The ETH Zurich Postdoctoral Fellowship program, also known as ETH Fellows, is a great opportunity for new postdoctoral researchers at ETH Zurich. This program is designed to help outstanding early-career scientists who have shown exceptional talent in their initial career phases. It is a prestigious program that supports young academics and helps them achieve significant milestones in their careers. Many fellows who have participated in this program have gone on to become professors shortly after completing their fellowship.
ETH Zurich is a renowned university known globally for its remarkable contributions to science, engineering, and technology. Being a part of ETH Zurich provides fellows with access to top-notch facilities, resources, and vibrant research environments that promote collaboration and innovation. Joining ETH Zurich is a transformative experience where fellows can work alongside distinguished professors and contribute significantly to their respective fields through groundbreaking research projects.
To apply for this fellowship, candidates must have the support of an ETH Zurich professor who agrees to mentor them. Each professor can endorse only one candidate per evaluation period, highlighting the importance of a strong connection between the candidate’s proposed project and the mentor’s expertise. This international fellowship program encourages innovative proposals and empowers applicants to lead their project ideas, fostering academic autonomy among fellows.
The ETH Zurich Fellowships for 2024 offer attractive benefits for successful candidates. Fellows will receive a fully funded salary based on ETH Zurich standards, ensuring financial stability for their research endeavors. Additionally, they will receive CHF 10,000 per year to cover research-related expenses, providing the necessary resources for their projects. Fellows will also have the opportunity to collaborate with renowned professors and researchers from around the world, benefiting from their wealth of expertise and knowledge.
Scholarship Outline
- Host Country: Switzerland
- Host Establishment: ETH Zurich
- Duration: The duration of the fellowship is 2 years.
Scholarship Provision
- Fully covered salaries based on ETH Zurich standards.
- CHF 10,000 per year for research-related expenses.
- Allowance for travel and mobility.
- Working with renowned professors and researchers globally.
- Access to world-class laboratories.
- Opportunity to explore Switzerland.
Eligibility & Criteria for Qualification
- Have finished your Ph.D. at a university other than ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich within the last two years.
- If you’re still working on your Ph.D., you need a signed certificate from your advisor or department chair stating when you plan to defend your thesis.
- You should not have lived or studied in Switzerland for more than twelve months in the last three years.
- You must not have spent more than six months working or studying at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich in the past three years.
- Have at least one scientific publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
- If you don’t meet these criteria, your application will not be considered.
Document Needed
- Copy of Passport: Make sure to include a copy of your passport.
- Research Project Description: Write a detailed description of your research project, explaining your specific role and how it connects to the ongoing research in the host group.
- Detailed CV: Provide a detailed CV that includes a list of your publications and a recent photograph.
- Host Professor’s CV: Include a brief CV of your host professor.
- Motivation Letter: Write a motivation letter, which should not exceed one page.
- Invitation Letter from Host Professor: Obtain an invitation letter from your host professor, highlighting your excellence and suitability for the fellowship.
- Certificate of Defense: If you haven’t completed your doctorate yet, include a certification of the planned defense date signed by your advisor or department chair.
- Reference Letters: Arrange for two reference letters to be emailed directly to the Grants Office by your referees. Make sure they are sent at least 10 days before the submission deadline.
How to Apply
- Submit your application electronically in PDF format through the ETH Zurich grant application system, known as eResearch.
- Download the project description template from the relevant page.
- Submit your application jointly with a potential host, who must be an ETH Zurich professor willing to mentor you.
- Note that each professor can endorse only one candidate in each evaluation round.
- Emphasize your project proposals and highlight your academic independence to increase your chances of priority consideration.
- Ensure that your ideas and application draft are generated by yourself.
Deadline
- The deadline is on 1 September at 17:00 Swiss local time each year.