The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme (ETH Fellows) offers a prestigious opportunity for early-career researchers to advance their academic trajectories at one of the world’s leading institutions in science and technology. Administered by ETH Zurich’s Grants Office, the programme is designed to attract outstanding postdoctoral talent from across the globe, fostering academic excellence, innovation, and independence in research.
This programme specifically supports incoming postdoctoral researchers—those who are not currently affiliated with ETH Zurich—who have already demonstrated a strong track record of scientific achievement in the initial stages of their careers. With a clear aim of supporting future academic leaders, the ETH Fellows programme is often a launchpad to academic independence. Approximately 40–50% of fellows secure professorships within a few years of completing the fellowship, reflecting the programme’s strategic role in shaping future thought leaders.
Academic Independence and Original Research
A key element of the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowships is the emphasis on academic independence. Applicants are expected to propose their own original research projects rather than joining existing research agendas. This encourages innovation, intellectual ownership, and a stronger trajectory towards academic leadership.
Each fellowship application must be supported by an ETH Zurich professor who will serve as the official mentor. The mentoring professor can only support one applicant per evaluation round, ensuring that each candidate receives meaningful and committed support. It is essential that there are clear synergies between the applicant’s proposed research and the host group’s existing expertise. However, applicants and mentors must not have collaborated closely in the past, as the programme prioritizes new research connections and independent research development.
Competitive Selection and Diversity Commitment
The ETH Fellows programme is highly selective. With a success rate of approximately 25% in recent rounds, the selection process is rigorous and competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic merit, the originality of their research proposal, and the quality of the synergy between the fellow and the ETH host group.
ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse research environment. Applications from candidates of all genders, backgrounds, and disciplines are strongly encouraged. The university actively monitors selection outcomes to ensure fairness and mitigate potential biases in the process.
Programme Details: Duration, Funding, and Support
ETH Postdoctoral Fellowships typically run for two years, providing full financial support, which includes salary, research expenses, and associated overheads. Detailed budgeting and project timelines are part of the application process, and successful candidates are integrated into the ETH research ecosystem, benefiting from its extensive infrastructure, collaborative networks, and academic resources.
In addition to financial support, ETH Fellows receive access to professional development opportunities, networking events, and training workshops designed to support both research excellence and broader career growth.
Eligibility and Application Procedure
To be eligible, applicants must hold a doctoral degree (PhD) or be in the final stages of their PhD studies. They must not have carried out their main research activities or received their primary academic qualifications at ETH Zurich. Importantly, they should not have resided or carried out their main activity in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the three years immediately prior to the submission deadline.
Applications must be submitted by the hosting ETH professor through the eResearch online platform. Each application should include a detailed research proposal authored by the applicant, a support letter from the mentor, and all necessary documentation as outlined in the programme guidelines.
It is recommended that applicants initiate the process well in advance of the deadline to allow for thorough preparation and review. Late or incomplete submissions are not accepted. The ETH Grants Office provides templates and guidance documents to assist with the application.
All applicants are encouraged to carefully review the relevant documentation on the ETH Zurich website prior to reaching out.
Why Apply?
The ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship is not just a funding mechanism—it is a powerful platform for professional growth, scholarly innovation, and academic independence. It opens doors to global research networks, promotes personal development, and places early-career researchers on a trajectory toward leadership roles in academia and beyond.
For further details and application portal access: ETH Zurich Grants Office – ETH Fellows Programme
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