EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026

Fully Funded Switzerland Post Doctorate Deadline: 9 November 2026

About this scholarship

The EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship offers an excellent opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers to pursue advanced artificial intelligence research at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. This fellowship supports interdisciplinary AI research and allows researchers to collaborate with at least two EPFL laboratories led by faculty members affiliated with the EPFL AI Center. Fellows enjoy significant freedom to develop their own research agenda while engaging with the wider AI Center research community. This initiative aims to advance scientific excellence and promote responsible AI research, addressing critical issues such as bias, privacy, and fairness. The fellowship is fully funded, making it accessible to a diverse range of applicants, including those from several backgrounds and genders.

What the award covers

Selected researchers receive substantial financial and research support through the fellowship. The program contributes approximately 50% of the postdoctoral researcher’s salary per year, in accordance with EPFL salary scales, with the remaining salary covered by the participating EPFL host laboratories.
Additionally, fellows can receive up to CHF 5,000 per fellowship year for eligible expenses, which may include research costs, open research data, open-access publication costs, travel, and conference fees. Host laboratories provide essential infrastructure, including office or laboratory space, equipment, and administrative support, enabling a conducive research environment.
This full support structure is designed to facilitate high-quality research outcomes and foster collaboration among researchers, ultimately leading to impactful advancements in AI.

Study levels

The fellowship is designed for postdoctoral researchers and final-year PhD students. Candidates must hold a PhD in relevant fields such as computer science, physics, engineering, or applied mathematics. This program encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing researchers to work across multiple laboratories and develop independent research agendas while contributing to the EPFL AI Center's activities. It fosters an environment where innovative ideas can flourish and lead to significant advancements in the field of artificial intelligence, benefiting both the researchers and the broader scientific community.

Subjects

Artificial Intelligence
Machine Learning
AI Algorithms and Methods
AI Applications in Science and Technology
Responsible and Ethical AI
AI Safety and Evaluation
Interdisciplinary AI Research

Who can apply

The fellowship is open to applicants of all nationalities, with no age restrictions. It primarily targets outstanding postdoctoral researchers and senior PhD students who have obtained their PhD within two years prior to the application deadline. Applications from candidates of all genders and backgrounds are encouraged, fostering a diverse research community. This inclusivity is a key aspect of the fellowship, aiming to bring together talented individuals from several backgrounds to contribute to the field of AI research, thereby enhancing the overall quality of the research conducted.

Eligibility

To be considered for the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship, applicants generally need to:

Hold a PhD in computer science, physics, engineering, applied mathematics, or another relevant field.
Have obtained the PhD no more than two years before the application deadline.
Be in the final year of a doctoral program, provided the PhD will be completed before the fellowship begins.
Secure support from two EPFL host professors affiliated with the EPFL AI Center.
Demonstrate excellent academic and professional achievements.
Submit only one application.
Priority is given to applicants from outside EPFL, although eligible senior PhD students and junior postdoctoral researchers already at EPFL may also apply.

Identifying two EPFL AI Center-affiliated faculty members who are willing to support the proposed research is crucial. It is advisable to contact potential professors well in advance of the application deadline to discuss research interests and establish a collaboration. This proactive approach can significantly enhance the quality of the application and the research proposal, increasing the chances of success.

How to apply

Interested researchers should follow these steps to apply for the EPFL AI Center and Swiss AI Initiative Postdoctoral Fellowship:

Step 1: Review the official fellowship guidelines. Familiarize yourself with the application requirements and expectations outlined on the official page.
Step 2: Explore the EPFL AI Center faculty. Identify potential research collaborators among the faculty members affiliated with the AI Center.
Step 3: Contact potential professors. Reach out to at least two eligible EPFL AI Center-affiliated professors to discuss your research agenda and explore collaboration opportunities.
Step 4: Prepare your application documents. Gather all required documents, ensuring they are submitted in English and adhere to the guidelines provided.
Step 5: Submit your application. Complete the online application through the official platform, ensuring all documents are included.
Step 6: Confirm your submission. Double-check that your application is submitted before the deadline of 9 November 2026 at 17:00 CET. Late applications will not be considered.

Following these steps will help ensure a complete and competitive application, maximizing the chances of securing the fellowship.

Apply on the official site

Applications are made on the awarding body's own site. educads does not collect applications or fees.