Fully Funded CERN Research Fellowship in Experimental Physics 2026
Applicant criteria
- No specific age required
- Both
Opportunity criteria
Opportunity description
The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has opened applications for its Research Fellowship in Experimental Physics, one of the leading fully funded fellowship opportunities for PhD holders seeking to conduct advanced research in experimental physics at one of the world’s largest scientific institutions.
The fellowship offers researchers the opportunity to work alongside distinguished international scientists on CERN’s pioneering research projects and experiments. Fellows may contribute to particle physics experiments, scientific data analysis, detector design and operation, and advanced scientific discoveries.
Selected researchers receive comprehensive funding, including a competitive monthly allowance, health insurance, family benefits where applicable, a relocation allowance for moving to Geneva, paid leave, and professional training and development opportunities. Fellows also work in a world-class research environment equipped with advanced laboratories and cutting-edge technologies.
This opportunity is considered one of the most attractive fully funded fellowships and funded research opportunities in Europe. It enables researchers to advance their scientific projects, gain international experience, and build a professional network with experts from around the world, strengthening their prospects for future academic and research careers.
Benefits
The fellowship provides the following benefits:
- A net monthly allowance ranging from CHF 7,004 to CHF 7,425, depending on the researcher’s academic qualifications.
- A 24-month fellowship contract, with the possibility of extension to 36 months for a limited number of outstanding researchers.
- Comprehensive health insurance for the researcher, with possible coverage for a spouse and children in accordance with applicable regulations.
- Membership in CERN’s pension fund.
- A relocation grant upon moving to Geneva at the start of the fellowship, subject to program conditions.
- A travel allowance for the journey to Geneva when joining the fellowship.
- Family allowances and financial support for eligible children and infants.
- 30 days of paid annual leave.
- An additional two weeks of leave during CERN’s annual closure.
- On-the-job professional training programs.
- Free language courses.
- The opportunity to work at one of the world’s largest research institutions.
- Access to cutting-edge laboratories and research infrastructure in particle physics.
- Collaboration with scientists and researchers from around the world.
- The opportunity to develop research expertise through advanced scientific projects.
- The chance to build an international professional network in academia and research.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must:
- Hold a PhD in experimental physics or expect to obtain it within six months of the application deadline.
- Have no more than six years of postdoctoral research experience by the end of the application period.
- Not have previously held a CERN fellowship contract or Graduate Contract.
- Be a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State.
- Have a strong research record in experimental physics.
- Have sufficient proficiency in English or French to work effectively in an international research environment.
- Be able to work within multidisciplinary and multicultural research teams.
- Commit to carrying out the research project throughout the full fellowship period.
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