EPFL International Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme in Switzerland

The EPFL International Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme offers distinguished early-career researchers from around the world the opportunity to pursue groundbreaking research at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), one of Europe's leading universities in science and technology. The program aims to attract talented postdoctoral scientists who demonstrate excellence and innovation in their respective fields, including engineering, natural sciences, computer science, and related disciplines. Successful candidates are provided with a robust research environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and interdisciplinary approaches, enabling them to develop their research projects under the guidance of EPFL’s world-renowned faculty members. The fellowship includes a competitive salary, significant research funding, and access to EPFL’s state-of-the-art research facilities and resources. Additionally, fellows benefit from EPFL’s vibrant academic community, networking opportunities, and support for integrating into the Swiss research landscape. The program encourages innovative, high-impact research that aligns with EPFL's strategic priorities, such as sustainable development, digital transformation, health, and new materials. Applicants are evaluated based on their academic achievements, research proposal quality, and potential for scientific leadership. The fellowship duration is typically up to two years, with possibilities for renewal based on research progress. Selected fellows are expected to contribute actively to EPFL’s academic environment through seminars, collaborative projects, and dissemination of their findings. This program not only supports individual research careers but also promotes international scientific exchange and strengthens EPFL’s position as a hub of innovation. The EPFL International Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme embodies the university’s commitment to fostering excellence in research and developing future leaders in science and technology who will contribute to society at large.

EPFL fellowships may be held in any scientific discipline within the EPFL. Fellowships are available for researchers in all disciplines that are covered by the research of the EPFL host professors: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Computer Science, Communication Systems (unique in Switzerland), Mathematical Sciences, Physics, Chemical and biological Engineering, Micro Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Life Sciences and Technologies; complemented by the programs of the College of Management of Technology and the College of Humanity (with the collaboration of other universities). Candidates choose freely their host laboratory and project, in order to maximize their new experience and the advancement in their scientific career.
Fellowships are available for pursuing postdoctoral research program.
The Research Commission of the Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne, co-funded by Marie Curie
Scholarship can be taken at: The EPFL fellowships can only be carried out in Switzerland, at the EPFL campus in Lausanne, Neuchâtel, Valais or Fribourg.

The international evaluation panel will review your application against the following criteria: (1) Excellence; (2) Impact; (3) Implementation. See the table below for more details about each criteria as well as the threshold/weight.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The EPFL Fellows fellowship consists of a monthly contribution of 2’625 Euro to the salary of the post-doc at EPFL. The remaining part of the salary is provided by the hosting Professor. It is therefore important that the research plan is developed in cooperation with the Principal Investigator at EPFL. You should contact the Human Resources of the hosting research department to inquire about the basic salary level, which includes social benefits such as AVS (pension scheme), and AC (unemployment insurance) and family allocations.

The EPFL International Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme is a prestigious initiative designed to attract talented early-career researchers from around the globe to conduct high-level research at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland. This fellowship aims to support postdoctoral scientists in establishing themselves as independent researchers and advancing their scholarly careers through innovative and high-impact projects. The program typically offers competitive salaries, research allowances, and funding for conference travel and publication costs, ensuring fellows can focus fully on their scientific pursuits. Candidates are selected based on their research excellence, originality, and potential for future scientific leadership. The fellowship encompasses a broad range of disciplines across science and engineering, allowing for cross-disciplinary collaborations within EPFL's vibrant research environment. Successful applicants become part of an international academic community, gaining access to extensive resources, state-of-the-art laboratories, and mentorship from leading experts in their fields. The fellowship duration generally spans up to two years, with possibilities for renewal or extension depending on the research progress and institutional policies. EPFL’s commitment to diversity, sustainability, and innovation is reflected in this program, which seeks to foster international collaborations and promote gender equality in research. Fellows are encouraged to participate in local seminars, conferences, and scientific networks, enhancing their professional development and visibility. The programme aligns with EPFL’s strategic goal to strengthen scientific excellence and innovation capacity, making it highly competitive and highly regarded within the global research community. This initiative also offers postdoctoral researchers the unique Swiss research environment, characterized by excellent infrastructure, high quality of life, and the opportunity to collaborate with industry partners linked to EPFL’s ecosystem. Overall, the EPFL International Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme represents a remarkable opportunity for early-stage researchers to develop their independence, expand their expertise, and contribute to cutting-edge scientific advancements through interdisciplinary research collaborations.