Postdoctoral Fellowships in Switzerland 2023

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Are you looking to relocate to Switzerland for Postdoctoral Fellowships in 2023? Continue reading!

Switzerland is a highly attractive destination for postdoctoral studies due to the presence of some of the most prestigious universities in the world, high quality of life, and comparatively well-paid opportunities. Compared to other countries, Switzerland is renowned for its highly developed research infrastructure and expertise, especially in fields such as physics, chemistry, and engineering. This is reflected in the country’s top ranking in several global indices, including the Global Innovation Index, where it consistently ranks in the top 3 countries. Living in Switzerland also provides researchers with opportunities to collaborate with organizations such as CERN, a leading research institution that attracts researchers from around the world.

While the salary of postdocs in Switzerland depends on various factors, including the field of research and level of experience, the country generally offers competitive pay compared to other European countries. In this post, we have listed the top Postdoctoral Fellowships in Switzerland in 2023.

ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship

The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship program, also known as ETH Fellows, is aimed at supporting incoming postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich who have already demonstrated scientific excellence in the early stages of their careers. Here are some details about the program:

Requirements: You should hold a PhD (or should be less than 10 months before completion of the PhD thesis) in computer science, machine learning, statistics, physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or other relevant AI fields. Applicants who earned their doctorate from ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich will not be considered. There is no age limit, and international applicants are welcome to apply.
Salary: The salary for the fellowship is according to the standard salary scale for postdoctoral fellows at ETH Zurich. The duration of the fellowship is two years, and ETH Fellows will be employed according to the regulations of ETH Zurich [7].
Deadlines: You must submit your application by 17:00 Swiss local time on either March 1st or September 1st each year. The interview dates are scheduled in accordance with these submission deadlines and will be conducted via video call.
Application: To apply for the ETH Fellows program, you need to agree on a research project with your prospective host professor. You can find details and apply via this link.

Postdoc.Mobility fellowships

Postdoc. Mobility is a funding scheme offered by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) that provides funding for postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines who wish to pursue research in a foreign country. The fellowship provides a monthly grant for living expenses, mobility, and travel costs, as well as contributions towards health insurance and social security. The salary is determined according to the host institution’s salary scale and may vary depending on the country and institution. The fellowship also includes funds for research-related expenses such as materials and equipment. To be eligible for the Postdoc. For mobility fellowship, candidates must have completed their doctoral degree within the last five years and be able to demonstrate their research competence and potential for a successful research career. Applicants must also have a host institution in the foreign country where they plan to conduct their research.

The application process involves several stages, including the submission of a research proposal, a letter of invitation from the host institution, and supporting documents such as a CV, a list of publications, and academic transcripts. The application deadline for the Postdoc. Mobility fellowship is twice a year, on March 1st and September 1st. For more information on the Postdoc. Mobility fellowship, including specific details on eligibility criteria, the application process, and funding, please visit the SNSF website.

Marie Heim-Vögtlin (MHV) Postdoc Grants

Marie Heim-Vögtlin (MHV) Postdoc Grants are research grants awarded to highly qualified female researchers in Switzerland who want to carry out a research project at a Swiss university or research institute. Here is some information about the salary, requirements, and application process for the MHV Postdoc Grants:

Salary: The MHV Postdoc Grants provide funding for a period of up to two years. The grants cover the salary of the grantee, as well as project-related costs such as equipment, materials, and travel expenses. The salary level depends on the host institution and the applicant’s experience and qualifications.

Requirements: To be eligible for an MHV Postdoc Grant, applicants must have a doctoral degree or be in the final stages of completing their doctoral degree. They must also have at least two years of research experience after completing their doctoral degree. Applicants must be female and have Swiss citizenship, a Swiss permanent residence permit, or be married to a Swiss citizen or a citizen of an EU/EFTA country.

Application: The application process for the MHV Postdoc Grants is competitive, and applicants are required to submit a research proposal, a CV, and other supporting documents. The application deadline is typically in the fall, and the grant recipients are announced in the following spring. You can find further details on the funder’s website.

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

The Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships are offered by the Swiss government to promote international exchange and research cooperation between Switzerland and over 180 other countries. The scholarships are available for Master’s or PhD studies, as well as for postdoctoral research in any academic field. Here is some information about the salary, requirements, and application process:

Salary: The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly allowance, health insurance, and other benefits. The monthly allowance varies depending on the level of study and the recipient’s academic qualifications.

Requirements:

  • Applicants must be citizens of a country other than Switzerland.
    They must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher.
    For Master’s studies, applicants should be under 35 years old, and for PhD studies, they should be under 40 years old.
    Applicants should have a strong academic record and meet the language requirements of the host university.
    Application:
    Applications for Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships should be submitted through the Swiss diplomatic representation in the applicant’s home country.
  • The application deadline is typically in September of the year preceding the academic year in which the scholarship will be granted. Applicants should provide the following documents:
  • A letter of motivation
  • A research proposal
  • A CV
  • Academic transcripts and diplomas
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Language proficiency certificates

The application process and requirements may vary slightly depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the chosen host institution. You can find details on the SBFI portal.

Novartis Postdoc Program

The Novartis Postdoc Program is a two-year program designed to provide postdoctoral fellows with an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research at Novartis. The salary for the Novartis Postdoc Program is competitive and will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience.

Requirements: To be eligible for the program, candidates must have a PhD in a relevant field and a track record of scientific excellence. They must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and be able to work effectively as part of a team.

Application: Interested candidates can apply for the Novartis Postdoc Program online through the Novartis website. The application typically includes a CV, a research proposal, and references.

Selection Process: After the application deadline, the selection committee will review the applications and select a shortlist of candidates. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview, which may be conducted in person or remotely, depending on the circumstances. The final selection will be based on the candidate’s research proposal, track record of scientific excellence, and fit with the Novartis research environment.

Benefits: Postdoctoral fellows in the Novartis Postdoc Program will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and resources. They will also have the opportunity to work with and learn from leading experts in their field, and to collaborate with scientists across the Novartis organization. In addition, they will receive training and mentoring to support their professional development and may have opportunities to publish their research in high-impact journals. You can find out more and apply through the funder’s website.

Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) Postdoctoral Fellowships

The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) offers Postdoctoral Fellowships to outstanding young scientists from around the world who have recently completed their doctoral studies. The fellowship is a highly competitive program that provides an opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to conduct research at the institute in various scientific fields, including materials science, condensed matter physics, life sciences, energy research, and many more.

Requirements: Applicants must have completed their doctoral studies within the last three years and have a strong publication record. They should also have experience in the relevant research field and be highly motivated to conduct research at PSI. Proficiency in English is required, and knowledge of German or French is beneficial.

Application: The application process is typically open in the fall, and interested candidates should apply directly to the research group or department they are interested in joining. The application requirements may vary depending on the department, but generally include a CV, a statement of research interests, and letters of recommendation.

PSI is a leading research institution in Switzerland, with state-of-the-art facilities and an international research community. The Postdoctoral Fellowship program provides an excellent opportunity for early-career researchers to develop their skills and expertise in a supportive and collaborative environment. For application and further details, visit the PSI website.

CERN Fellowship Program

The CERN Fellowship Program is designed for recent graduates from universities or higher technical institutes in a wide range of applied sciences, computing and engineering with limited or no work experience. The program provides an opportunity to work in a unique and international environment at the forefront of research in particle physics. The CERN Fellowship Program offers two types of fellowships:

Fellowships for graduates: These fellowships are for individuals who have recently graduated with a university degree (Masters or PhD) in a relevant field. The duration of the fellowship is between 6 months and 36 months, depending on the fellowship category and individual circumstances. The fellows receive a stipend to cover their living expenses, as well as a travel allowance and health insurance.

Senior Fellowships: These fellowships are intended for individuals with a PhD and significant postdoctoral experience in a relevant field. The duration of the fellowship is between 6 months and 36 months, depending on the fellowship category and individual circumstances. The senior fellows receive a stipend that is higher than the one offered to the graduates, to cover their living expenses, as well as a travel allowance and health insurance.

The application process for the CERN Fellowship Program is highly competitive, with a large number of applicants from all over the world. The selection process is based on academic excellence, the relevance of the research proposal to the CERN research program, and the potential for the candidate to make a significant contribution to the field.

To apply for the CERN Fellowship Program, applicants must submit an online application form, a CV, a list of publications, a research proposal, and three letters of recommendation. The application deadline is usually in the fall of each year, and the selection process takes several months. For application and details visit the CERN’s website.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Individual Fellowships

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Individual Fellowships are prestigious postdoctoral fellowships awarded by the European Union to support the mobility and career development of researchers in Europe. Switzerland is an associated country of the MSCA program, which means that Swiss researchers and institutions can participate in the program and receive funding.

The MSCA Individual Fellowship provides funding for experienced researchers to undertake a research project of their own design at a host institution in Switzerland. The fellowship includes a salary for the researcher and funding for research-related costs. The duration of the fellowship can be between 12 and 24 months.

To be eligible for the MSCA Individual Fellowship, the researcher must hold a doctoral degree or have at least four years of full-time research experience. There are no nationality restrictions, but researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the call deadline.

Applications for the MSCA Individual Fellowship are submitted by the researcher in collaboration with the host institution in Switzerland. The application process is highly competitive and includes a thorough evaluation of the researcher’s track record and research proposal. The call for proposals is typically open once a year, with deadlines in September.

Further information on MSCA Individual Fellowships can be found here.

Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Advanced Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship

The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Advanced Postdoc. Mobility Fellowship is a program that provides funding for experienced postdocs who wish to pursue their research career in Switzerland. The program is open to applicants from all disciplines, and it aims to support excellent researchers who have already gained some experience in their field and wish to continue their work in a Swiss research institution.

The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of CHF 8,200 to CHF 8,700, depending on the experience of the applicant. In addition, the fellowship provides travel expenses, research expenses, and a family allowance, if applicable. The duration of the fellowship is two years, and it can be extended for up to six months for applicants with children.

To be eligible for the SNSF Advanced Postdoc. For the mobility Fellowship, applicants must have completed their PhD no more than four years before the application deadline. They must also have at least three years of postdoctoral research experience, and they must have a strong research track record.

The application process involves submitting a research proposal, a CV, and letters of recommendation from two referees. The proposal should outline the applicant’s research project, its objectives, and its significance. It should also provide a timeline for the project and a detailed budget.

Applications are evaluated based on the applicant’s research track record, the quality of the research proposal, and the suitability of the research institution. The evaluation process takes around six months, and successful applicants are notified by the end of the year. You can find out more in this link.

SNSF Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships

The SNSF Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships are research grants offered by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) to support young researchers who wish to conduct their postdoctoral research in Switzerland.

Here are some details about the fellowship:

Salary: The salary of the postdoctoral fellow is based on the standard rates for postdocs at the host institution. The SNSF fellowship provides additional support for travel, equipment, and other research-related expenses.

Duration: The fellowship is awarded for a maximum of 24 months.

Eligibility: Applicants must hold a PhD degree or an equivalent degree, and should not have lived or worked in Switzerland for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the submission deadline. Applicants should also have a host institution in Switzerland willing to host them during their fellowship.

Application: Applications are submitted through the SNSF online platform, and require a research proposal, CV, publication list, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents. The application process is highly competitive, and successful applicants are chosen based on the quality of their research proposal, their academic background, and their potential for future research success. Details can be found on the SNSF website.

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