The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland offers early-career researchers a fully funded 2-year opportunity to pursue independent, innovative research projects at one of the world’s top technical universities. With full salary coverage exceeding CHF 100,000 annually, CHF 12,000 yearly research allowance, and mentorship from ETH professors, this competitive program (25% success rate) supports high-potential postdocs across all disciplines, with 40-50% of alumni securing professorships shortly after completion.
Basic Information about the Fellowship
- Prestigious postdoc program for early-career researchers
- Aims to support high-potential academics
- About 40–50% fellows later become professors
- Highly competitive (≈15–20% success rate
- Fellowship name: ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship (ETH Fellows) 2027.
- Host institution: ETH Zurich, Switzerland.
- Duration: 2 years (non-extendable).
- Deadlines: 1 March 2027 and 1 September 2027 (17:00 Swiss time).
- Success rate: Approximately 25%.
- Annual salary: >CHF 100,000 (full coverage).
- Research allowance: CHF 12,000/year.
- Open to: All nationalities/disciplines.
University/Institution Details
ETH Zurich ranks consistently among the world’s top 10 universities, renowned for pioneering research in engineering, natural sciences, architecture, and interdisciplinary innovation. Founded in 1855, ETH counts 21 Nobel laureates among its faculty and alumni, including Albert Einstein. The Postdoctoral Fellowship program, administered through the Grants Office, attracts global talent to its Zurich and Basel campuses, providing state-of-the-art facilities, international networks, and a collaborative environment that fosters groundbreaking discoveries.
Study Areas
Fellowships support independent research projects across ETH Zurich departments:
Engineering & Technology:
- Mechanical & Process Engineering
- Information Technology & Electrical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering.
Natural Sciences:
Architecture & Civil Engineering:
Management & Social Sciences:
Interdisciplinary:
ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship Benefits
- Full salary (100% ETH postdoc rate, >CHF 100,000/year).
- CHF 12,000 annual research allowance (travel, equipment, conferences).
- Social security contributions covered.
- Mentorship from ETH professor.
- Access to world-class facilities (labs, supercomputers, libraries).
- Career development (40-50% alumni become professors).
- International mobility support.
- Zurich/Basel living in Switzerland’s innovation hub.
Benefits not included
- Visa/residence permit fees.
- Private health insurance supplements.
- Family relocation support.
- Teaching buyout (research-focused).
- Extension beyond 2 years.
- Publication fees.
Eligibility Criteria for the ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship
- Must have a PhD:
- Already completed OR
- Will complete within 6 months after deadline
- PhD must be obtained within last 2 years
- Must have:
- At least 1 peer-reviewed publication OR
- A doctoral thesis award
- Start Time
- Must start within 8 months after deadline
- Fellowship starts on 1st day of a month
- ❌ Not eligible if:
- PhD from ETH Zurich or University of Zurich
- Stayed/worked in Switzerland >12 months (last 3 years)
- Worked/studied at ETH/EPFL/related institutes >6 months (last 3 years)
Mentorship Requirement
- Must have an ETH Zurich professor as mentor
- Each professor can support only 1 candidate per round
- Applicant and mentor should not have closely collaborated before
- Strong research synergy required
Selection Process
- Step 1: Written evaluation
- Step 2: Shortlisted candidates interviewed (≈15 min, online)
Required Documents for the Application
- Own research proposal (self-developed)
- Invitation letter from host professor
- 2 reference letters (sent directly by referees)
- Use official project templates
- Submit via eResearch system (PDF format)
ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship Application Process
ETH eResearch Portal:
- Step 1: Identify ETH professor mentor (email proposal).
- Step 2: Confirm mentor support (1 max/round).
- Step 3: Prepare project description (independent, innovative).
- Step 4: Register eResearch (opens ~1 month pre-deadline).
- Step 5: Upload documents; mentor submits support.
- Step 6: Submit by 1 March/1 September 2027 (17:00 CET).
- Step 7: Interviews (~2 months post-deadline).
- Step 8: Decisions (~4 months); start within 12 months.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Contact host professor early
- Propose your own original research idea
- Ensure strong academic profile + publications
- Arrange references before deadline
- Publication proof – ≥1 peer-reviewed paper essential.
- Interdisciplinary edge – ETH favors boundary-crossing projects.
- Mobility compliance – verify Swiss stay <12 months/3 years.
- Concise proposal – clear innovation, feasibility, impact.
- Strong referees – senior academics outside your PhD institution.
Monthly Living Expenses for International Students
Zurich premium: High costs offset by CHF 100k+ salary.
Why Choose This Fellowship?
- Generous funding – >CHF 100k salary + CHF 12k research budget.
- Prestigious track record – 40-50% alumni professorships.
- ETH Zurich excellence – top-10 global university.
- Independent research – define your project.
- Global mobility – international postdocs welcome.
- Swiss innovation hub – Zurich/Basel networks.
- Career accelerator – 25% success, high-impact launchpad.
Frequently Asked Questions about the fellowship
Duration?
2 years non-extendable.
Salary?
CHF 100,000/year full coverage.
ETH PhD holders?
No – ETH/UZH PhDs ineligible.
Deadlines?
1 March & 1 September 2027.
Publications required?
≥1 peer-reviewed or thesis award.
Mentor needed?
Yes – ETH professor support mandatory.
Swiss residency?
≤12 months/3 years pre-application.
Deadlines (Every Year)
- 1 March, 2026
- 1 September, 2026
- Interviews:
- ~2 months after deadline
- Final decision ~4 months after
