How to Apply: CERN Post-Career Break Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
Restart your research career with the fully funded CERN Post-Career Break Fellowship 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland. Open to scientists and engineers worldwide who have taken a career break of at least two years. Enjoy a tax-free stipend, health coverage, family allowances, and world-class training. De
Ready to reignite your research career? The CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 offers a dedicated return-to-work program for scientists and engineers. Join CERN's world-class team to collaborate on pioneering projects, with flexible full or part-time positions available. This is your opportunity to re-enter the field at the cutting edge of global scientific discovery.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Bridge the Gap on Your Own Terms
Designed specifically for those who paused their careers for personal reasons—like caregiving or health—and are ready to re-enter science or engineering. Periods of unemployment or career shifts are not considered career breaks. Candidates must have been inactive for at least two years. Work at CERN—A Hub of Innovation
Located in Geneva, CERN is the European Organization for Nuclear Research. It offers a research playground where fundamental physics meets engineering innovation. Join projects—or even propose your own—and catch up with the latest scientific advances.
Fellowship Highlights
Duration & Format
Contract: 24 months, extendable up to 36 months for dedicated fellows.
Mode: Flexible—full-time or part-time to accommodate your return-to-work needs (SmartRecruiters)
Financials & Benefits
Monthly stipend: 6,194 to 6,808 CHF net of tax (some sources cite a slightly higher 6,287–6,911 range).
Health coverage: You, your spouse, and your children, under CERN’s comprehensive scheme
Pension: Included via the CERN Pension Fund.
Additional support: Monthly family and/or installation allowance (based on need), travel allowances at start and end, and 30 days paid leave per year.
Training: On-the-job training + in-house French and/or English courses.
Who Can Apply?
Academic Qualifications:
Master’s degree holders should have 2–6 years of relevant work experience
PhD holders should have ~3 years post-degree experience
In physics, a research-intensive profile with ~6 years post-PhD is more common
Career Break Requirements: Minimum two-year break for personal reasons; not including unemployment or career changes.
Exclusions: Current CERN employees are not eligible.
Global Candidates Welcome: CERN embraces international applicants with diverse backgrounds and disciplines beyond physics—including data science, engineering, and health sciences.
What You’ll Need to Apply
Updated CV/resume
Valid passport
Academic transcript (PDF)
Personal letter explaining:
Your career break story
How your experience and interests align with CERN’s mission
(Optional) A brief research proposal, if relevant.
Important Deadlines
Application Deadline: September 7, 2025, at midnight CEST (Central European Summer Time)
Key Takeaways (At a Glance)
Feature Details
Institution CERN, Geneva (Switzerland)
Duration 24–36 months
Stipend 6,194–6,808 CHF/month (tax-net)
Eligibility MSc or PhD + career break (≥2 years)
Benefits Health, pension, leave, allowances, training
Language Support French and/or English courses included
Deadline September 7, 2025 (12:00 AM CEST)
