CERN Switzerland Science Fellowships 2026

Applications are now open for the CERN Research Fellowship in Applied Physics and Engineering, an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers to work at one of the world's leading scientific research organizations in Geneva, Switzerland. The fellowship offers a competitive monthly stipend, comprehensive employee benefits, and the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge experiments in applied physics and engineering.

Selected fellows will join CERN's Experimental Physics Department, where they will collaborate with international teams on advanced research projects involving detector technologies, engineering systems, scientific instrumentation, and experimental particle physics.

Scholarship Summary

• Host Country: Switzerland
• Host Organization: CERN
• Fellowship Name: CERN Research Fellowship in Applied Physics and Engineering
• Degree Level: PhD
• Fellowship Type: Fully Funded
• Monthly Stipend: CHF 7,004–CHF 7,425 (Net)
• Contract Duration: 24 months (extendable up to 36 months)
• Eligible Nationalities: Nationals of CERN Member States and Associate Member States
• Fellowship Location: Geneva, Switzerland
• Application Deadline: August 30, 2026

Selected fellows will receive:

• Monthly net stipend ranging from CHF 7,004 to CHF 7,425
• Initial 24-month research contract
• Possible contract extension up to 36 months
• 30 days of paid annual leave
• Two weeks of annual CERN closure
• Comprehensive health insurance for fellows and eligible family members
• Membership in the CERN Pension Fund
• Family allowances (where applicable)
• Installation grant for relocation
• Travel expense reimbursement
• Professional training and career development
• Language courses
• Opportunity to work with world-class scientists and engineers

The fellowship is available for:

• PhD graduates
• Early-career postdoctoral researchers

Applicants from the following fields are encouraged to apply:

• Applied Physics
• Engineering
• Experimental Particle Physics
• Detector Technologies
• Material Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electronics
• Scientific Instrumentation
• Computing for Experimental Systems
• Experimental Setup Design
• Research Technology Development
• Physics Experiment Support Systems

The fellowship is primarily open to:

• Nationals of CERN Member States
• Nationals of CERN Associate Member States

A limited number of exceptions may be considered according to CERN regulations.

Applicants must:

• Be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
• Hold a PhD by the application deadline or expect to receive it within six months after the deadline.
• Have no more than three years of research experience after completing their PhD (up to six years may be considered in exceptional cases).
• Have never previously held a CERN Fellow or Graduate contract.
• Demonstrate good knowledge of English or French.
• Have research experience in applied physics, engineering, detector technologies, or related scientific fields.
• Be willing to work full-time onsite in Geneva, Switzerland.

Required Documents

Applicants should prepare:

• Completed online application form
• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• PhD certificate or expected completion evidence
• Research experience details
• Academic transcripts (if requested)
• Letters of recommendation (if required)
• Supporting documents requested by CERN

Application Process

Follow these steps to apply:

1. Visit the official CERN careers portal.
2. Review the fellowship eligibility requirements.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Upload all required documents.
5. Verify the accuracy of your application.
6. Submit your application before the deadline.

Why Apply for the CERN Fellowship?

The CERN Research Fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity to work on internationally recognized scientific experiments while collaborating with leading researchers from around the world. Fellows gain hands-on experience with advanced technologies, receive generous financial support, and build valuable international research networks that can significantly enhance their academic and professional careers.

Application Deadline

Last date to apply: August 30, 2026 (23:59 Geneva Time)

Expected fellowship start date: January 1, 2027