CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland

Applications are now open for the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. This prestigious fully funded fellowship is designed for individuals who have taken a career break for personal reasons and are now ready to return to the fields of science and engineering.

The program provides a contract of up to 36 months, a competitive stipend, family support benefits, travel coverage, and access to world-class research facilities at CERN. It is an excellent opportunity to re-enter the workforce and contribute to cutting-edge projects in science and technology.

Fellowship Details

Host Country: Switzerland
Location: CERN, Geneva
Duration: 24 months (extendable up to 36 months)
Funding Type: Fully Funded
Deadline: 7 September 2025

Key Features of the Fellowship

Open to science and engineering graduates returning from a career break.
Flexible full-time or part-time options.
Fellows can join an existing research project at CERN or propose their own.
Designed for those who paused their careers due to family responsibilities, health reasons, or caring duties.
Not intended for individuals seeking a career change outside their field of study.

Financial Benefits

The fellowship offers a comprehensive support package, including:

Contract: 24 months (extendable up to 36 months).
Stipend: CHF 6,287 – CHF 6,911 per month (tax-free).
Health insurance for you and your family.
Membership in the CERN Pension Fund.
Installation grant plus family, child, and infant allowances (if eligible).
Travel expenses at the beginning and end of the contract.
Training opportunities, including on-the-job learning, formal courses, and English/French language classes.
30 days of paid annual leave.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, applicants must:

Have taken a career break for at least 2 years due to personal reasons (family, health, or caring duties).
Hold an Experienced Graduate profile.
Be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State with the following qualifications:
- MSc + 2–6 years of relevant experience, OR
- PhD + up to 3 years of relevant experience.
For experimental or theoretical physics, applicants must hold a PhD with up to 6 years of post-PhD experience.
Not be a CERN staff member at the time of application.