Designation/Position- Branco Weiss Fellowship
ETH Zurich, Switzerland, invites applications for Branco Weiss Fellowship position from eligible and interested candidates
About- The Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science invites applications from outstanding postdoctoral researchers worldwide for its 2026 fellowship intake. This prestigious international fellowship supports exceptional young scientists who wish to pursue independent, unconventional, and high-impact research beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
Fellows receive substantial funding and intellectual freedom to develop their own research vision at leading academic institutions worldwide for up to five years, while engaging with society on broader social, cultural, political, and economic issues related to science.
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship Name | Branco Weiss Fellowship – Society in Science |
| Level | Postdoctoral Fellowship |
| Duration | Up to 5 years |
| Funding | Up to CHF 600,000 |
| Eligible Disciplines | All scientific fields |
| Location | Any academic institution worldwide |
| Host Institution | Academic institution (administered via ETH Zurich) |
| Application Deadline | 15 January 2026, 5:00 p.m. CET |
| Start Date | Between 1 October – 31 December 2026 |
Designation
Branco Weiss Fellow (Postdoctoral Research Fellow)
Research Area
- All scientific disciplines
- Strong preference for novel, non-mainstream, high-risk/high-reward research
- Projects that connect science with society and encourage interdisciplinary dialogue
Location
- Worldwide (Any recognized academic host institution)
- Mandatory participation in annual symposium in Zurich, Switzerland
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Hold a PhD (or have successfully passed the doctoral examination) by 15 January 2026
- PhD obtained within the last 5 years (extensions allowed only for parental leave or illness, max. 1 year)
- Open to all nationalities and disciplines
- Must not:
- Hold or have held a faculty-equivalent position (e.g., Assistant Professor, Lecturer)
- Have permanent employment
- Demonstrated record of outstanding scientific achievement
- Research proposal must:
- Clearly depart from mainstream research
- Demonstrate originality and scientific rigor
- Show willingness to engage with broader societal issues
- Willingness to attend annual symposia in Zurich (in person)
Job Description
Selected fellows will:
- Design and independently lead a highly original research project
- Conduct research at one or more academic host institutions worldwide
- Manage fellowship funds responsibly through the host institution
- Participate in:
- Annual scientific and financial reporting
- Mandatory annual symposium in Zurich
- Undergo:
- Mid-term review and site visit after approximately two years
- Communicate research outcomes beyond their own discipline
- Maintain compliance with ethical, legal, and research integrity standards
The fellowship consists of:
- Pioneer Phase (first 2.5 years)
- Exploitation Phase (final 2.5 years, subject to successful review)
Funding & Benefits
- Up to CHF 600,000 for a maximum of 5 years
- Funds may be used for:
- Fellow’s salary
- Salaries of doctoral students
- Equipment (≤ CHF 50,000 in last two years)
- Consumables, travel, and research-related services
- Flexibility to seek additional third-party funding
- Possibility to start a faculty position after the first year (with conditions)
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online in English via the official Branco Weiss Fellowship portal.
Required documents (PDF format):
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page)
- Research proposal (max. 5 pages)
- Curriculum Vitae with publications (max. 4 pages)
- Invitation letter from host institution
- Copies of three peer-reviewed publications
- Five independent reviewer suggestions
- PhD certificate or confirmation of successful examination
Important Notes:
- All documents must follow naming conventions
- No budgets or reference letters required at initial submission
- Applications not complying with guidelines will be rejected on formal grounds
Selection Process
- Initial screening by Directorate and ETH Zurich experts
- Peer review by external experts
- Online interview (mandatory, ~30 minutes)
Final decisions are communicated via email.
Last Date for Apply
🗓 15 January 2026, 5:00 p.m. CET
⚠️ Applicants are strongly advised to submit 1–2 days before the deadline to avoid server overload.
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