EFSA Traineeships Call 2026

EFSA Traineeships Call 2026

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), based in Parma, Italy, is opening positions for trainees (all units and departments).

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 up to 12 months, you will join 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.

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.

You will be joining EFSA at an exciting time, as we are implementing the EFSA Strategy 2027, 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.

What are the selection requirements?

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

I. Eligibility criteria

1. Have already obtained a university degree of at least 3 years (corresponding to a complete Bachelor’s cycle, or equivalent);
2. Have a very good knowledge of English (minimum level: B2 according to CEFR);
3. Have never been an EFSA trainee or employed by EFSA in any capacity, receiving any sort of remuneration.

II. Selection criteria

a) Experience and Knowledge
Knowledge of/or experience in an area relating to the activities of EFSA.

b) Competencies

1. Work with others: work confidently within a group and contribute to achieving common goals; understand your own role and how it supports the team and the organisation; be able to cooperate, listen actively, manage conflicts, and motivate colleagues.
2. Plan and measure for results: set ambitious goals and create plans to achieve them.
3. Manage projects: ability to manage time, resources, and information in an effective manner to meet expected project results.
4. Demonstrate political savvy and strategic agility: ability to look beyond the current situation and visualise what the future can bring, able to think in a creative and innovative way.
5. Communication in English: strong written and verbal communication.