CERN’s Non-Member State Postdoc Fellowship Programme offers two-year theoretical physics fellowships in Geneva, with a net monthly stipend of up to CHF 7,326 and additional benefits.
CERN’s Non-Member State Postdoc Fellowship Programme in Theoretical Physics offers an opportunity for early-career theoretical physicists to undertake postdoctoral research at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.
The programme awards two fellowships each year, normally for two years, with the possibility of an exceptional extension to a third year.
Opportunity Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | CERN – European Organization for Nuclear Research |
| Programme | Non-Member State Postdoc Fellowship Programme |
| Field | Theoretical Physics |
| Location | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Fellowship duration | 24 months |
| Possible extension | Up to 36 months |
| Fellowships awarded | 2 per year |
| Monthly stipend | CHF 6,911–CHF 7,326 net |
| Research experience | Maximum 6 years after PhD |
| Application deadline stated in source | 3 November 2025 |
| Work arrangement | Full-time |
What the CERN Fellowship Involves
The fellowship is designed for researchers in theoretical physics who want to continue their research at CERN.
Fellows receive an employment contract for an initial period of 24 months. The appointment can exceptionally be extended to 36 months.
The programme provides access to CERN’s scientific environment and allows fellows to develop their research interests while working within the organisation’s theoretical physics community.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- They must not be nationals of CERN Member States or Associated Member States.
- Applicants who are nationals of CERN Member or Associated Member States should apply through CERN’s Standard Fellowship Programme instead.
- Applicants must hold a PhD in theoretical physics, or have a PhD defence already scheduled.
- The PhD must be completed before taking up the appointment at CERN.
- Applicants must have no more than six years of research experience after completing their PhD.
- CERN staff members are not eligible to apply.
Fellowship Benefits
CERN states that fellows receive a range of financial and employment benefits.
The monthly stipend is between CHF 6,911 and CHF 7,326 net of tax.
Additional benefits include:
- Comprehensive CERN health coverage for the fellow, spouse and children.
- Membership of the CERN Pension Fund.
- Installation grant, depending on individual circumstances.
- Family, child and infant allowances where applicable.
- Travel expenses to and from Geneva, depending on individual circumstances.
- 2.5 days of paid leave per month.
- An employment contract initially covering 24 months.
Application Documents
Applicants need to prepare the following documents in PDF format:
- CV
- Most recent relevant qualification
- Statement of research interests explaining planned research during the fellowship
- Three recent recommendation letters
The recommendation letters must be no more than one year old at the application deadline.
After submitting the application, applicants receive a link that can be forwarded to their referees so the letters can be uploaded confidentially. Letters can also be uploaded directly if they are already available.
Application Deadline
The deadline stated in the supplied CERN vacancy is 3 November 2025 at 23:59 CEST.
Applicants are advised to have all required documents ready before submitting because the source states that applications cannot be edited or have additional documents uploaded after submission.
Because this deadline has already passed, applicants interested in a future intake should check CERN’s current fellowship listings for the next application cycle.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted through CERN’s official recruitment platform.
Applicants should select the appropriate fellowship programme based on their nationality and eligibility.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
This fellowship is specifically aimed at early-career theoretical physicists from countries that are not CERN Member or Associated Member States. The source indicates that only two fellowships are awarded each year, making the programme a limited research opportunity.
The financial package includes a net monthly stipend, healthcare coverage, pension membership and potentially additional family and relocation-related allowances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many theoretical physics fellowships does CERN award each year?
The Non-Member State Fellowship Programme in Theoretical Physics awards two postdoctoral fellowships each year, according to the supplied CERN vacancy.
How long is the CERN fellowship?
The fellowship is normally for 24 months, with an exceptional possibility of extending it to 36 months.
How much does the CERN theoretical physics fellowship pay?
The stated stipend ranges from CHF 6,911 to CHF 7,326 per month net of tax.
Can CERN Member State nationals apply?
Not through this particular programme. Nationals of CERN Member States or Associated Member States are directed to apply to CERN’s Standard Fellowship Programme.
Do I need a PhD?
Yes. Applicants must have a PhD in theoretical physics, or have their PhD defence already scheduled. The PhD must be completed before starting the CERN appointment.
Is there a research experience limit?
Yes. Applicants must have no more than six years of research experience after completing their PhD.
Are CERN staff members eligible?
No. CERN staff members are specifically excluded from applying for this fellowship.
What documents are required?
Applicants need a CV, their most recent relevant qualification, a research-interest statement and three recent recommendation letters.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
The supplied source does not use the phrase “fully funded,” but it specifies a net monthly stipend, health coverage, pension membership, paid leave and certain possible allowances and travel expenses.
What was the application deadline?
The supplied vacancy gives 3 November 2025 at 23:59 CEST as the application deadline. Since this date has passed, applicants should check CERN’s current fellowship listings for a future call.
Disclaimer
Opportunities Feed is sharing this opportunity for informational and career purposes. We are not affiliated with CERN and do not recruit applicants on its behalf.
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