Starting your career at EFSA

Hungry for a new experience? If you are looking for a meaningful job in a truly international working environment, a traineeship at EFSA is the right thing for you! We offer paid traineeships with the opportunity to spend 5 to 12 months at our headquarters in Parma.

We offer traineeships to candidates from all EU Member States and candidate countries as well as to international candidates.

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Do you have the ingredients to be our next trainee?

Working at EFSA as a trainee will kickstart your career and professional experience in whatever field you specialise in. We are looking forward to welcoming motivated young talents from different academic and professional backgrounds (scientists, communication and legal professionals, IT experts, etc.). Our international team of specialists is as diverse as the food that we assess!

One year, all-round experience

You will be accompanied by an advisor who will guide and coach you throughout your traineeship. There is also a thriving Trainee Community where you can exchange experiences with your peers and build social networks that can last long past your traineeship.

During the paid traineeship, you will be able to benefit from many of the services EFSA offers its employees:

Our culture and team spirit

You will work in an international, diverse and inspiring environment.
You will be able to participate in many events organised by the Trainee Community.

A stimulating work environment

You will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in our day-to-day work and play your part in EU food safety. 
Parma is the home of food: you will not only work on projects related to the safety of food, but also live in a city surrounded by cuisine culture.

Growing and learning at EFSA 

You will develop and strengthen your knowledge of food and feed safety, food production and food sustainability. 
You will have the possibility to take part in training courses organised by EFSA.

EFSA at a glance

570

Staff members

Our staff comes from different EU countries and brings different backgrounds and experiences.

650

Experts

External experts join our scientific panels and provide EFSA with specialist, independent advice.

Trainees, Interims, Guest Scientists and Seconded National Experts

Our team is further enriched by colleagues who join as trainees, interims, Guest Scientists and Seconded National Experts who reinforce our staff for a limited time.

How to become a trainee

Application submission

Create your account in our recruitment portal and follow the step-by-step guide in the candidate manual.
Your application will be screened based on the eligibility criteria.
If you are suitable for the traineeship post, you will be contacted for a telephone or online interview to discuss your expectations and availability.
The final decision lies with our Executive Director, based on the unit/team’s recommendation. Successful candidates will receive an electronic offer letter in their profile.

Eligibility criteria

You must have a full university degree of at least 3 years by the closing date for applications.
You must have a good knowledge of English (at least B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR).

What to expect from your traineeship

You will gain professional experience in a leading scientific European Agency.
You can expand your professional and/or scientific network.
You can develop and strengthen your skills and competencies in the chosen field of interest.
A traineeship at EFSA can be a springboard for a career in your area of interest.

1. Who can apply for a traineeship?

All legal residents in the EU Member States and EU Candidate Countries, and international candidates. You must have acquired a university degree by the closing date for applications. More details about the application process and the eligibility criteria can be found in the Vacancy Notice.

2. What is the working language at EFSA?

You will work in an international environment with English as the main working language. A good knowledge of English, written and oral, is therefore essential. We require B2 as a minimum level, according to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

3. Is the EFSA traineeship paid?

Yes, trainees are awarded a monthly grant. The amount of the grant is updated on a yearly basis and stated in the traineeship call. As a trainee you are also entitled to reimbursement of your travel expenses upon arrival and departure. The amount to be reimbursed is calculated according to the distance between EFSA and your place of origin.

4. What is the traineeship like?

The nature of the work will depend on the team you are assigned to, but the traineeship will give you the opportunity to:

• Get first-hand experience of the work of a scientific EU Agency and develop new competencies and skills in line with your personal interests and professional aspirations.

• Contribute to the overall objectives of the unit by supporting the drafting of documents and reports, the handling of scientific and/or administrative work, and the timely communication of outcomes.

• Contribute to specific projects and activities with new ideas and innovative solutions.

• Contribute to the planning and monitoring of the unit’s activities.

• Participate in training opportunities, which will help you grow professionally.

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