspiring projects and specific activities with innovative ideas and solutions;
• Contribute to the planning and monitoring of the unit’s activities;
• Grow through on-the-job learning and participate in various development initiatives. 

This is a learning experience — but also a professional one. Your contribution matters.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU?
ONE YEAR | ALL-ROUND EXPERIENCE

EFSA Traineeship programme lasts for up to 12 months and offers you:

• A unique professional experience as part of a team of scientists and business professionals from all over the world, working together on inspiring projects and various tasks in an international, multicultural, and friendly environment;
• An opportunity to get a taste of what an EU career is all about, which can act as a springboard for a number of career paths;
• Exposure to different areas and networks in EFSA, allowing you to develop personal and professional competencies;
• A mentoring/advising relationship: as a trainee you will have an advisor who will be your main point of contact and will be responsible for the overall coordination of your traineeship;
• A modern working environment with flexible working arrangements to ensure work-life balance: besides working in EFSA’s modern headquarters, located in the heart of Parma, you will also be able to telework for up to 60% of the working week from a location that enables you to reach Parma within 3 hours.
• A monthly grant of €1,463.

For more information please consult the 'Administrative Act concerning the Traineeship in EFSA' and Frequently Asked Questions.

WHY EFSA?

You will play an active role in an organisation that makes a difference to the lives of 445 million EU citizens.

You will also be part of a great network. Every year, we select around 120 trainees to join EFSA. These trainees will work with full-time EFSA staff members, as well as highly qualified and independent scientific experts engaged in our scientific committees, panels, and working groups.

EFSA’s standards and values are driven by ethics and integrity and all staff are expected to act in a manner consistent with its principles, including fairness, transparency and impartiality in work practices and conduct towards other people.

EFSA welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, irrespective of sex, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic or social background, disability, religion, or beliefs. All EFSA staff are also committed to creating an open and inclusive environment.

You will be joining EFSA at an exciting time, as we are implementing the EFSA Strategy 2027, aligned with the Transparency Regulation, which increased EFSA’s responsibilities towards EU citizens.

The following are the objectives of the Strategy 2027:

• Deliver trustworthy scientific advice and communication of risks from farm to fork.  
• Ensure preparedness for future risk analysis needs.
• Empower people and ensure organisational agility.

To find out more about EFSA, visit us at www.efsa.europa.eu.
 

Life in Parma
Parma is a lively city of around 200.000 inhabitants located in the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna and ranked as one of the most liveable cities in Italy. Its centre is rich in art and architecture from different periods and plenty of parks. Parma is famous for its food, picturesque countryside and medieval castles. It is conveniently located between major cities like Milan and Bologna and is within reachable distance of ski resorts, seaside and mountains.  

As an EFSA trainee, you will be part of a lively and energetic team of young people organising many different social and cultural activities.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The Traineeship call is open to all EU citizens. A limited number of places are also allocated to non-EU nationals. Should they be selected, non-EU candidates will have to obtain a relevant VISA prior to the start of their traineeship at EFSA.
EFSA plans to welcome 120 trainees from October to December 2026, according to availability and business needs. 
The selection process is based on the candidates’ competencies, relative to the eligibility criteria, also with due regard to a balance of nationality and gender. 
Steps of the selection procedure

1. Candidates apply electronically via the online recruitment tool (selecting 2 areas of interest, in order of preference, in which they wish to contribute). Candidates can update or withdraw their applications at any time until the closure of the Call.
2. Applications are screened against the eligibility criteria defined in the Traineeship Call. 
3. Eligible candidates will be screened by EFSA's units, considering the candidates' preferences indicated in the application and their competencies. EFSA may also use online tools to assess specific skills of the eligible candidates.
4. Shortlisted candidates are required to undergo a further assessment (e.g. recorded video interview telephone/online interview, online written test) to evaluate their suitability for a role and discuss mutual expectations. 
5. As a result of the previous assessment, candidates can be selected, rejected, or placed in a reserve list for future positions.
6. Successful candidates will receive a Traineeship offer, stating a starting date, a unit they will be placed in, the duration of the traineeship (up to 12 months) and the list of documents to be submitted before the starting date.  Please note that trainees are only insured against the risk of accidents according to the EFSA insurance policy. EFSA does not provide health insurance for trainees, and, in the event of illness, trainees must provide evidence that they are covered by a national social security scheme or a private insurance policy, and that the said scheme or policy will cover medical expenses incurred in Italy.
7. Successful candidates must ensure timely submission of all requested supporting documents as outlined in the traineeship placement offer. Failure to provide these documents by the specified deadline may result in the revocation of the offer.
8. A Trainee position is offered based on EFSA’s business needs and budget availability.
   EFSA units can contact trainees placed in a reserve list at any time during the traineeship period, either due to last minute withdrawal of a candidate or early termination of the traineeship. 
   If you have any questions regarding this call, please contact us at  recruitment@efsa.europa.eu.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITES

At EFSA we believe in equality and diversity.
EFSA is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified candidates without any distinction on grounds of age, gender, sexual orientation, impairment and disability, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief.