CERN Research Fellowship Programme
CERN Research Fellowship Programme supports recent PhD graduates in independent and collaborative physics, engineering and IT research to advance scientific discoveries and develop expertise.
Funder: CERN
Due Dates: Closing date listed by position (applications and recommendation letters) | October 1, 2027 (Theoretical Physics ideal start)
Funding Amounts: CHF 7,004 or CHF 7,425 net monthly for 6–24 months, potentially extended to 36 months
Summary: Fellowships support recent PhD graduates pursuing independent and collaborative research in physics, applied sciences, engineering and information technologies at CERN.
Key Information: Applicants must never have held a CERN fellow or graduate contract, and nationality restrictions apply.
Description
The CERN Research Fellowship Programme is part of CERN’s broader Graduate Programme for recent PhD graduates in physics and engineering. Fellows define their own projects, collaborate with leading experts and contribute to scientific discoveries while developing expertise and international recognition. Research spans theoretical, experimental and applied physics, engineering and information technologies.
Opportunities include studying particles and fundamental forces, designing experiments, analysing data and developing technologies such as particle detectors. Engineering research covers chemical, materials and process engineering, electrical systems and precision electronics, while information technology supports particle beams, experiments and accelerator controls. The advertised Theoretical Physics fellowship offers an opportunity to develop and lead a research programme within CERN’s Theory Department, combining analytical and computational work with collaboration, seminars and workshops.
