SwitzerlandETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering a prestigious and fully funded opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers worldwide. Hosted by one of the world’s leading universities in science and technology, this fellowship enables scholars to pursue cutting-edge, independent research under the mentorship of ETH Zurich’s esteemed faculty. It is an ideal path for those aiming to deepen their expertise and make meaningful contributions to their academic fields.
The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 not only provides generous financial support but also opens doors to world-class research facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic growth. Applicants from all countries and disciplines are encouraged to apply, especially those with innovative research proposals and a strong academic background. If you’re ready to take your research career to the next level in a globally recognized environment, this is the perfect opportunity to advance your academic journey in Switzerland.
Fellowship Benefits
The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship offers a generous support package that covers the full cost of research and living expenses. Key benefits include:
- Competitive monthly salary aligned with ETH Zurich’s pay scale
- Research-related expenses, including travel to conferences or fieldwork
- Full access to ETH Zurich facilities, libraries, labs, and interdisciplinary research centers
- Health insurance and social security contributions
- Support for integration into ETH’s academic community and networking opportunities
Eligibility Requirements
To ensure the program attracts the most promising international researchers, ETH Zurich has outlined the following eligibility criteria for applicants:
- Doctoral Degree Requirement
- Applicants must have earned a PhD (or equivalent) from an institution outside ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich.
- Candidates who are near completion may apply, provided they submit a written statement from their supervisor or department chair confirming the expected date of defense.
- Mobility Rule
- In the three years prior to the application deadline, applicants must not have resided, studied, or worked in Switzerland for more than 12 months.
- Additionally, in this same period, they must not have been primarily employed at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich for more than six months.
- Publication Requirement
- Applicants must have at least one peer-reviewed academic publication to their name at the time of application.
- Supervisory Commitment
- A faculty member at ETH Zurich must formally agree to supervise the applicant’s research project.
This fellowship encourages applications from a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, physical sciences, life sciences, computer science, architecture, and interdisciplinary research areas.
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How to Apply for the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025–26
Step 1: Find a Host Professor
Reach out to a faculty member at ETH Zurich who can supervise your postdoctoral project. It’s important to start this conversation early to confirm their support.
Step 2: Prepare Your Research Proposal
Write a well-structured research plan (max. 5 pages), detailing your objectives, methods, significance, timeline, and required resources.
Step 3: Collect Application Documents
Get ready with your CV, doctoral certificate (or proof of upcoming defense), a letter of support from your ETH host, relevant publications, and your full research proposal.
Step 4: Submit Online
Apply through the ETH Zurich submission portal before the deadline. Make sure your application is complete—late or incomplete submissions won’t be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A human‑readable overview: The fellowship supports external early‑career researchers with original projects, offers 2 years of full salary plus CHF 10k/year for research, requires ETH host support, two references, video interview, and typically launches within eight months.
What is the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026?
The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious programme designed for incoming postdoctoral researchers. It supports early-career academics with proven excellence, offering a two‑year fellowship to foster independence and build scientific momentum.
Who’s eligible for the 2026 fellowship?
To apply, you must hold a PhD or defend within six months of the deadline, awarded no more than two years before. You should not have spent over twelve months in Switzerland (or six months at ETH Zurich/related institutions) in the last three years.
Can you apply if you earned your PhD at ETH Zurich?
No, applicants who obtained their doctorate from ETH Zurich or University of Zurich aren’t eligible. The programme encourages external candidates and specifically excludes those who earned their PhD from these two universities for this fellowship.
What project types are prioritised?
Proposals led by the applicant are preferred, especially original ideas and draft applications crafted by the candidate. Priority goes to those who haven’t closely collaborated with their host professor previously, ensuring academic independence and novel project ideas.
What funding and duration does the fellowship offer?
The fellowship runs for two years, covers full salary per ETH standards, and includes CHF 10,000 annually for research costs like travel and materials. Salary rates include social security and can’t be mixed across budget categories.
Who must support my application?
Your application needs endorsement by one ETH Zurich professor, supported by an invitation letter uploaded within the application. Each professor can back only one candidate per round, and there must be evident synergy between their group and your project.
What references are required?
You must secure two external reference letters, each on official letterhead, signed by the provider, and emailed directly by your referees to the Grants Office at least ten days before the deadline. Missing any formal requirement causes rejection.
What’s the application and review process?
Submit your application via the ETH online system (eResearch), upload PDFs, and validate. Proposals get reviewed in writing, followed by a 15‑minute video interview. Decisions usually come four months after the deadline; interview invites within two months.
When must the fellowship start?
Your fellowship must begin at most eight months after the submission deadline, always on the first day of a month. Later starts are only allowed in exceptional cases and require prior approval from the Grants Office with valid justification.
What post-fellowship outcomes are common?
ETH Fellows often move into professorships—around 40–50% secure faculty positions within a few years. Alumni also gain competitive funding such as SNSF grants, Branco Weiss, and other professorships in Switzerland and internationally.
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