Post Career Break Fellowship is an exclusive opportunity offered by CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) in Switzerland, designed for talented scientific and engineering professionals who wish to resume their careers after a break. This fully funded fellowship allows researchers to re-engage with cutting-edge scientific projects, either on a full-time or part-time basis, while benefiting from the world-class research facilities at CERN.
With a duration of up to three years, the Post Career Break Fellowship ensures participants remain at the forefront of innovation and technological advancement. By joining this global research environment, fellows gain access to groundbreaking discoveries that not only shape the future of science but also deliver transformative benefits to society worldwide.
Fellowship Summary
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host University: CERN
- Duration: 2 to 3 Years
- Benefits: Fully Funded
- Deadline: 7 September 2025
Benefits of CERN Fellowship in Geneva, Switzerland:
- There will be an employment contract of up to 2 years and can be extended to 3 years.
- CERN will provide On-the-job formal training and offer in-house language courses for both French and/or English.
- You will receive a monthly stipend between 6287 and 6911 Swiss Francs per month (net of tax).
- CERN’s health scheme will include your, your spouse and your children’s health coverage.
- You will get membership of CERN Pension Fund.
- You may receive family allowance or installation allowance according to your circumstances.
- You may receive airfare allowance at the beginning and ending of fellowship contract.
- You can also get paid leave of 30 days per year.
- This is an incredible opportunity to learn and work in Switzerland.
Eligibility Criteria for Post Career Break Fellowship in Geneva, Switzerland:
- Applying candidates should be on a career break for personal reasons which may include family responsibilities, health related problem or any other personal problem for minimum two years.
- Changing your study field or unemployment period will not be counted as career break.
- Applicants should have an experienced graduate profile with an MSC degree.
- Candidates should have 2 to 6 years of experience in their career.
- Applicants may have done PhD with 3 years of experience in their field.
- Candidates applying in the fields of experimental or theoretical physics should have a Research Fellowship profile with a PhD degree and around six years of experience in their field after completing their PhD degree.
- CERN Staff members cannot apply for this fellowship opportunity.
Documents required for Post Career Break Fellowship in Geneva, Switzerland:
- Updated CV.
- A letter mentioning your experience, career break, and your research’s relevance to CERN’s diverse projects.
- A scanned PDF of your recent relevant degree transcript.
- Valid passport.
How to Apply for CERN Opportunities 2026 | Post Career Break Fellowship
- Apply online via CERN Official Website or through Indeed/LinkedIn.
- Enter your personal details accurately.
- Add your education background and professional experience.
- Provide links to your social media profiles.
- Upload a well-structured CV.
- Select your preferred field of interest.
- Write your motivation for applying.
- Attach required supporting documents.
- Read and agree to the terms & conditions.
- Review all details and submit the form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Post Career Break Fellowship at CERN supports science and engineering graduates returning from a personal career break of at least two years. Eligible applicants can hold MSc or PhD degrees with relevant experience. It offers a 24–36 month fully funded programme with generous benefits.
What is the Post Career Break Fellowship?
The Post Career Break Fellowship is a CERN initiative offering full-time or part-time fellowships to science and engineering graduates returning to research after a personal career break, allowing them to update skills over up to three years in a top-tier international research environment.
Who is eligible for the Post Career Break Fellowship?
You must have been on a career break for personal reasons (e.g., family, health) of at least two years. Unemployment or a career shift does not qualify. Additionally, applicants must hold an MSc with 2–6 years experience, or a PhD with up to 3 years, depending on profile.
Can I apply if my break was under two years?
No. You must have taken a career break of at least two years for personal reasons like health or caregiving. Periods of unemployment or changing fields do not meet the programme’s definition of a career break.
What profiles are accepted for the Fellowship?
CERN considers applicants with an “Experienced Graduate” profile—MSc with 2–6 years’ experience, or PhD with up to 3 years’ experience. For experimental or theoretical physics, a “Research Fellowship” profile—PhD with up to 6 years post-PhD—is required.
Is it a program or a specific job?
It is a programme, not a position. Candidates don’t apply for a predefined job but to the Fellowship scheme. CERN then matches fellows to suitable research projects, and you may propose how your interests fit CERN’s activities.
What duration does the Fellowship offer?
You may receive a contract for 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months, providing ample time to re-engage with scientific work and benefit from training in CERN’s research environment.
What benefits are included?
The Fellowship offers a monthly net stipend between CHF 6 287 and CHF 6 911, CERN health coverage (you, spouse, children), pension fund membership, installation and family allowances, travel expenses, and 30 days paid leave per year.
Are part-time options available?
Yes. CERN offers full-time or part-time fellowship options, giving flexibility to those re-entering the workforce based on individual needs and circumstances.
Is this open to current CERN staff?
No. Only non-staff applicants are eligible. CERN staff members cannot apply for the Post Career Break Fellowship.
What documents are required to apply?
You need to submit a CV, a cover letter explaining your career break, experience, and how your skills relate to CERN’s activities, and a scanned PDF of your most recent relevant qualification.
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