Are you an early-career researcher with a passion for innovation and scientific exploration? The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 offers an incredible opportunity to conduct independent research at one of the world’s top science and technology universities — ETH Zurich in Switzerland.
Fully funded and open to international researchers, this two-year fellowship enables you to collaborate with distinguished professors, access world-class facilities, and develop your academic career in the heart of Europe.
Whether your field is engineering, natural sciences, mathematics, or architecture, this fellowship empowers you to bring your research vision to life.
ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026 – Summary
| Feature | Details |
| Host Country | Switzerland |
| Institution | ETH Zurich |
| Opportunity Type | Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Funding Type | Fully Funded |
| Research Areas | All fields available at ETH Zurich |
| Deadline | September 1, 2025 |
| Eligibility | International early-career researchers with a PhD (or near completion) |
| Application Mode | Online via ETH Zurich Grant Application System |
| Required Documents | CV, research proposal, cover letter, references, host support, etc. |
About ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) is a world-renowned research university located in Zurich, Switzerland. Ranked among the top universities globally, ETH Zurich excels in science, technology, and innovation.
It is home to 16 departments that span a broad range of academic disciplines, from computer science to structural engineering and life sciences.
The university’s international environment, high-end labs, and dynamic research culture make it a premier destination for postdoctoral researchers.
Fellowship Objectives
- Encourage the development of independent research by early-career scholars.
- Attract top international talent to ETH Zurich’s research environment.
- Foster global collaboration and scientific innovation.
- Support interdisciplinary exploration across ETH departments.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026, you must meet the following conditions:
- PhD Status: You must have completed your PhD or expect to complete it within six months of the application deadline.
- PhD Institution: You must not have obtained your PhD from ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich.
- Time Since PhD: Your PhD must have been awarded no more than two years prior to the deadline.
- Residence Requirement: You must not have lived or worked in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the three years before the deadline.
- Host Institution Restriction: You must not have worked or studied at ETH Zurich, EPFL, or any ETH research institute for more than six months in the last three years.
- Publications: You must have at least one peer-reviewed journal publication or a recognized doctoral award.
- Collaboration Clause: You and your proposed host professor must not have collaborated prior to application.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive the following financial and professional support:
- Full Salary Coverage: 100% salary as per ETH Zurich standards.
- Annual Research Allowance: CHF 10,000 per year to support research expenses.
- Travel and Mobility Support: Additional allowances for conferences, travel, or mobility related to the project.
- State-of-the-Art Research Environment: Access to advanced facilities and labs.
- Academic Mentorship: Guided research under a dedicated ETH Zurich professor.
- Cultural Exposure: Opportunity to live in Switzerland and collaborate with an international academic community.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following:
- Research Proposal – Clearly defined, original, and feasible.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – Detailing education, research, and publication history.
- Cover Letter – Explaining motivation and relevance of the project.
- Outline of Career Goals
- Invitation Letter from Host Professor at ETH Zurich
- Short CV of Host Professor
- Two Recommendation Letters
- PhD Completion Certificate or Certification of Planned Defense Date
Application Process
- Mode: Online submission through the ETH Zurich grant application system.
- Preparation: All documents should be combined into a single PDF file.
- Reference Letters: These must be submitted at least 10 days before the final deadline.
- Evaluation: Applications are reviewed by the ETH Zurich Research Commission.
- Start preparing documents early and contact potential mentors well in advance.
How to Apply
Begin your application by visiting the official ETH Zurich website. Make sure to check the latest application guidelines and updates: Visit the Official ETH Zurich Fellowship Page
Application Deadline
- Deadline: September 1, 2025
- Application Portal Opens: Approximately one month before the deadline.
FAQs
Can I apply before completing my PhD?
Yes, as long as you submit certification confirming your planned defense within six months of the application deadline.
Can I apply if I studied or worked in Switzerland before?
You can apply only if your stay in Switzerland in the past three years did not exceed 12 months and you haven’t worked at ETH Zurich, EPFL, or similar institutions for more than six months.
What research fields are accepted?
All disciplines offered at ETH Zurich are eligible, including science, technology, engineering, architecture, and mathematics.
Can I apply without having published in a journal?
No, at least one peer-reviewed publication or a doctoral prize is required.
Can I reapply if rejected?
Yes, as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria, you may reapply in future cycles.
Is collaboration with a host professor mandatory?
Yes, applicants must secure an ETH Zurich professor as a host and submit a support letter.
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