Description

The ETH Zurich 2027 Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, also known as “ETH Fellows,” supports early-career researchers who wish to join ETH Zurich to conduct an independent research project within a world-class scientific environment. This program is designed to attract high-potential candidates who have already demonstrated scientific excellence early in their careers. Applications must be centered on the research project proposed by the candidate and demonstrate clear synergy with the host group. The application must be sponsored by an ETH Zurich professor who will serve as a mentor; each professor may nominate only one candidate per evaluation cycle. The fellowship lasts two years and covers a full salary in accordance with ETH standards, as well as an annual budget of 12,000 CHF for research expenses, travel, mobility, and project-related costs. Applicants must meet strict eligibility criteria regarding their Ph.D., mobility, and publications. The official deadline for this cycle is September 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Swiss time; external letters of recommendation must be submitted to the Grants Office at least ten days prior to this date.

Official source and verification

Official source

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich Grants Office

https://grantsoffice.ethz.ch/funding-opportunities/internal/eth-fellowships.html

Editorial verification

Verified on May 11, 2026

Internal editorial verification.

Next revalidation: May 20, 2026

Trust status

Reliable100%

Latest editorial review active.

Eligibility criteria

Hold a Ph.D. or complete a Ph.D. within six months of the deadline.
Must have earned a Ph.D. no more than two years prior to the deadline, except at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.
Must not have resided in Switzerland or carried out their primary business activity there for more than 12 months during the three years preceding the deadline.
The applicant must not have carried out their primary professional activity at ETH Zurich, EPFL, PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag, or the University of Zurich for more than six months during the preceding three years.
Have at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal or have received a thesis award.

Application procedure

Identify and contact an ETH Zurich professor who is willing to serve as a mentor early enough.

Prepare an original research proposal and the description templates required by ETH Zurich.

Create or use an eResearch account, then submit the complete application as a PDF.

Have two external letters of recommendation sent directly to the Grants Office at least ten days before the deadline.

Reserve the online interview dates specified by ETH for the selection process.

Funding and Duration

The ETH Fellows Fellowship lasts two years and cannot be extended. It covers 100% of the fellow’s salary in accordance with ETH Zurich standards.

Planned Support

Full salary in accordance with ETH pay scales.
A budget of 12,000 CHF per year for research and travel expenses.
Access to ETH Zurich’s scientific environment, laboratories, and network.

Official Dates

The Grants Office specifies two annual deadlines for ETH Fellows: March 1 and September 1 at 5:00 p.m. Swiss local time.

Published Cycle

Deadline for this form: September 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Swiss time.

Apply to this opportunity

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ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland