CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland (Fully Funded)

ScholarNomad September 06, 2025

CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland (Fully Funded)

The CERN Post Career Break Fellowship

2026 in Geneva, Switzerland is a fully

funded opportunity that enables scientists,

engineers, and researchers to return to

their professional careers after a

significant break. Whether the pause was

due to family, personal, or professional

reasons, CERN offers an inclusive platform

for candidates to reconnect with their field.

This fellowship not only provides financial

support but also integrates participants

into CERN’s world-class scientific

community, where groundbreaking

discoveries like the Higgs boson were

made. It is ideal for researchers who wish

to restart their career in physics,

engineering, or computing while working

alongside leading experts.

Details About the Fellowship

The European Organization for Nuclear

Research (CERN) is offering the Post Career

Break Fellowship 2026 for individuals who

have had a career gap of at least two

years.

Location: Geneva, Switzerland
Deadline: 7 September 2025
Duration: 24 months (with extension up to 36 months)

Unlike traditional fellowships, this program

specifically targets candidates who have

taken a career break. For more

international opportunities, check out the

Khalifa University PhD Scholarship 2026

(Fully Funded).

Key Features of the Fellowship
CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland (Fully Funded)

Exclusively designed for those returning from a career gap.
Open to candidates from CERN Member States and Associate Member States.
Fellows will work on physics, engineering, or computing research projects.
Mentorship and supervision by leading CERN scientists.
Access to CERN’s high-tech laboratories, supercomputing facilities, and international networks.
Opportunity to contribute to real-world innovations.

For more youth and research programs, explore:

Financial Benefits

The fellowship is fully funded and includes:

Competitive monthly stipend
Travel allowance to and from Geneva
Comprehensive health insurance
Installation grant to settle in Switzerland
Paid annual leave and access to CERN’s facilities

This ensures selected fellows can focus entirely on research.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Hold an MSc or PhD in science, engineering, or computing
Have taken a career break of at least two years
Be a citizen or resident of a CERN Member or Associate Member State
Be proficient in English or French
Demonstrate strong motivation to return to research

Required Documents

Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Cover Letter detailing your motivation and career goals
Academic Certificates (MSc/PhD proof)
Recommendation Letters (if applicable)
Research Interests Statement (optional)

Fellowship Start Date

Earliest possible start date: 1 January 2026
Duration: 24 months, extendable up to 36 months

Application Process

Visit the official CERN Careers Portal: CERN Careers Website
Create an account and select “Post Career Break Fellowship 2026”
Complete the online application form
Upload required documents (CV, cover letter, certificates, references)
Submit your application before 7 September 2025T
Tip: Highlight skills and experiences gained during your career break—CERN values diverse professional experiences.

Final Thoughts

The CERN Post Career Break Fellowship

2026 in Switzerland is a life-changing

opportunity for researchers looking to

relaunch their careers. With full funding,

mentorship from top scientists, and access

to world-class facilities, this fellowship

ensures a smooth and impactful return to

research.

For more fellowships and youth programs,

check:

Helsinki Security Forum 2025 — Youth Session

Don’t miss out — apply now at CERN before

7 September 2025!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship?

The CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 is a fully funded program for scientists and engineers who have taken a career break of at least two years and want to return to research in Geneva, Switzerland.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicants must hold an MSc or PhD in science, engineering, or computing, have taken a career break of at least two years, and be proficient in English or French. Candidates from CERN Member or Associate Member States can apply.

What are the financial benefits of the fellowship?

The fellowship is fully funded and includes a competitive monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, installation grant, and paid annual leave.

What documents are required to apply?

Applicants need to submit an updated CV, a cover letter, academic certificates, and recommendation letters (if applicable). A statement of research interests is optional but recommended.