The fully funded CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 program in Geneva, Switzerland, is currently accepting applications. This fellowship is intended for people who are prepared to return to the scientific and engineering domains after taking a career break for personal reasons. Both full-time and part-time positions are available, and individuals can either propose their own research project or join an already-existing one at CERN.
Contracts for the fellowship are available for a maximum of 36 months, and it is not a permanent position. Instead of focusing on general unemployment or career choices outside of science and engineering, it assists people who took gaps for health, caregiving, or family obligations.
A monthly income, family health insurance, an installation grant, dependent allowances, and reimbursement for travel expenses will all be provided to chosen fellows. This program offers a special opportunity to contribute to CERN’s cutting-edge research while re-entering the workforce.
Host Country: Switzerland
Offered by: CERN
Opportunity Type: Fellowship
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- Candidates must have taken a minimum of two years out from work for personal reasons, such as taking care of family members, dealing with health concerns, or providing care.
- Candidates must have a profile as an experienced graduate.
- Citizens of Member or Associate Member States of CERN are required to possess either:
- two to six years of relevant experience combined with an MSc degree, or
- up to three years of relevant experience combined with a PhD.
- The “Research Fellowship” profile, which calls for a PhD and no more than six years of post-PhD experience, must be met by applicants in experimental or theoretical physics.
- It might be necessary for applicants who are registered as CERN Users to explain how their status relates to their application.
- Employees at CERN are not permitted to apply.
Benefits:
- The contract has a 24-month term that can be extended to 36 months.
- Stipend: A tax-free allowance of between 6,287 and 6,911 CHF every month.
- Insurance: All-inclusive medical protection for fellows and their relatives.
- Pension: CERN Pension Fund membership.
- Allowances include the installation grant as well as any applicable family and kid allowances.
- Travel: Payment for travel expenses at the start and finish of the contract.
- Opportunities for Training: Formal courses, English/French language classes, and on-the-job training.
- 30 days of paid yearly leave is the entitlement to leave.
Deadline: 7th September 2025
