StudyDesk Scholarships
About the fellowship
The CERN Research Fellowship Programme hires early-career physicists to lead their own independent research programme at CERN in Geneva, alongside members of one of the laboratory’s research groups. This is not a degree grant — it is a salaried postdoctoral appointment with a 24-month employment contract that can extend to 36 months.
The currently open vacancy is the Theoretical Physics track of the 2026 call (reference TH-2026-1/Cat1). Earlier 2026 tracks, including experimental physics, have already closed. If you work in theory, the window is still open — but only until 2 November 2026.
Eligibility
- Hold a PhD in theoretical physics by the application deadline (a defence already scheduled also qualifies; the degree must be completed before taking up the appointment).
- No more than six years of research experience after the PhD by the start of the contract.
- Must not be a current CERN staff member and must never have held a CERN fellow or graduate contract.
- The vacancy notice states no nationality restriction, but requirements can differ between tracks — always read the notice for your field.
Benefits
- Tax-free net stipend of CHF 7,004 or 7,425 per month, depending on the degree.
- Comprehensive health insurance for the fellow, spouse and children, plus CERN Pension Fund membership.
- Family, child and infant monthly allowances and a relocation package (installation grant and travel expenses).
- 30 days of paid leave per year plus CERN’s 2-week annual closure.
- On-the-job and formal training, including language classes.
Documents required
- CV in English or French.
- Copy of the most relevant diploma or certificate of achievement from the university.
- Statement of research interests outlining your plans for the fellowship.
- Three recent letters of recommendation (not older than one year at the application deadline), uploaded confidentially by the referees — not by the applicant.
How to apply
- Confirm the trackCheck the Theoretical Physics vacancy notice on CERN Careers and make sure your profile fits the requirements.
- Submit the online applicationApply through CERN’s recruitment portal (SmartRecruiters) before 2 November 2026, 23:59 CET.
- Forward the referee linkAfter submitting, send the referee submission link you receive to your three referees.
- Chase the lettersMake sure referees upload their letters confidentially before the closing date — late letters are not accepted.
- Await the outcomeThe ideal start date is 1 October 2027.
FAQs
No. It is a salaried postdoctoral fellowship: a full-time, 24-month employment contract at CERN in Geneva, extendable to 36 months.
PhD holders in theoretical physics with no more than six years of post-PhD research experience. CERN staff, and anyone who has previously held a CERN fellow or graduate contract, are ineligible.
The Theoretical Physics vacancy notice states none. Requirements can differ between tracks, so always check the specific vacancy notice for your field.
The net monthly stipend is CHF 7,004 or 7,425 depending on the degree, and it is paid tax-free, with health insurance, pension membership, family allowances and a relocation package on top.
No — the three letters must be uploaded confidentially by the referees themselves through the link you forward to them.
Verified 22 Oct 2026 via CERN’s official vacancy notice on its SmartRecruiters recruitment portal (Ref TH-2026-1/Cat1: stipend, contract length, eligibility, referee process, 2 Nov 2026 deadline) + corroborating mirrors of the programme’s 2026 postings (experimental physics call closed 01/09/2026). This article covers the Theoretical Physics track of the 2026 call, the still-open vacancy; other 2026 tracks closed earlier.
