CERN Post Career Break Fellowship 2026 in Switzerland: Full Guide for MSc and PhD Students

The 2026 CERN Post Career Break Fellowship is an exceptional opportunity for professionals in the fields of science and engineering who have temporarily left their careers due to personal reasons and wish to return. This incredible, fully funded fellowship is conveniently located at CERN in Geneva, Switzerland, one of the world’s top research centers.

Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend to cover their living expenses. Additionally, health insurance will be provided for them and their families, along with family allowances, child support, and travel assistance. The program offers a contract of 24 months, with the possibility of extension up to 36 months, allowing individuals to be involved in high-level projects within an international research environment during that period.

Candidates must possess a degree in a scientific or engineering field and have taken a career break of at least two years for personal reasons, such as family responsibilities or health issues. To complete your application, please provide your CV, a letter of motivation, and a certificate of your academic qualifications. The CERN Post Career Break Fellowship is available to applicants from all over the world.

Applications are submitted online through the official CERN portal. If you want to restart your career in the field of science or engineering and work with the experts from different parts of the globe, you should not miss this opportunity.

Now, let’s apply for the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship in Switzerland. Follow the step-by-step guide of Scholarships Edge to know about benefits, eligibility, required documents and how to apply. 👇

Also Check: IAEA Marie Curie Fellowship 2026 For Master’s

CERN Post Career Break Fellowship Details:

Benefits of the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship:

• Monthly Stipend of CHF 6,287 to CHF 6,911 (net of tax), depending on experience and qualifications
• Contract Duration: 2 years, with a possibility of extension up to 3 years
• Health insurance for you and your family
• Pension Plan: Membership in the CERN Pension Fund
• Family Allowances: Potential eligibility for family and child allowances
• Paid Leave: Up to 30 days annually
• Access to formal and on-the-job training, including English and/or French language courses

Also Check: UN OHCHR Fellowship Program 2026 in Switzerland

Eligibility Criteria of CERN Post Career Break Fellowship:

To be eligible for the fellowship, you must:

• Career Break: A minimum two-year break from your professional career for personal reasons
• Academic Qualifications: Hold an MSc with 2–6 years of experience or a PhD with up to 3 years of experience. Experimental or theoretical physicists are required to have a PhD and up to six years of relevant experience.
• Not a current CERN staff member. CERN Users may be considered, but their status will be reviewed
• Nationality: Candidates from any CERN member states are eligible to apply

Also Check: Eric Bleumink Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Master’s in Netherlands

Required Documents for CERN Post Career Break Fellowship:

1. A CV with your educational background and professional experience.
2. Motivation Letter: Explaining your career break, how your skills align with CERN’s activities, and your research interests.
3. Academic Qualification: A scanned PDF copy of your latest relevant degree or certification.

Also Check: Digital Humanism Fellowship in Austria 2025–26

How to apply for the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship:

• To apply for the CERN Post Career Break Fellowship, click on the Apply Now Button. It will take you to the application portal. Click on “I’m Interested” and start filling out all required details and providing all necessary documents. Submit your complete application by September 7th at midnight (12.00 AM CEST).

Also Check: KAUST Global Fellowship 2026

Frequently Asked Questions: