Advance Your Career with the CERN Research Fellowship in Theoretical Physics 2025
CERN is the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, home to the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and a vibrant international community of scientists dedicated to advancing human knowledge. The institution is renowned for groundbreaking discoveries in physics and provides an inspiring environment where theoretical and experimental research intersect, fostering collaboration and innovation at the highest level.
Degree Level
This fellowship is designed for postdoctoral researchers.
Available Subjects
Theoretical Physics
Benefits
Selected fellows receive a fully funded employment contract for 24 months, extendable up to 36 months, with a monthly stipend ranging from 6,911 to 7,326 Swiss francs net of tax. Fellows enjoy comprehensive health insurance for themselves and their dependents, membership in the CERN Pension Fund, and allowances for installation, family, child, and infant support depending on circumstances. Travel expenses to and from Geneva are covered, and fellows receive 2.5 days of paid leave per month.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must hold a PhD in theoretical physics or have a scheduled defense date and have no more than six years of research experience following PhD completion. Limited positions are available for non-Member State nationals through the Non-Member State Postdoc Fellowship Programme. Current CERN staff members are not eligible. Applicants must be nationals of a CERN Member or Associate Member State.
Why Apply for the CERN Research Fellowship
Joining CERN as a Research Fellow provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, mentorship from leading physicists, and collaboration within an international research community at the forefront of particle physics. Fellows gain unparalleled professional development, career advancement opportunities, and the chance to contribute to discoveries that expand our understanding of the universe. This fellowship is a unique gateway for talented postdoctoral researchers to advance their careers in theoretical physics at a globally renowned institution.
Application Procedure
Applicants should submit the following documents in PDF format: a CV, the most recent qualification, a statement of research interests outlining fellowship plans, and three recent letters of recommendation not older than one year. After submitting the online application, candidates will receive a link for referees to upload confidential letters. The application deadline is 3 November 2025 at 23:59 CEST.