The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-26, also known as the ETH Fellows Programme, is a highly competitive and prestigious initiative designed to support outstanding early-career researchers seeking to pursue independent research at ETH Zurich. This program serves as a catalyst for academic independence, helping fellows transition toward professorships or other advanced research roles.
With approximately 40–50% of past fellows securing professorships within a few years of completing the fellowship, ETH Fellows is one of the most sought-after early-career research opportunities in Europe.
Purpose of the ETH Fellows Programme:
The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship programme is aimed at incoming postdoctoral researchers who have already demonstrated exceptional academic and research performance. The primary goal is to foster scientific independence and promote novel research ideas in synergy with ETH Zurich’s existing research strengths.
Each application must be submitted with the support of a host professor at ETH Zurich who acts as a mentor. This mentorship relationship is vital, but the emphasis remains on the fellow proposing and leading their own project.
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Benefits of the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship:
● Duration: The fellowship runs for a fixed period of two years and cannot be extended.
● Salary: Fellows receive 100% salary based on ETH Zurich’s salary standards:
1. Year 1: CHF 92,500 gross.
2. Year 2: CHF 97,200 gross.
● Research Funding: CHF 12,000 annually is allocated for research-related expenses such as travel and equipment. These funds cannot be used for salary and vice versa.
This structure is designed to give fellows financial stability while enabling them to pursue ambitious, original research.
Eligibility Criteria:
Before applying, it is essential to review the eligibility criteria. Applications not adhering to these requirements will be rejected on formal grounds.
1. Academic Requirements:
● Applicants must hold a PhD (doctorate) or be expected to complete their PhD within six months of the submission deadline.
● The PhD must have been awarded no more than two years before the application deadline. The key date is the oral exam or defense/viva voce.
● Applicants who have not yet defended must submit a certification of the planned defense date, signed by their advisor or department chair.
● The defense must be completed before the fellowship starts and within six months of the submission deadline.
● Applicants must have at least one publication in a peer-reviewed journal or must have received a prize for their doctoral thesis.
2. Institutional and Residency Restrictions:
● Applicants who completed their doctorate at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich are not eligible.
● Applicants may not have lived or worked in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the deadline.
● Applicants may not have worked at ETH Zurich, EPF Lausanne, PSI, WSL, Empa, Eawag, or the University of Zurich for more than six months in the three years before the deadline.
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Application Requirements:
1. Host Professor:
● Each application must be supported by a professor at ETH Zurich, who agrees to act as the mentor for the duration of the fellowship.
● Importantly, each professor can support only one applicant per evaluation round.
● If the host is an assistant professor, they must contact the Grants Office beforehand to confirm their eligibility as a mentor.
● The host must provide an invitation letter, which is to be uploaded with the application.
2. Reference Letters:
● Each applicant must arrange for two external reference letters. These must be sent no later than 10 days before the submission deadline. The letters must:
1. Be submitted on official letterhead.
2. Be signed by the reference provider.
Selection Process:
The ETH Zurich Research Commission evaluates all applications. The selection process involves two steps:
● Written Evaluation: All proposals are reviewed in writing.
● Interview: Selected candidates are invited to a 15-minute online interview. Applicants should be available for all potential interview dates provided at the time of submission.
The success rate in recent years has been around 25%, indicating the highly competitive nature of this programme. Applications from all backgrounds and genders are encouraged, and ETH Zurich actively monitors success rates to prevent potential bias.
How to Apply for ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-26?
● Download Templates: Use the official ETH Zurich templates for the project description and accompanying information.
● Prepare Documents: Complete the templates and gather all required documents, converting them to PDF.
● Register on eResearch: Create an account using your ETH email if applicable. This only needs to be done once.
● Start New Application: Under “My Applications” or “New Grant Application,” select the open call for the ETH Fellowship.
● Fill in the Application:
1. Complete all mandatory fields (turn green when filled).
2. Upload required attachments.
● Add Host Professor: This will send an automatic request to the professor for uploading their supporting documents.
● Add Referees: Provide contact details for two referees. You are responsible for ensuring they submit their letters on time.
● Validation Summary: Check this tab to identify missing fields or documents. All parts must be complete, including those by the host professor.
● Submit: Once validated, click "Submit" at the bottom of the summary page. No changes can be made after submission.
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Important:
Applicants must write their proposals independently and present original research ideas. The programme is structured to encourage academic independence, so previous close collaboration with the host is discouraged.
● Be aware of all eligibility limitations, especially mobility restrictions and prior affiliation rules.
● Start early engage with potential hosts, request reference letters, and prepare your documents well ahead of the deadline.
● Only applications that are fully completed and validated by the deadline will be reviewed.
Application Deadline:
The annual submission deadline is 1 September. All applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format through the ETH Zurich eResearch grant application system. The call usually opens about one month before the deadline.
Conclusion:
The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-26 provides an exceptional platform for talented postdoctoral researchers to advance their academic careers in a leading international research environment. With structured support, generous funding, and strong mentoring, it is tailored for those ready to take the next step toward academic independence. If you meet the eligibility criteria and have a novel research idea that aligns with the strengths of ETH Zurich, begin preparing now for the 1 September 2025 submission deadline. This opportunity can be a pivotal moment in your research career. So to apply and know more visit the ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2025-26 official link here.