Definitions
Early Stage Researchers (ESRs)
...must be, at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. This is measured from the date when they obtained the degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate is envisaged.Mobility
Researchers can be of any nationality. They must comply with the rule for mobility.
Researchers are normally required to undertake trans-national mobility (i.e. move from one country to another) when taking up their appointment. One general rule applies to the appointment of researchers in a network:
At the time of recruitment by the host organisation, researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc) in the country of their host organisation for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference date.
Short stays such as holidays and/or compulsory national service are not taken into account. As far as international European interest organisations or international organisations are concerned, this rule does not apply to the hosting of eligible researchers.
However the appointed researcher must not have spent more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the reference deadline for submission of proposals or recruitment by the host organisation, depending on the action, in the same appointing organisation.
In case of any questions concerning the specific Marie Curie rules, please send an email to the Network Coordinator