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ETH Zurich Focus Grants in Switzerland

ETH Zurich is offering Focus Grants to support postdoctoral researchers in preparing competitive applications for major early-career funding schemes. The programme combines financial support with an intensive 8-week grant-writing bootcamp, fostering academic independence and professional growth.

Eligibility for the grant is open to postdoctoral researchers employed at ETH Zurich on a fixed-term contract of at least 80%, with employment guaranteed for six months beyond the application deadline. Applicants must have a competitive academic record, a clear plan to submit a major early-career grant proposal, and meet the target programme’s academic age requirements.

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ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich) is a world-renowned public research university specializing in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Established in 1855, it’s famous for its groundbreaking research and exceptional academic standards. The university has a strong connection to numerous Nobel laureates, including its most famous alumnus, Albert Einstein.

Brief Description

  • University or Organization: ETH Zurich

  • Department: All departments

  • Course Level: Postdoctoral research

  • Award: Salary support for two months (shared between host and ETH Zurich) and participation in an 8-week grant-writing bootcamp

  • Access Mode: Online (application submission)

  • Number of Awards: Approximately 16 per round (four rounds in total)

  • Nationality: Domestic and international

  • The award can be taken in: Switzerland

Eligibility

  • Eligible Countries: Open to applicants of all nationalities

  • Acceptable Course or Subjects: The scholarship will be awarded in any subject offered by ETH Zurich

  • Admissible Criteria:
    • Must be a postdoctoral researcher employed at ETH Zurich on a fixed-term contract at a minimum 80% level, with employment guaranteed for at least six months after the submission deadline.
    • Must have a competitive academic track record and a clear plan to submit a major early-career grant proposal to a specified funding scheme.
    • Must commit to participating fully in the 8-week bootcamp and dedicating at least 50% of working time to the proposal.
    • Host must agree to extend the applicant’s employment for two months, cover 50% of their salary, and reduce core responsibilities by 50%.
    • Must meet the academic age requirements of the target programme.
    • Previous third-party funding experience is not required.
    • Resubmissions are allowed, but the grant can be received only once.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the ETH Zurich Grants Office website. The portal opens 1 September 2025. Required materials include:

  • Cover sheet (applicant details, proposal title, host information)

  • Motivation statement (max. 1 page)

  • Curriculum Vitae (max. 3 pages)

  • Brief description of the target funding scheme and applicant’s fit (½ page)

  • Research idea description (1½ pages)

  • Lay abstract (½ page)

  • Host’s letter of support (submitted separately)

Application Deadline:

  • For February–March 2026 bootcamp: 1 October 2025, 17:00 Swiss time

  • For May–June 2026 bootcamp: 5 January 2026, 17:00 Swiss time

Benefits

  • Two months of salary support (shared between ETH Zurich and host)

  • Participation in a structured 8-week grant-writing bootcamp

  • Peer-to-peer feedback to refine proposals

  • Training in professional development, including applying for faculty positions

  • Increased competitiveness for major early-career funding

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