CERN Announces Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland

Geneva, Switzerland – The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) has announced the opening of applications for its Post Career Break Fellowship 2026. This fully funded fellowship, based in Geneva, Switzerland, aims to provide opportunities for experienced science and engineering graduates who have taken a career break for personal reasons and are looking to return to their fields.

The program offers a contract of up to 36 months, a monthly stipend, comprehensive health insurance, and allowances for family, children, and infants, along with coverage for travel expenses. The deadline for applications is September 7, 2025.

Fellowship Details and Benefits

The CERN Post Career Break Fellowship is designed as a temporary position, allowing fellows to either join an existing research project at CERN or propose their own research initiatives. The program specifically targets individuals who have taken breaks due to family responsibilities, health concerns, or other personal reasons. The program is not intended for those who have been unemployed or are seeking a career change outside their field of study.

Financial benefits of the program include:

Contract: 24 months, with a possible extension up to 36 months. Salary: A tax-free monthly stipend between 6,287 and 6,911 Swiss Francs. Comprehensive health insurance for the fellow and their family. Membership in the CERN Pension Fund. An installation grant and family/child allowances (if eligible). Coverage of travel expenses at the start and end of the contract. Access to on-the-job training, formal courses, and language classes (English/French). 30 days of paid leave per year.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Have taken a career break for personal reasons, such as family issues, health problems, or caring responsibilities, for at least two years. Possess an Experienced Graduate profile. Applicants who are Nationals of CERN Member or Associate Member States must have an MSc degree and between 2 and 6 years of experience or a PhD with up to three years of relevant experience. To apply to experimental or theoretical physics, a "Research Fellowship" profile is needed, including a PhD and a maximum of six years of post-PhD experience. Candidates registered as CERN Users may be required to explain how their status aligns with their application. CERN Staff members are ineligible to apply.

Required Documents and Application Process

Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

A CV A cover letter describing their experience and career break, and how their research interests and skills relate to CERN’s activities. A scanned PDF of their most recent relevant qualification.

The application process is conducted online through the CERN website. The earliest expected start date for selected candidates is January 1, 2026.

Context and Significance

The CERN Post Career Break Fellowship addresses a critical need to support individuals re-entering the workforce after career interruptions. Historically, career breaks, particularly for women, have presented significant challenges in maintaining career momentum and accessing opportunities for professional advancement. This fellowship aims to mitigate these challenges by providing a structured pathway back into scientific and engineering fields.

Expert Perspective

Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of Science Education at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich), emphasizes the importance of such programs. "Initiatives like the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship are crucial for fostering inclusivity and diversity in STEM fields. They recognize the value of experience and provide a supportive environment for individuals to update their skills and contribute to cutting-edge research."

Analytical Viewpoint

The fellowship also reflects a broader trend in the scientific community towards addressing workforce diversity and promoting gender equality. By specifically targeting individuals who have taken career breaks for personal reasons, CERN is taking proactive steps to level the playing field and ensure that talented professionals are not excluded due to circumstances beyond their control.

Application Information

Interested candidates can find more information and apply for the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship on the official CERN website.