The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 in Switzerland support incoming postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich. This prestigious programme, known as ETH Fellows, is designed to foster young researchers who have already demonstrated scientific excellence in the early stages of their careers. It is geared towards high-potential academics, with a significant percentage securing professorships shortly after their fellowship.
ETH Zurich is a world-leading university renowned for its achievements in science, engineering, and technology. The university provides fellows with access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant research environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal setting for groundbreaking postdoctoral work.
ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships Benefits
- ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026-27 in Switzerland will benefit you with the following:
- A salary of CHF 105,000 per year will be given
- Fellows will earn CHF 10,000 a year to cover costs associated with their research.
- Fellows will be given a travel and mobility allowance.
- Additional costs will be covered by this fellowship.
- Fellows will have the opportunity to collaborate with eminent researchers and professors from around the globe.
- Access to top-notch laboratories will be available to fellows.
- The chance will be given to fellows to tour Switzerland.
ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must hold a doctorate (PhD) or will complete it within six months of the submission deadline.
- Applicants with a PhD must have obtained it a maximum of two years prior to the submission deadline.
- Applicants who earned their PhD from ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich will not be considered.
- Applicants may not have resided or carried out their main activity in Switzerland for more than twelve months in the three years before the deadline.
- Applicants may not have carried out their main activity at ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne, or associated institutes for more than six months in the three years before the deadline.
- Applicants need at least one scientific publication in a peer-reviewed journal or an award for their doctoral thesis.
- Applications must be supported by an ETH Zurich professor acting as a mentor.
Documents Required
- Reference Letter
- Certificate of Defense
- Motivation letter
- Host Professor’s CV
- A copy of the passport
- Research Project Explanation
How to Apply for ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships?
- Applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format using the ETH Zurich grant application system (eResearch).
- Download and use the provided templates for the project description.
- Contact a potential ETH Zurich host professor early to secure support and an invitation letter.
- Register/create an account on eResearch to start a new application.
- Fill in all mandatory fields in the application form and upload required attachments.
- Add the host professor as a participant on the ‘Participants’ page.
- Add two reference providers on the ‘References’ page; referees must email letters directly to the Grants Office at least 10 days before the deadline.
- Validate the application summary to ensure all fields are complete.
- Submit the application before the deadline via the eResearch system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply, based on the official programme guidelines.
What is the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship programme?
The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship programme (ETH Fellows) supports incoming postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich. It is intended to foster young researchers who have demonstrated scientific excellence early in their careers, with many fellows progressing to professorships.
What are the benefits of the ETH Fellowship?
The fellowship is fully funded for two years. It covers the fellow’s salary based on ETH standards and provides CHF 12,000 per year for research expenses, including travel and mobility allowances.
Who is eligible to apply for the ETH Fellowship?
Applicants must hold or be about to complete a PhD, obtained no more than two years before the deadline. They must not have a PhD from ETH Zurich or University of Zurich, and must have limited prior residence/activity in Switzerland and at ETH-affiliated institutes. At least one peer-reviewed publication or a thesis award is required.
What is the application deadline for 2026?
The submission deadlines are 1 March and 1 September each year. For the 2026 cycle, the next deadline is 1 September 2026 at 17:00 Swiss local time.
How do I apply for the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Applications are submitted electronically via the ETH Zurich eResearch system. You must use the provided templates, secure support from an ETH Zurich professor as a host mentor, and arrange for two reference letters to be sent directly to the Grants Office.
Can I apply if I have previously worked at ETH Zurich?
Applicants may not have carried out their main activity (work, studies) at ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne, or associated research institutes for more than six months in the three years immediately before the submission deadline.
What is the role of the host professor?
An ETH Zurich professor must support the application, act as the fellow’s mentor, and provide an invitation letter. Each professor may only submit one candidate per evaluation round.
Are there specific document templates required?
Yes, applicants must use the official project description templates (Part 1 and Part 2) available for download from the programme website. All documents must be converted to PDF before submission.
What happens after I submit my application?
Candidates are informed within two months if they are invited for an online interview. Final funding decisions are communicated about four months after the submission deadline. Fellowships must start within eight months of the deadline.
Where can I find more detailed guidelines and FAQs?
The official programme website provides downloadable documents including detailed Guidelines and a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) PDF for further information.
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