CERN Research Fellowship 2026

The CERN Research Fellowship is a postdoctoral research fellowship for recent PhD graduates to conduct research at the European Organization for Nuclear Research in Geneva, Switzerland. It supports research in experimental, applied and theoretical physics and related engineering areas and provides an employment contract and access to CERN facilities. The programme offers a competitive monthly stipend, health insurance and relocation support. Contract durations range from 6 to 24 months, extendable up to 36 months.

Monthly tax-free stipend (7,004–7,425 CHF), health insurance for fellow and family, pension fund membership, paid leave (30 days/year + CERN closure), family allowances, relocation package, training opportunities

Applicants must hold a PhD (or obtain it within six months of the deadline) and have limited post-PhD research experience (generally ≤3 years for applied physics/engineering or ≤6 years for experimental physics); applicants must be nationals of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State and must not have previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract. For 2026 start dates, Pakistani and Lithuanian nationals cannot be considered due to quota limits.

Apply through CERN's recruitment portal / job posting (CERN careers / SmartRecruiters job publication) with CV and required documents as specified in the job posting.