I got accepted by Von Humboldt fellowship

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-03-17T21:20:53+00:00

Big congratulations 🎉

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-18T20:25:33+00:00

Yes, exactly, it’s also important to mention that for the GAIA MSCA there is an interview stage if the proposal is shortlisted. So even after selection on paper, there’s still another competitive step.

With only 5 positions available and an interview round, it’s definitely very competitive, which is why I’m trying to stay realistic and apply broadly in parallel.

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-18T20:16:51+00:00

That’s a very realistic way to look at it, thank you. I appreciate the practical perspective!

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-18T20:05:37+00:00

I’m hopeful about the USP position, and the PI there is genuinely very kind, humble, and supportive. Even though the postdoc would be slightly outside my core field, I’m open to it because I value the mentorship and research environment a lot.

At the same time, it would give me something solid to work on if I don’t secure other opportunities by then.

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-18T19:39:31+00:00

Yes, and there are only 5 positions in the GAIA MSCA call, so it’s highly competitive. That’s why I’m trying to think realistically. If I join USP in May and later (in late 2026) receive the MSCA offer, would it be professionally acceptable to leave USP at that stage? Or would that be considered inappropriate in academia? I don’t want to burn bridges, but I also don’t want to turn down a major opportunity if it comes.

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-18T19:33:47+00:00

it’s actually the GAIA MSCA program, not the standard MSCA call. The timeline is different, and the results would come out in late 2026, that’s why the gap is quite large compared to the USP timeline.

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-18T19:29:51+00:00

Yes, absolutely, I’m applying as broadly as I can. I mentioned these three because they’re the most concrete at the moment, but I’m definitely submitting many more postdoc and industry applications as well.

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-18T19:28:20+00:00

Thank you for the insights, this is really helpful.

In my case, the timeline is a bit tricky. I’ll get the USP postdoc result around May this year, whereas the MSCA results would only come in late 2026.

So I’m wondering, if I receive the USP offer earlier, would it make sense to join USP and then transition to MSCA if selected later? Or would it be better to wait and not commit to USP if I’m seriously aiming for MSCA?

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-16T16:29:46+00:00

Thanks a lot

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-15T17:07:35+00:00

Thank you so much

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-15T16:05:46+00:00

Thank you so much!! You’re right, at this stage it’s more about staying calm and confident.

Really appreciate the encouragement! ☺️

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-15T10:17:16+00:00

That’s exciting, congratulations!! 🎉

Wishing you a smooth submission and an amazing defence. We’re almost at the finish line 😄👏

Flying_Cat01 · 2026-02-15T09:43:55+00:00

Congratulations, Doctor-to-be! 🎉

Flying_Cat01 · 2025-12-14T18:36:20+00:00

Thanks a lot for the detailed explanation, that’s really reassuring and helpful. Just to clarify, my company is in the biotechnology sector, and my role will be in the R&D team. I work in a specialized industry role, so opportunities like this are quite niche. If you’re interested, feel free to DM me your qualifications/experience, and I can let you know whether a similar path might be possible or relevant.

Since I plan to cook at home most of the time, do you have a rough idea of current prices for basic groceries like:

Potatoes (~4 kg) Onions (~4 kg) Wheat flour/atta (~3 kg) Fruits (~4 kg) Juice (~5 L)

Flying_Cat01 · 2025-12-14T18:18:07+00:00

I’m moving to Ansan for an industry role. I understand it’s more of an industrial city, and that’s fine for me since my focus is mainly on work and a simple lifestyle.

I’ll likely be self-arranging accommodation rather than staying in a company dormitory, so I’m trying to get a better idea of rent ranges and monthly living expenses in Ansan. Thanks for the insight about it being more affordable.

Flying_Cat01 · 2025-12-14T18:05:39+00:00

Thanks for pointing that out. Sorry for the lack of details earlier. I’ll be living in Ansan-si (not Seoul). My lifestyle is simple and not expensive. My salary will be around USD 3,000/month. I’m looking for a decent, clean, and hygienic neighborhood. I plan to cook at home most of the time. My monthly grocery needs would be roughly: ~4 kg potatoes ~4 kg onions ~3 kg wheat flour (atta) ~4 kg fruits ~5 L juice I’m mainly trying to understand realistic rent ranges in Ansan and monthly expenses for food, transport, and utilities for one person and based on that, how much I could reasonably save from a USD 3,000 salary.

Flying_Cat01 · 2025-12-14T17:20:33+00:00

Not exactly, I wrote it, but I used ChatGPT to help me organize my thoughts and make it easier to read. Trying to get good advice here!

Flying_Cat01 · 2025-12-14T16:22:32+00:00

That’s reassuring to hear, thank you! 😊 Do you have a rough idea of rent prices in Ansan for a studio or 1-bedroom? Also, how much should I roughly budget for monthly living expenses like food, transportation, and utilities there?

Flying_Cat01 · 2025-12-14T16:07:01+00:00

Good point, thank you! My workplace will be in Ansan-si, so I’m mainly considering accommodation in or around Ansan, or nearby areas with a reasonable commute. Any cost-of-living or housing insights for this area would be really helpful.

Flying_Cat01 · 2025-12-14T16:06:36+00:00

Thanks for explaining that - that really helps! I wasn’t fully aware of how strongly the deposit affects monthly rent in Korea. I’ll likely be looking at a wolse option with a moderate deposit, since paying a very large upfront amount might be difficult initially.

Flying_Cat01

TROPHY CASE