The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (ETH Fellows) is now open for applications from outstanding early-career researchers worldwide.
The ETH Zurich Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded opportunity designed to support exceptional postdoctoral researchers by providing a competitive salary and an annual research allowance. Selected fellows will have the opportunity to conduct advanced research in Switzerland while working with leading professors and accessing world-class facilities.
The program targets highly talented scientists who have demonstrated strong academic and research potential in the early stages of their careers. Through this fellowship, ETH Zurich aims to nurture innovative researchers and help them progress toward significant academic achievements, with many fellows eventually moving on to prestigious professorial positions.
Scholarship Summary
- Host: ETH Zurich
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Category: Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Eligible Countries: All Countries
- Reward: Fully Funded | Full Salary | CHF 12,000 Annual Research Allowance
- Duration: 2 Years
- Deadline: September 1, 2026
Scholarship Details
The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship Program (ETH Fellows) was established to support outstanding postdoctoral researchers by providing them with the opportunity to pursue independent research at one of the world’s leading universities. The program is specifically designed for early-career scientists who have demonstrated exceptional promise in their academic and research journeys.
Through this fellowship, selected researchers will conduct innovative projects under the guidance of an ETH Zurich professor who will serve as their mentor. The program emphasizes originality, encouraging applicants to develop and lead their own research ideas while benefiting from the mentorship and expertise of world-renowned scholars.
Fellows will gain access to ETH Zurich’s advanced research infrastructure, interdisciplinary collaborations, and vibrant academic community. By supporting ambitious research proposals and providing strong financial backing, the fellowship aims to empower scholars to produce impactful work that can shape future scientific advancements.
Eligibility Criteria
To be qualified for the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants must:
- Have completed their PhD at a university other than ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich within two years before the application deadline.
- Candidates who have not yet defended their PhD must provide a certificate signed by their advisor or department chair confirming the planned thesis defense date.
- Must not have lived, studied, or worked in Switzerland for more than 12 months within the three years preceding the deadline.
- Must not have spent more than six months working or studying at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich within the last three years.
- Must have at least one scientific publication in a peer-reviewed journal or have received an award for their doctoral thesis.
- Applications that fail to meet these eligibility conditions will not be considered.
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants of the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship will receive:
- Full salary coverage based on ETH Zurich’s postdoctoral salary standards.
- CHF 12,000 per year to support research activities, including travel and mobility expenses.
- Opportunity to collaborate with leading professors and international researchers.
- Access to world-class laboratories and research facilities.
- Opportunity to live and conduct research in Switzerland while expanding professional networks.
Required Documents
To apply for this fellowship, applicants must prepare to submit:
- Copy of valid passport
- Detailed research project description, including the candidate’s role and how the project aligns with the host group’s research
- Comprehensive CV, including publications and a recent photograph
- Brief CV of the host professor
- Motivation letter (maximum one page)
- Invitation letter from the host professor, confirming mentorship and highlighting the candidate’s suitability
- Certification of planned PhD defense date (for candidates who have not yet completed their doctorate)
- Two refearence letters, to be sent directly to the ETH Zurich Grants Office by referees at least 10 days before the application deadline
How to Apply
To apply for the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship:
- Submit the application electronically in PDF format through the ETH Zurich eResearch grant application system.
- Download and complete the official project description template from the fellowship webpage.
- Applications must be submitted jointly by the applicant and an ETH Zurich professor who agrees to act as the mentor.
- Each professor is permitted to support only one candidate per evaluation round.
- Priority is given to applicants who propose and develop their own research ideas, demonstrating academic independence.
- Applicants are expected to prepare and draft the application themselves.
Note: The applicant and mentor should not have had extensive prior collaboration before the fellowship application.
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