Paid ECDC Public Health Traineeship

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the EU agency that tracks and fights infectious diseases, runs a paid traineeship for recent university graduates at its headquarters in Stockholm. The 2027 cohort has 12 places across areas from respiratory viruses and epidemic intelligence to science communication, digital solutions, HR and procurement. Traineeships last five to nine months, each under a supervisor who acts as a mentor.

What you get:

• A monthly traineeship grant; the 2027 amount is not yet set, and for reference the 2026 grant is EUR 2,205.72 a month
• A flat-rate travel allowance for the journey to and from Stockholm, from EUR 70 to EUR 600 depending on distance, paid at the end if you complete at least three months
• Accident insurance for the whole traineeship
• Two days of leave a month
• A supervisor who guides you through the traineeship as your mentor
• A traineeship certificate stating the length of your placement and the unit you worked in

What you'll do:

• Work in one of 12 professional areas across ECDC's scientific and support functions, chosen when you apply
• Take part in the day-to-day work of your unit, attend its meetings and receive its documentation
• Put the knowledge from your degree into practice on the EU's response to communicable disease threats
• Submit a report on your activities at the end of the traineeship

Key dates:

• Applications open 8 September 2026
• Applications close 5 October 2026 at 12:00 noon Stockholm time
• Candidates selected for interview contacted from mid-October 2026
• Interviews expected to finish by mid-December 2026
• Reserve list valid until 31 December 2027

More information:

• You apply to one specific professional area through the ECDC e-recruitment portal; 12 areas are open: Respiratory Viruses; Digital Solutions; AMR and Healthcare-Associated Infections; Food-, Water-, Vector-borne and Zoonotic Diseases; Social and Behavioural Sciences; Science and Public Health Communication; Emergency Preparedness and Response; Epidemic Intelligence; Governance and International Relations; Human Resources; Procurement; STI, Blood-borne Viruses and TB
• Full rules on grants, travel allowance, leave and insurance are in ECDC's traineeship guidelines
• ECDC does not help with housing: trainees find their own accommodation in Stockholm and must take out health insurance valid in Sweden before starting
• Trainees are not employees, so ECDC pays no social security and trainees are responsible for any income tax due on the grant
• Only candidates invited to interview are contacted, and there is no appeal against a rejection, though you may apply again in a later year

• Nationality or citizenship of an EU Member State, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. A residence permit is not enough
• A full university degree completed and awarded by the closing date, with proof submitted with your application. Students, including medical students, cannot apply
• A very good command of English. Other EU languages are an asset
• No previous traineeship or employment, formal or informal, paid or unpaid, at any EU institution, agency, body or delegation
• An education and background relevant to ECDC's activities
• No age limit: ECDC accepts applications without distinction on the grounds of age