ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships is one of Europe’s most competitive and prestigious early-career funding programmes designed to support outstanding young researchers in achieving academic independence at ETH Zurich. These fellowships offer a unique pathway for talented postdoctoral scientists to conduct cutting-edge research, gain mentorship from leading ETH professors, and prepare for a long-term academic career.
The programme provides full salary coverage, research funding, mentorship, structured evaluation, and a career-enabling environment where more than 40–50% of former fellows later secure professorships worldwide.
Key Dates & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships |
| Host Institution | ETH Zurich, Switzerland |
| Funding Duration | 2 years (fixed, non-extendable) |
| Salary | 100% ETH scale (CHF 92,500 → 97,200 per year) |
| Research Budget | CHF 12,000 annually |
| Application Deadlines | 1 March & 1 September (17:00 Swiss time) |
| Interview Format | Online interview (15 minutes) |
| Eligibility | PhD obtained ≤2 years before deadline; international mobility required |
| Submission System | eResearch (ETH Zurich Grants System) |
| Participation Fee | Free (no fees) |
| Official Website | https://ethz.ch |
Table of Contents
Overview of the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships
The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships programme supports highly talented postdoctoral researchers who wish to conduct independent and innovative projects at ETH Zurich. Applications must be submitted jointly by the candidate and an ETH Zurich professor acting as the official mentor.
The fellowship aims to strengthen early academic independence. Therefore, candidates are expected to propose their own research ideas, prepare their application independently, and demonstrate strong scientific potential. The success rate is approximately 25%, making the programme one of the most selective in Europe.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must satisfy all conditions at the submission deadline:
- Hold a PhD or be within six months of completing the doctoral defence.
- PhD must have been awarded no more than two years before the deadline.
- Applicants from ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich are not eligible.
- Must not have lived or worked in Switzerland for more than 12 months during the last three years.
- Must not have conducted main academic activity at ETH Zurich, EPFL, PSI, Empa, WSL, Eawag, or University of Zurich for more than six months in the last three years.
- Must have at least one peer-reviewed publication or an awarded thesis prize.
- All eligibility requirements are checked strictly; non-compliant applications are rejected.
Application Requirements
- A host ETH Zurich professor who agrees to mentor the candidate.
- Invitation letter from the host professor.
- Two external reference letters sent directly by referees to the ETH Grants Office.
- Complete research project description using official templates.
- Mobility proof demonstrating the applicant has not lived in Switzerland beyond the permitted period.
- Full electronic application via the ETH eResearch system in PDF format.
Funding, Salary & Duration
ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships provide:
- Duration: 24 months (fixed, non-extendable)
- Salary:
- Year 1: CHF 92,500 gross
- Year 2: CHF 97,200 gross
- Total: CHF 189,700 gross
- Total compensation rates including social contributions: CHF 218,200
- Research Budget: CHF 12,000 per year for travel, research materials, conferences, and fieldwork
- Research budget may not be used for salary, and salary may not be used for research costs.
Evaluation & Selection Process
- Eligibility Check
- Written Scientific Evaluation by ETH Research Commission
- Interview Invitation (approx. 2 months after deadline)
- Online Interview (15 minutes)
- Final Decision (4 months after the deadline)
ETH Fellows must start the fellowship within eight months of the submission deadline unless exceptional circumstances arise.
Application Submission Procedure
Applications are submitted via the ETH eResearch platform:
- Download official project description templates.
- Prepare all required documents in PDF.
- Register on eResearch.
- Create a new application under “My Applications”.
- Upload mandatory documents and fill all required fields.
- Add the host professor; they must upload supporting documents.
- Add two referees who will send letters directly to ETH.
- Validate, save, and submit before the deadline.
- Generate a PDF copy of your submission for personal records.
Applications cannot be edited after submission.
Important Documents & Templates
- DownloadGuidelines (PDF, 244 KB)
- DownloadFAQ (PDF, 274 KB)
- DownloadTemplate project description (part 1, project details) (DOCX, 29 KB)
- DownloadTemplate project description (part 2, accompanying information) (DOCX, 28 KB)
- DownloadEthics self-check (PDF, 362 KB)
Official Contacts
Technical support (eResearch):
📧 [email protected]
Programme & scientific questions:
📧 [email protected]
ETH Zurich Grants Office, Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zurich
FAQ
Is the programme open to all nationalities?
Yes, candidates from all countries may apply.
Can ETH Zurich or University of Zurich graduates apply?
No, they are not eligible.
Can I submit without reference letters?
No, two external reference letters are mandatory.
Are interviews held online?
Yes, all interviews are conducted via video call.
How many times can I apply?
Only once per round, and only with one ETH professor.
🔗 Other opportunities: https://oppotify.com
(Always check Oppotify daily for fellowships, internships, conferences, and scholarships.)
