CERN Switzerland Science Fellowships 2027 With CHF 7,425 Stipend

CERN has opened applications for its 2027 Research Fellowship in Applied Physics and Engineering, giving early-career PhD researchers a rare route into one of the world’s most advanced experimental science environments in Geneva, Switzerland.

This is not a standard postdoctoral role where researchers quietly disappear into a single lab project. Selected fellows will join CERN’s Experimental Physics Department, contributing directly to the design, development, deployment, operation, and improvement of physics experiments and experimental systems used by international scientific collaborations.

For researchers working at the intersection of applied physics, engineering, detector technologies, electronics, materials, computing, and experimental systems, this fellowship is one of the more serious European research opportunities now available for the 2027 cycle.

Why This CERN Fellowship Deserves Attention?

The main attraction is obvious: CERN is offering a monthly net stipend between CHF 7,004 and CHF 7,425, depending on the candidate’s degree level. But the real value goes beyond salary.

Successful fellows will enter a 24-month fully onsite research contract in Geneva, with the possibility of extension up to 36 months. The ideal start date is January 1, 2027, meaning this opportunity is clearly aimed at researchers planning their next academic or research career move for the 2027 intake.

The package also includes 30 days of paid annual leave, two weeks of annual CERN closure, comprehensive health insurance coverage for the fellow, spouse, and children, CERN Pension Fund membership, family-related monthly allowances where applicable, relocation support through installation grants and travel expenses, and access to formal training, on-the-job development, and language classes.

For a young postdoctoral researcher, that combination makes the fellowship both academically valuable and financially strong.

What Selected Fellows Will Actually Work On?

This fellowship is placed under CERN’s Experimental Physics Department, which supports experimental particle physics research and the wider scientific community working at CERN.

Selected fellows will conduct postdoctoral research in applied physics and engineering, particularly around experimental systems used in major physics programmes. The work may involve detector technologies, material science, mechanical engineering, electronics, computing, experimental setup design, system operation, data-related infrastructure, or technology development connected to CERN experiments.

The role is especially suitable for researchers who do not want a purely theoretical postdoctoral position. CERN is looking for candidates who can contribute to physical systems, advanced technologies, experimental setups, and large-scale international research projects.

Subject Areas and Research Fields Covered

Applicants from the following academic and technical backgrounds are the strongest fit for this CERN fellowship:

1. Applied Physics
2. Engineering
3. Experimental Particle Physics
4. Detector Technologies
5. Material Science
6. Mechanical Engineering
7. Electronics
8. Computing for Experimental Systems
9. Experimental Setup Design and Operation
10. Scientific Instrumentation
11. Research Technology Development
12. Physics Experiment Support Systems

The fellowship is offered under the Applied Physics and Engineering field of work, and CERN clearly states that Experimental Physics, Applied Science and Engineering, and Theoretical Physics are separate recruitment processes. Applicants must therefore submit their application under the correct field indicated in the position title.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is designed for early-career researchers who already have a strong scientific foundation and now want to work inside a major international research infrastructure.

Applicants should have a strong background in applied physics, engineering, or a closely related field. Research experience linked to the design, development, deployment, or operation of experimental systems will be especially relevant.

CERN is also looking for candidates who can work in large international teams. This matters because CERN projects are rarely solo scientific exercises. Fellows are expected to collaborate with physicists, engineers, technical experts, and experimental collaborations, while also contributing to analysis, documentation, and dissemination of research results.

Eligibility Check for Applicants

1. You should consider applying if you meet the following conditions:
2. You are a national of a CERN Member State or Associate Member State, although a small number of exceptions may be possible each year.
3. You have a PhD by the application deadline, or you expect to obtain it within six months after the deadline.
4. You have no more than three years of research experience after completing your PhD. Candidates with up to six years of post-PhD research experience may be considered only in exceptional cases.
5. You have never previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.
6. You have good knowledge of English or French.
7. You have a serious research interest in applied physics, engineering, experimental systems, or large-scale scientific infrastructure.
8. You are ready to work fully onsite in Geneva, Switzerland.

Application Deadline

The last date to apply for the CERN Switzerland Research Fellowship in Applied Physics and Engineering for the 2027 intake is August 30, 2026, at 23:59 Geneva time.

The ideal fellowship start date is January 1, 2027, and selected candidates will begin with a 24-month contract, with a possible extension up to 36 months depending on CERN’s requirements and individual circumstances.