Summary
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) is offering Postdoc.Mobility fellowships to early-career researchers who have completed their doctorate. This scheme is designed to fund a research stay abroad, enabling scholars to acquire in-depth knowledge, expand their scientific network, and build independence in preparation for a future academic or scientific career in Switzerland.
Postdoc.Mobility Fellowship – Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) Switzerland
Designation
Postdoctoral Fellow / Mobility Fellowship Holder
Overview Table
| Aspect | Details |
| Funding Organization | Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) |
| Program Name | Postdoc.Mobility |
| Fellowship Duration | 24 months (with an optional 3–12 month return phase) |
| Financial Support | Subsistence costs, travel flat-rate, potential research/conference costs |
Research Area
Open to all disciplines across the Humanities, Social Sciences, STEM (MINT), and Life Sciences.
Open to all research disciplines, including:
- Humanities and Social Sciences (SSH)
- Mathematics, Natural, and Engineering Sciences (MINT)
- Life Sciences (LS)
Location
- Fellowship Phase: Host research institution(s) abroad.
- Return Phase (Optional): A Swiss higher education research center.
Eligibility/Qualification
To be eligible for the Postdoc.Mobility fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Academic Qualifications: A completed doctorate (PhD, MD-PhD) or medical degree (MD) with a doctorate. Researchers expecting to complete their doctorate within the next 6 months (from the submission deadline) are also eligible.
- Time Windows:
- Standard: Submission up to 3 years after the doctoral examination/defence.
- Medical researchers (without MD-PhD): Submission up to 8 years after the state examination, with at least 3 years of clinical activity.
- Nationality/Residency:
- Swiss nationality, valid Swiss permanent settlement permit (C-permit), or married/in a registered partnership with a Swiss national.
- Exception for Non-Swiss Nationals: Eligible if you conducted your doctoral studies or state examination at a Swiss higher education institution AND have not held a postdoctoral position abroad prior to the submission deadline.
Job Description
The primary objective of the Postdoc.Mobility fellowship is to promote researcher mobility, thereby fostering scientific independence and an enhanced academic profile.
- Key Activities: Conduct independent research at a foreign host institution, build international networks, and prepare for a future career in Swiss academia.
- Funding Details: The fellowship provides a grant for living costs, a flat rate for travel expenses, and possible contributions to conference or research costs.
- Return Grant: Fellowship holders can apply for a return grant to fund their initial research period upon returning to Switzerland, which includes salary and social security contributions.
How to Apply
- Prepare your application: Review the Postdoc.Mobility regulations and guidelines thoroughly.
- Register on mySNF: If you are a new user, you must request a mySNF account at least five working days before the submission deadline to guarantee timely access.
- Submit Online: Draw up your application according to the guidelines and submit it exclusively through the mySNF online platform.
Last Date for Apply
August 4, 2026, at 17:00 CEST
