The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship (ETH Fellows) is a prestigious, fully funded program supporting early-career researchers worldwide. It aims to foster young scientists who have shown excellent research potential and who seek academic independence. About 40-50% of ETH Fellows secure professorships within a few years after completing the fellowship.
Applicants must propose their innovative research projects and collaborate with an ETH Zurich professor who will mentor and host them. This fellowship encourages fresh ideas from applicants who have not worked closely with their mentor before. The fellowship is highly competitive, with a success rate of around 25%.
ETH Fellows receive a two-year contract with full salary and benefits, plus an annual budget for research costs and travel. The program supports all disciplines represented at ETH Zurich and offers access to top-tier scientific infrastructure and collaboration opportunities in Switzerland.
Quick Overview of ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-26
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host Institution: ETH Zurich
- Deadline: September 1, 2025 (17:00 Swiss time)
- Duration: 2 years (full-time)
- Value: Competitive salary (~CHF 189,700 gross total for 2 years) + CHF 24,000 research and travel budget
- Eligibility: PhD completed within 2 years before the deadline or to be completed within 6 months after the deadline; no prior ETH Zurich or University of Zurich PhD
- Mentorship: Must have an ETH Zurich professor as host mentor
Perks of ETH Zurich Fellowships in Switzerland
- Two-year full-time employment contract with a competitive salary based on ETH standards
- Annual research and travel budget of CHF 12,000 (CHF 24,000 total)
- Mentorship from leading ETH Zurich professors with guaranteed support
- Access to world-class research infrastructure and facilities
- Integration into the vibrant academic community of ETH Zurich
- Opportunity to teach and collaborate with expert scientists
- Support with administrative processes, including visa and relocation assistance
Benefits of the Fully Funded Research Fellowships 2025-26
- Gain academic independence by leading your own research project
- Work in a highly interdisciplinary and international environment
- Advance your scientific career with ETH Zurich’s global reputation
- Publish in top journals and build a strong research portfolio
- Build lasting collaborations within ETH and worldwide
- Receive career development support and workshops
- Benefit from social and networking events with fellows and alumni
Moreover, ETH Zurich Fellowships open pathways to permanent academic roles. In the long run, fellows develop into recognized leaders in their scientific fields.
Exclusions of Fellowships for International Students 2025-26
- Applicants who earned their PhD from ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich are not eligible
- Applicants must not have resided or worked in Switzerland for over 12 months in the last 3 years before submission
- Host professors can only submit one candidate per evaluation round
- Fellowship duration is fixed at two years and cannot be extended
- Late or incomplete applications and missing reference letters will be rejected
- Fellowship must start within eight months after the submission deadline, with exceptions granted only for serious reasons
Eligibility Criteria of ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-26
- PhD completed no more than two years before the submission deadline, OR completion expected within six months after the deadline
- No prior employment or study at ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, or ETH domain research institutes for more than six months in the last three years
- Must have at least one peer-reviewed scientific publication or an award for doctoral thesis
- Must secure a mentor from ETH Zurich with a permanent or fixed-term contract covering the fellowship duration
- Submit two external reference letters sent directly to the ETH Grants Office before the deadline
- Applicants from all scientific disciplines represented at ETH Zurich are eligible
Important Dates of Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025-26
- Application Deadlines: September 1, 2025 (17:00 Swiss local time)
- Interview Dates: Mid-November 2025
- Results Announcement: Approximately 4 months after the deadline
- Fellowship Start: Within 8 months after deadline (earliest start on 1st of any month)
How to Apply to ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-26
- Download the required project description templates from the ETH Zurich website
- Identify and contact a potential ETH Zurich professor to act as your host mentor
- Prepare your original research proposal aligned with your host group
- Register and create an account on the ETH Zurich grant system (eResearch)
- Complete the online application form and upload required documents as PDFs: project details, CV, career outline, mentor invitation letter
- Submit your application before the deadline
- Request two referees to email confidential recommendation letters directly to ethfellows@sl.ethz.ch at least 10 days before the deadline
- Prepare for a 15-minute online interview if shortlisted
Required Documents for Postdoctoral Research Fellowship 2025-26
- Research Proposal (max 5 pages, structured template)
- Candidate Curriculum Vitae (including list of publications)
- Career Goals Outline (max 1 page)
- Mentor Invitation Letter and Mentor’s short CV (max 2 pages)
- Two external recommendation letters (sent directly to ETH Grants Office)
- Certification of planned PhD defense date if degree not yet completed
