NOMIS–ETH Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland | Fully Funded 3-Year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

NOMIS–ETH Postdoctoral Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland

ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich) has opened applications for the NOMIS–ETH Fellowship 2027, a competitive postdoctoral research opportunity for outstanding early-career researchers interested in developing innovative interdisciplinary scientific projects.

The fellowship is hosted by the Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life (COPL) and supports research exploring fundamental questions concerning the origin, evolution, and possible prevalence of life throughout the universe.

The fellowship provides a fully funded research salary for three years, a possible fourth-year extension under specific conditions, and up to CHF 20,000 annually for research expenses and scientific mobility.

Applications opened on September 4, 2026, and will close on November 6, 2026.

📋 Fellowship Overview

🔬 What Is the NOMIS–ETH Fellowship?

The NOMIS–ETH Fellowship Program supports outstanding early-career scientists who have demonstrated academic excellence and the ability to develop independent research ideas.

The program encourages researchers to move beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries and collaborate with scientists from different fields to address fundamental questions concerning the origin and prevalence of life in the universe.

It provides a highly collaborative academic environment, access to research facilities, and opportunities to connect with international scientific networks.

Important: This is a postdoctoral research fellowship involving fixed-term employment, not a degree programme.

💰 Fellowship Funding and Benefits

1. Full Research Salary

Selected fellows receive a salary corresponding to 100% employment under ETH Zurich's official salary regulations.

The initial fellowship funding lasts three years.

The announcement does not specify a fixed monthly or annual salary amount. The actual salary is determined according to the applicable ETH employment classification and salary policies.

2. Research Funding

The fellowship provides up to:

CHF 20,000 per year

to support eligible expenses, including:

• Research activities and experiments.
• Approved research materials and expenses.
• Conference participation.
• International scientific travel and mobility.
• Activities directly connected with the proposed research project.

This amount is a combined annual maximum for research and mobility expenses, rather than two separate allowances.

Research and mobility funds cannot be transferred to salary expenses.

3. Possible Fourth-Year Extension

A fourth year may be granted following a research review conducted approximately 18 months after the fellowship begins.

The host professor must commit to financing the additional year.

The extension is conditional and is not automatically guaranteed.

4. Academic and Professional Benefits

• Access to an advanced international research environment.
• Opportunities to develop an independent research project.
• Interdisciplinary scientific collaboration.
• Access to international research networks.
• Participation in scientific conferences and activities.
• Professional and academic development.
• Opportunities to participate in selected teaching activities.

Does the Fellowship Cover Accommodation and Airfare?

The announcement does not list free accommodation or separate international relocation flights as guaranteed benefits for all fellows.

The mobility and travel budget is intended for eligible scientific and research activities under the fellowship regulations.

🎓 Relevant Research Fields

The fellowship focuses on interdisciplinary research addressing the origins and prevalence of life.

Relevant scientific areas may include:

Life Sciences and Biology

• Microbiology.
• Biochemistry.
• Evolutionary Biology.
• Molecular Biology.
• Biological Systems.
• Microbial Communities.

Chemistry and Molecular Sciences

• Prebiotic Chemistry.
• Organic Chemistry.
• Physical Chemistry.
• Catalysis.
• Bioinspired Molecules and Materials.

Earth and Planetary Sciences

• Planetary Science.
• Geochemistry.
• Early Earth Evolution.
• Planetary Atmospheres.
• Geological Processes Relevant to the Emergence of Life.

Physics and Interdisciplinary Sciences

• Astrophysics.
• Exoplanet Science.
• Biophysics.
• Scientific Modelling and Computing.
• Potential Habitable Environments Beyond Earth.

Note: These are examples of research areas relevant to the Centre, not an exhaustive list of eligible disciplines. Project eligibility depends on scientific quality, alignment with COPL's mission, and the availability of appropriate host supervision.

✅ Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must generally satisfy the following criteria:

1. Be an early-career researcher with a strong scientific record.
2. Have at least formally submitted their PhD thesis by the application deadline, even if the final doctoral degree has not yet been awarded.
3. Normally apply within three years of obtaining their doctorate; duly justified exceptions may be considered.
4. Hold an existing affiliation with an academic or research institution.
5. Preferably have initial postdoctoral experience and/or interdisciplinary research training.
6. Propose an original and innovative research project aligned with COPL's mission.
7. Obtain the agreement of an eligible ETH Zurich host professor before applying.
8. Submit a joint application with one or, where appropriate, two host professors.
9. Be available for an online interview if shortlisted.

Is There an Age Limit?

The announcement does not specify a universal maximum age.

However, the fellowship targets early-career researchers and primarily considers the time elapsed since obtaining a doctoral degree.

Can Applicants Apply Before Receiving Their PhD Certificate?

Yes. Applicants must have formally submitted their PhD thesis by the application deadline and provide documentary evidence.

Can Unsuccessful Applicants Reapply?

Yes. Applicants who were not selected in previous fellowship rounds may submit a new application if they meet the eligibility requirements.

👨‍🏫 Host Professor Requirement

Identifying and securing the support of an eligible host professor is one of the most important application requirements.

The application must be developed jointly with one or two ETH Zurich professors affiliated with the Centre for Origin and Prevalence of Life.

The host must:

• Be qualified to supervise the proposed project.
• Demonstrate alignment between the project, the host research group, and COPL's scientific mission.
• Agree to host and support the applicant.
• Provide a formal invitation letter explaining the applicant's suitability.
• Commit to providing additional project resources where needed.
• Confirm financial support for the fourth year if the extension conditions are satisfied.
• Ensure that at least one host or co-host has a guaranteed ETH Zurich position for the full proposed fellowship period.

In each selection round, a professor may act as the principal host for only one applicant but may serve as a co-host for another candidate.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact suitable research groups before preparing their final submission.

🗣️ English-Language Requirements

The organisers do not specify a universal minimum English-language test score.

IELTS or TOEFL results are not listed among the general mandatory application documents.

Nevertheless, candidates must be able to communicate effectively in scientific settings, prepare high-quality research documents, and participate in academic discussions and interviews.

📄 Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents electronically in the required formats:

1. Signed Cover Letter: Including the applicant's signature and date.
2. Evidence of PhD Thesis Submission: Official confirmation that the doctoral thesis has at least been submitted.
3. Complete Academic CV: Including a photograph, full publication list, and dates specifying at least month and year.
4. Research Project Description: Prepared using the official fellowship template.
5. Career Goals Statement: A brief account of the applicant's future research and career plans.
6. Host Professor's Invitation Letter: Confirming the applicant's suitability and the required financial commitments.
7. Ethical Issues and Research Authorisation Form: Completed using the official template.
8. Signed NOMIS Code of Conduct: Using the prescribed document.
9. Two External Reference Letters: Sent directly by the referees to COPL's Managing Office before the application deadline.

Important: Referees must email their letters directly to:

copl.management@sympa.ethz.ch

Uploading reference letters within the candidate's application alone is not sufficient.

📝 Research Proposal Requirements

The project description must use the official template and address:

• Research title and central concept.
• Scientific problem and research questions.
• Project objectives.
• Scientific significance and originality.
• Interdisciplinary approach.
• High-risk or unconventional research elements.
• Proposed methodology.
• Expected challenges and likelihood of success.
• The applicant's specific role and contribution.
• Relationship to the host groups' research activities.
• Alignment with COPL's scientific mission.
• Medium-term research vision and career goals.
• Relevant literature and references.

The selection committee places particular emphasis on scientific originality, intellectual independence, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

📝 How to Apply

1. Visit the official fellowship webpage.
2. Review COPL's affiliated research groups and scientific activities.
3. Identify one or two suitable host professors.
4. Contact potential hosts and agree to prepare a joint application.
5. Develop the research proposal using the official template.
6. Obtain the required invitation letter and financial commitments.
7. Prepare the academic CV, thesis submission evidence, and supporting documents.
8. Request two external reference letters and ensure the referees submit them directly.
9. Visit the official ETH Zurich Job Board.
10. Upload the required documents and submit before the deadline.

Important: Applications must be submitted through the official online recruitment portal. Applications submitted by ordinary email or postal mail are not accepted.

📅 Important Dates

Applicants are encouraged to prepare early, as obtaining host approval, collecting recommendations, and developing a joint interdisciplinary proposal can require substantial preparation.

🎯 Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed by a dedicated scientific selection panel.

Applicant's Scientific Excellence

• Research performance and achievements.
• Quality of publications and scientific contributions.
• Relevant research skills and experience.
• Potential for independent research.
• Medium-term scientific and career vision.

Research Project Quality

• Scientific originality and importance.
• Innovation and interdisciplinarity.
• Suitability of the proposed methodology.
• Scientific ambition.
• Risks, challenges, and feasibility.

Host-Group Collaboration

• Alignment with COPL's scientific mission.
• Scientific added value to the host groups.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Potential to establish new research directions.

Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited to a mandatory online interview lasting approximately 15 minutes.

Questions focus on the proposed project, the choice of host laboratories, the applicant's scientific expertise, and future research and career plans.

Selection takes place in two stages: written application review followed by interviews with shortlisted candidates.

📌 Responsibilities of Successful Fellows

Selected fellows are expected to:

• Work under a valid ETH Zurich employment contract throughout the fellowship.
• Conduct the approved research project.
• Participate in the Centre's scientific activities.
• Present research progress at the midpoint and end of the fellowship.
• Follow ETH Zurich's research integrity and ethical standards.
• Acknowledge NOMIS Foundation support in publications and scientific presentations.
• Submit a final report within four weeks after fellowship completion.
• Participate in agreed teaching activities where applicable.

🔗 Official Links

Official Fellowship Information:

https://copl.ethz.ch/opportunities/nomis-eth-fellowships.html

Direct Application Portal:

https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_HADDooajzVrtCF2fGd

Affiliated Research Groups and Potential Hosts:

https://copl.ethz.ch/research/affiliated-research-groups.html

Official 2027 Fellowship Call Announcement:

https://copl.ethz.ch/news/COPL-news-channel/2026/09/call-for-applications-to-the-nomiseth-fellowship-programme.html

Application-Related Technical Enquiries:

copl.management@sympa.ethz.ch

The official research proposal, ethics declaration, code of conduct, and electronic submission instruction templates can be downloaded from the fellowship webpage.

💡 Need Help Applying?

If you hold a PhD or are in its final stages and wish to apply for the NOMIS–ETH Fellowship 2027 in Switzerland, the Fursaty team can assist with:

• Academic and research eligibility assessment.
• Identifying suitable research groups.
• Organising academic CVs and publication lists.
• Reviewing and formatting research proposals.
• Preparing professional cover letters.
• Reviewing the required supporting documents.
• Organising and checking the final application before submission.

Fursaty is an independent application-support service and is not affiliated with the host institution or funding organisation. Admission or host-professor support cannot be guaranteed.

📲 Contact Fursaty via WhatsApp to request an initial assessment of your research profile.